Researchers at Northumbria University, in partnership with Siemens Energy, have received a grant from Innovate UK to launch an innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project. This 28-month initiative, with a budget of £242,000, aims to transform the prediction and management of obsolescence in gas turbine components by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies.
The project intends to create an advanced platform that can predict and monitor the wear and tear of gas turbine components. By incorporating state-of-the-art AI and machine learning, this platform aims to shift the energy sector from reactive maintenance strategies to proactive obsolescence management, ultimately improving operational efficiency and lowering costs.
Dr. Hamed Farokhi, who is leading the project from Northumbria's Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Obsolescence management is a vital issue in industries that depend on long-lasting equipment, like gas turbines. Our goal is to create an AI-driven platform that will offer predictive insights and actionable strategies, allowing for better resource allocation, cost savings, and enhanced operational reliability. Collaborating with Siemens Energy gives us the chance to apply our research to real-world problems, making a significant difference in the energy sector.”
Traditional approaches to managing component obsolescence typically rely on reactive strategies, which can result in expensive downtime and inefficiencies. This new platform aims to change that by adopting a proactive model that leverages AI-driven predictive analytics to foresee component obsolescence before it becomes an issue.
Siemens Energy, known for its expertise in energy technology, contributes essential industry knowledge to this collaboration. Tobias Herzog, Head of the Small Gas Turbine Service Centre of Competence at Siemens Energy UK, stated: “This partnership with Northumbria University represents a significant advancement in our efforts to incorporate cutting-edge AI solutions into our operations. The obsolescence management platform is in line with our dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability within the energy sector.”
The KTP initiative, backed by Innovate UK, highlights the crucial importance of collaborations between academia and industry in driving technological progress. This project not only tackles a critical industry issue but also connects academic research with real-world applications, promising improved safety through better forecasting of component lifecycles, enhanced energy security with more dependable turbines, and a smaller environmental impact by prolonging turbine lifespans and reducing emissions.
As part of this initiative, Northumbria University will soon be looking to hire an AI and Data Systems Engineer to join the project team. Information about the position will be posted on the University's website in the coming days.
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