/
/
Performance and reliability of hydroelectric facilities

Performance and reliability of hydroelectric facilities

Controlling complex flows for optimised infrastructures.
Find out more

Performance and reliability of hydroelectric facilities

The Hydro Alps Lab aims to understand and optimise the behaviour of hydroelectric installations, in particular hydraulic machines, under real and variable operating conditions. It focuses on the hydrodynamic, mechanical and transient phenomena that influence the performance, stability and lifespan of equipment.

Issues and objectives

Improve the robustness and longevity of hydroelectric installations while maintaining a high level of performance under flexible operating conditions.
Reliability in flexible operation Limit premature wear and reduce the risk of failure due to stresses beyond the nominal point.
Preservation of existing assets Extending the lifespan of strategic equipment against a backdrop of economic and energy pressures.
Maintaining energy performance Guaranteeing high yields despite changing operating conditions.

Our scientific approach

We use fluid mechanics, structural dynamics and the analysis of unsteady phenomena to study the operation of hydraulic machines, particularly in non-nominal operating conditions. Our work focuses on fluid-structure interactions, cavitation, transient regimes and component degradation mechanisms.
Advanced numerical simulations

Our tools for analysing complex flows and dynamic machine loads.

simulation-data-2
Experimental campaigns and in situ measurements

We are developing advanced measurement and monitoring methods to characterise the actual behaviour of equipment and validate the models developed.

 

infra-img-1
Predictive models for ageing and lifespan

We develop models using machine learning approaches that integrate data generated by simulations as well as on-site and laboratory measurements.

simulation-data-1

Meet the team

Our researchers and engineers are the driving force behind the excellence of the Hydro Alps Lab, combining scientific expertise with a passion for hydropower.