60 Years of Labkotec: Windfair.net Interview with Senior Advisor Kari Kananen

First of all, thank you for taking the time for this interview.

The first question is about the company name. Where does "Labkotec" come from, or how is the name composed?
The company was originally called Labko Ltd, which is short for “Laboratorio Kojeet” in Finnish and "Laboratory Instruments" in English. The suffix 'tec' comes from the word technology.

How long has the company been around and what was the founding idea, the first product?
The company was founded in 1964 by Mr. Aate Virtanen, and his main idea was to build the business around environmental protection. The first product was the Grain Moisture Meter in 1964.

How many employees does Labkotec have?
We have 50 employees, 3 in Germany, 1 in Sweden and 46 in Finland

In the field of wind energy, Labkotec has gained a certain level of recognition, particularly with regard to ice detection.
Since when has this offering been available, and how has it developed over time?
The original aim in the early ’90 was to develop a device for detecting hard-to-see glassy ice on the wingtip of the DC-9/MD-80 aircraft. Prototypes were tested with the Finnish airline Finnair and the aircraft manufacturer McDonnell-Douglas was also involved in the development. McDonnel Douglas later abandoned the project due to financial problems.

Simultaneously, Germany and Denmark began constructing wind farms on a larger scale. It quickly became evident that those wind farms needed to be equipped with ice sensors to ensure the safety of both people and property.

Technically, the principle of today's ice detector is the same as it was in the '90s, but the software and hardware have, of course, evolved significantly since then. Reliable and secure operation, as well as easy installation, have been integral parts of the product's development from the very beginning

Are there other applications of your technology in the field of wind energy?
Yes, there are other applications of our technology in the field of wind energy. The reliable LID-3300IP ice detector has been used for many years to detect icing conditions on wind turbines. The latest developments include Ice Warning Lights to enhance safety by warning people of the danger of ice throw or ice fall. Labkotec launched intensity measurement at the beginning of this year. It helps optimize blade heating and ice protection system operations, as well as produce better production forecasts

How well does the collaboration with wind turbine manufacturers work, and how is the integration of additional measurements into the turbine control system managed? 
Collaboration with the wind turbine manufacturer is highly interactive and involves close cooperation in many aspects. The integration of additional measurements, such as ice detectors, into the turbine control system is managed effortlessly. All ice detectors are connected to the wind farm control systems, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

What role have data mining and AI come to play in this area?
Data mining and AI will become increasingly significant in this area. They play a crucial role in optimizing the control of wind turbines, particularly under challenging conditions like icing. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze data from various sources, including turbine data, meteorological measurements, and ice detection systems, to make real-time decisions about activating rotor blade heating systems. This integration helps in improving energy yield and reducing unnecessary stops and production losses.

What is LabkoNet?

LabkoNet is a remote monitoring system developed by Labkotec Oy. It allows users to stay updated on the status of different types of equipment by transferring measurement data and alerts to the appropriate parties regardless of time and location. In the wind industry, LabkoNet enhances wind farm safety with LabkoNet-controlled flashing warning lights that alert to ice throw danger. The weather-proof system operates in mobile network areas, transferring ice information to the base station and LabkoNet cloud service, ensuring data is sent to substations with warning lights. LabkoNet also enables remote monitoring, displaying the status of warning lights on a map and providing alarm statistics.

Other applications of LabkoNet include:

• LabkoNet Infra: Designed for monitoring wastewater, clean water, and district heating networks.
• LabkoNet Level: Keeps you updated on storage levels at all locations and automates the management of material inventories and logistics.
• LabkoNet WasteControl: Helps in monitoring and managing hazardous waste collection.

LabkoNet improves logistics, enhances environmental safety, prevents unnecessary production interruptions, and increases customer satisfaction.

At which events can we meet you next?
8-10 April 2025 @ WindEurope Copenhagen, Denmark
16-19 September 2025 @ Husum Wind, Germany

Thank you for the conversation!