Piedmont Hydro Technologies (PHT) specializes in automation and engineering for hydroelectric power plants.

PHT is a systems integrator that designs, builds, and installs control systems for hydropower facilities that range in capacity from under 100 kW, to over 10MW. Our customers are private owner/operators, corporate owners, utilities, and municipalities that own and operate commercial hydroelectric facilities.

As experienced hydro owners and operators, our mission is to make operating small hydro plants easier and more productive through smart automation, and reliable, cost effective, easy to use controls. 

Hydro Control Systems

PHT specializes in small hydro control systems. We integrate commercially available components from trusted names, with custom software and programming specific to each plant, to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions. Standard features reduce cost and save time, while ensuring all aspects of your plant work together for optimal results, from under 100kW, to over 10 MW.

PHT’s proven PLC based control systems are optimized for the needs of smaller and run-of-river hydro operations, and are designed for grid-tied plants that operate unmanned most of the time. PHTs controls provide an integrated control and protection solution, and provide the operator with complete control and status of unit operation, either on-site, or through remote access.

UNIT CONTROLS

• Automatic start/stop sequences, including automatic synchronization - start-up and export power at the touch of a button
• Automatic headpond level control and recording to maximize production - Automatic headpond level control is essential for run-of-river facilities that need to respond to changing inflows, and make the most of the water available.
• Governor, contactor, exciter, protection and more are all monitored and controlled through a single interface
• Automatic control of contactor, exciter, and wicket gate operator/governor ensure flawless event timing
• Failure protection (reverse power, overspeed, phase-current imbalance, bearing overtemp, low auxiliary battery, low water, high water flood conditions, and more) protect equipment from costly damage
• Automatic re-starting - if your plant trips offline due to grid power disruption, auto-restart ensures you are back up and producing power under all safe conditions.
• Control brakes, cooling water, lubrication, and much more - All I/O points and unit controls are designed for the specific needs and budget of each plant.