NTT DATA Revolutionizes Dam Monitoring Technology for CPFL Renováveis

The work began with the design of a resilient data lake (a repository for storing, processing, and securing various types of data) using Microsoft Azure's cloud platform. This was the first step toward strengthening information governance, enabling the implementation of an Integrated Management and Safety Analysis Platform for Dams. Leveraging processing technologies such as big data, machine learning, and analytics, the platform strategically stores and evaluates dam data in real-time.

Hydro 4.0 updates data every 15 minutes and monitors key parameters such as structural auscultation data, telemetry from pluviometric and fluviometric stations, meteorological information, operational data, and other indicators.

A reliable and intuitive system

Since its launch in November 2023, Hydro 4.0 has been fully operational across all CPFL dams. During the initial phase of the project, NTT DATA executed extensive assisted operations and delivered in-depth training programs to equip the engineering team with the skills required to utilize the new platform effectively.

“Executing something revolutionary, rooted in a complex challenge, demanded a comprehensive understanding of the processes integral to dam safety management and the formulation of a highly effective strategy. This process involved a technically advanced architecture that transforms a vast amount of data into precise, visually intuitive, and easily interpretable insights to support decision-making, prevent accidents, and protect lives,” explains Ricardo Neves, CEO of NTT DATA Brazil.

Decentralized monitoring

Hydro 4.0 leverages a new system that seamlessly connects CPFL's entire engineering team, significantly enhancing dam protection through decentralized monitoring. This innovative approach enables prompt responses from professionals and effectively mitigates potential failures or accidents.

“Throughout this project, we uncovered numerous valuable insights, with one standing out as particularly impactful: gaining a deep understanding of the dam safety management industry and its unique requirements. Recognizing and addressing the client’s specific needs proved essential to the success of Hydro 4.0,” states Ricardo.

Advanced monitoring

Through state-of-the-art technologies such as Big Data and Machine Learning, NTT DATA developed Hydro 4.0—a platform designed to primarily store and evaluate all data and specifics of CPFL’s dams. This system operates in real time, ensuring enhanced safety and precision in operations.

Full integration also enabled the classification and analysis of anomalies in dams through inspections conducted by Hydro 4.0. “With all the information collected through the new platform, our teams can now measure many types of data to enhance safety, such as telemetry, structural health indices, and hydrological basin monitoring,” highlights Francisco Galvão, Director of Operations, Engineering, and Construction at CPFL.

The Industry 4.0 concept

To streamline dam operations with cutting-edge innovations, CPFL embraced the Industry 4.0 concept, aiming to achieve the highest precision in collecting and analyzing operational data. Hydro 4.0 features continuous updates every 15 minutes. Additionally, one of its key strengths lies in its visual interfaces—always intuitive and centralized—which simplify the interpretation of complex data and enable faster decision making, trend analysis, pattern recognition and insights into specific company facilities.

“We have managed to consolidate indicators related to dam health, graphical analyses, and meteorological data on a national scale, while also automatically monitoring measurement equipment readings. The solution optimizes operational efficiency, reducing the time and effort required by teams,” states Raphael Bueno, Partner & Head of Public Services at NTT DATA Brazil.