Bahrain-based Nasser Centre for Science and Technology (NCST), in co-operation with Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), has successfully developed an intelligent system by the Centre's Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Team to monitor turbines and support decision-making using artificial intelligence technologies at the company's Power Station 4. 

The system contributes to enhancing operational efficiency and improving the reliability of industrial assets, reported BNA.

The project is the result of co-operation between the two sides. The Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Team at the NCST developed the system to monitor the GT-51, GT-52, GT-61 and GT-62 gas turbines by providing intelligent analytics that support predictive maintenance, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the risk of unplanned equipment failures.

The Nasser Centre's system analyses key turbine performance indicators, including compressor pressure and turbine blade cooling efficiency, enabling engineers to detect early signs of fouling or cooling port blockages before they affect equipment performance. 

It also compares actual operating data with AI-based predictive models to identify operational deviations at an early stage and support maintenance teams in making accurate data-driven decisions.

The system integrates real-time operational data, historical records, artificial intelligence analytics, and advanced data visualisation tools into a single secure and reliable platform. 

This enables continuous monitoring of turbine performance, analysis of performance trends, comparison of actual and expected performance, and detection of thermal imbalances and other indicators that may affect equipment, he noted.

The system also provides an automated alert mechanism when operational indicators exceed approved engineering operating limits. It supplies specialists with detailed information on the affected turbine, actual and expected values, the deviation percentage, and the alert severity level, enabling faster response, timely corrective action, and continuous performance improvement, he added.

The project reflects the continued cooperation between the NCST and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) in employing artificial intelligence technologies to support digital transformation in the industrial sector, in line with the Kingdom's direction towards a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and advanced technologies.