Virtual Reality-Based Digitalisation Framework for Facility Management in Hydraulic Infrastructures

Virtual Reality-Based Digitalisation Framework for Facility Management in Hydraulic Infrastructures Hydropower facilities involve complex systems that require precise coordination between mechanical, electrical, and control components. The management and maintenance of such systems are often constrained by physical accessibility, safety risks, and limited visualization of operational interdependencies. These challenges highlight the need for innovative tools that enable efficient supervision, training, and performance monitoring. This study investigates the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) as an interactive and immersive approach to hydropower facility management and training. A virtual hydropower plant was developed using the Unity engine to simulate real-time operational scenarios. The system incorporates two distinct user modes Technician and Managerial Mode, each representing a specific functional domain within a hydropower facility. In Technician Mode, users interact directly with virtual components such as valves, turbines, and generators. The interface provides immediate feedback on system conditions, including valve status, turbine activity, and power output. This mode enables users to perform operational tasks such as opening valves or activating turbines while observing system behaviour through simplified, context-driven interfaces. Its design prioritizes realism, hands-on interaction, and situational awareness for training and maintenance simulation. The Managerial Mode focuses on supervisory analysis and performance evaluation. Instead of physical interaction, users access a dynamic dashboard that visualizes key performance indicators through charts and comparative graphs. These include power generation across turbines, seasonal variations in efficiency, and energy output trends. The interface is designed to support data-driven decision-making, offering managers a high-level overview of operational performance and system reliability.