Hydroelectric plants are critical assets in the global energy mix, providing renewable electricity to millions of people. Yet, they face a hidden but serious challenge: oil contamination. Turbine bearings and hydraulic systems in hydro plants rely on lubricants that, if leaked, can quickly enter surrounding water systems and cause environmental damage, operational downtime, and regulatory risks.
At K-Water’s Imha and Daecheong hydroelectric power plants in South Korea, this challenge has been addressed with the deployment of ROW (Remote Optical Watcher) oil spill detectors—advanced non-contact sensors designed to deliver early, real-time detection of oil leaks.
The Challenge: Preventing Oil Leaks in Hydroelectric Facilities
Hydroelectric facilities use large turbine units where turbine bearing oil is essential for smooth operation. However, leaks from these systems can contaminate effluent channels and downstream water networks.
Key risks include:
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Environmental contamination of sensitive rivers and reservoirs.
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High cleanup costs and operational downtime in case of a major spill.
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Reputational and regulatory risks for operators tasked with protecting national water resources.
Traditional monitoring methods are slow and often reactive. In contrast, real-time sensors can provide instant alerts before contamination spreads.
The ROW Solution: Light Fraction Detection
To safeguard their facilities, K-Water installed the ROW Light Fraction model (O-4501 series)—a version of the detector optimized for light hydrocarbons such as turbine oils and kerosene. With up to 10× higher sensitivity compared to standard ROW models, this sensor is ideal for hydroelectric applications where minute oil films must be detected before they reach downstream water systems.
ROW offers:
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High sensitivity – detects oil films as thin as 1 μm.
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Real-time alerts – SMS or email notifications for immediate response.
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All-weather reliability – IP68 protection and robust design for continuous operation.
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Flexible integration – RS-485 (Modbus), 4–20 mA, or relay outputs, plus compatibility with existing telemetry.
By deploying ROW across bunds, effluent channels, and discharge outlets, K-Water strengthened its spill prevention strategy, protecting both operations and ecosystems.
Why It Matters for Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric plants, like those at Imha and Daecheong, are part of South Korea’s critical energy infrastructure. By adopting ROW technology, K-Water has:
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Improved its ability to intervene early in case of leaks.
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Reduced the likelihood of large-scale environmental contamination.
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Enhanced compliance with strict environmental protection standards.
This proactive approach demonstrates how advanced monitoring can safeguard renewable energy infrastructure while ensuring sustainability.
Explore More ROW Applications
From ports and terminals to airports and water treatment plants, ROW sensors are being used worldwide to monitor critical facilities and protect vital ecosystems.
Discover how the ROW Oil Spill Detector can enhance environmental safety in your operations.