Empower Your
Hydropower:
Precision Monitoring
for Maximum Efficiency

Measurement and Monitoring Systems for Hydroelectric Power Plants

The ongoing digitalisation is profoundly transforming our world and opening up a world full of possibilities. With our products and services, we support you in optimising the efficiency of your hydropower plant and increasing the safety of your infrastructure. Our flow measurement systems have already proven themselves worldwide over several years of operation. You too can benefit from our experience in design, planning, and turnkey installation.

As water becomes increasingly scarce, it is essential to monitor water usage, especially in applications like hydroelectric power plants. Monitoring the penstock is a critical part of managing these plants, as it ensures efficient and safe operation by measuring the flow rate in the pipes that carry water from the source to the turbines or pumps. This is crucial for maximizing energy production and protecting the infrastructure.

Why gwf hydro^ is the right partner for you

gwf helps partners across the globe to generate value in their hydropower applications

We are experts in reliable data acquisition, communication, and processing for consumption billing and process control. Our customers have access to a wide range of technologies and products, as well as personal contacts for questions regarding system integration. We also act as general contractors for our customers and support them from product selection to installation and commissioning of the measuring devices.

2005

Introduced the first Multi-Path System featuring a Feedthrough Transducer.

2006

Launched the first Clamp-On Flowmeter designed specifically for Hydropower Applications.

2007

Released the inaugural Efficiency Monitoring System.

2008

Debuted the first Multi-Path System equipped with a Clamp-On Transducer.

2010

Surpassed 200 system installations in Hydropower Applications worldwide.

2012

Rolled out the first dedicated Leak Detection Monitor.

2014

Enhanced the Ductus platform with accelerated signal processing and a web-based interface.

2018

Achieved over 800 global installations in Hydropower Applications.

2024

Unveiled the latest generation of the Ductus system.

How gwf hydro^ works with you

gwf offers various services for your day-to-day tasks

Flow Measurement

Flow measurement serves four purposes: determining efficiency, monitoring performance, and detecting pipe bursts or leaks. GWF is a trusted partner of leading manufacturers, known for expert advice and turnkey systems. With global experience, GWF ensures precise, site-specific solutions tailored to accuracy needs.

Efficiency Testing

Ultrasonic flow measurement methods vary, but only few achieve the < ±1.5% accuracy required for field acceptance tests. Methods based on transit time difference and multi-path acoustic sensing meet this standard. The Ductus system from GWF applies this principle, ensuring precise performance assessments in real conditions.

Efficiency Monitoring

Monitoring turbine or plant efficiency requires capturing data: reservoir levels, pre-/post-turbine pressures, and electrical output. GWF’s system records, calculates, and transmits this to control systems. Though setup costs may be higher, it ensures compliance, transparency, and sustainable water use—key under growing legal pressure.

Winter-Kennedy-Method

Where permanent systems are unfeasible, the Winter-Kennedy method offers an alternative. It estimates relative flow via pressure at two points. For accuracy, proportionality factors are field-calibrated using temporary, non-contact systems. GWF provides this mobile setup with its Ductus system for precise calibration and monitoring.

Pipe Burst Detection

A rupture in the pressure pipe drastically increases flow velocity or volume, surpassing expected limits. Such events—whether pipeline, valve, or gate failures—can cause flooding and major damage. Continuous flow monitoring enables early detection of sudden bursts and immediate triggering of safety protocols, such as plant shutdown.

Leak Detection

Leaks often occur gradually and can cause significant long-term damage, especially in geologically sensitive areas. GWF’s solution compares flow rates at the pipeline’s start and end to detect minor discrepancies. Exceeding a predefined threshold triggers alerts to control systems or via SMS, enabling timely intervention before damage escalates.

Which sensor technology gwf hydro^ uses to support you

Our fieldwork and measurement technology: competent, robust, and innovative

Ductus Feedthrough

Feedthrough sensors are used when the pipe is accessible from the outside. If the wall is thick enough, sensors are screwed in directly; if too thin, they’re installed via a welded nipple.

Ductus Internal

If the pipe is only accessible from inside, sensors are mounted against the inner wall. All cables are routed in conduits to protect them from flow velocity.

Ductus Clamp-On

Clamp-on sensors are strapped to the pipe exterior and measure through the wall. They can be installed and maintained easily, without interrupting the process.

Kanalis Single Path System

A single sensor pair can be used if flow runs parallel to the bank, the velocity profile is stable, and hydrometric calibration is done after commissioning.

Kanalis Cross Path System

If flow is skewed due to bends or cross-section changes, a second sensor pair at the same height improves accuracy. This cross setup compensates for crossflows.

Kanalis Multi Plane System

Greater accuracy is achieved by installing multiple planes—especially where water levels fluctuate strongly and vertical flow deviates from the theoretical profile.