SEVICON continuously studies and introduces foreign fluid control technologies.

AUMA electric drive solutions ensure the high-precision guide vane adjustment of Natel Energy\'s fully submerged turbines at the Sauerbrunn Hydropower Plant near Graz, Austria, thereby contributing to the advancement of green energy. Natel Energy, a turbine manufacturer headquartered in California, required an actuator capable of continuous underwater operation, providing precise positioning to optimally control the turbine\'s water supply, while sending feedback signals to higher-level PLCs. Previously, their only option was hydraulic actuators.

AUMA has proposed an electric drive solution that can provide better control and feedback at a lower total cost. It has been proven that the AUMA SARV-UW actuator, designed for continuous underwater use, is the ideal choice for this application. It offers high positioning accuracy (≤0.2%) and continuously provides feedback to the upper-level PLC. The actuator control unit is installed above the shaft and separate from the actuator, which is an additional advantage, allowing the end user to operate the actuator locally in the event of a PLC failure. The low power consumption of the SARV also enables the end user to utilize an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as a backup in case of main power loss.

Since the autumn of 2022, AUMA solutions have been successfully operating at Sauerbrunn. This small hydropower plant has been integrated into the Muehlgang, an existing bypass leading to the Mur River. The operator, Energie Steiermark, aims to provide environmentally friendly electricity to the town of GroBsulz using a 15 kW RHT turbine supplied by Natel Energy.

SEVICON continuously absorbs professional control solutions, integrates international resources, serves the local market, and continuous innovation is our core competitiveness.