Hydro Alps Lab: Innovating for the Hydroelectricity of Tomorrow
We develop scientific and technological solutions to optimise the performance and sustainability of hydroelectric installations, thereby contributing to the resilience of the Swiss energy system.
Improving the production and monitoring of high-fall and fil'eau power stations in Valais.
The Hydro Alps Lab is a centre of excellence in applied research, born of a strategic collaboration between the HES-SO Valais-Wallis and key players in the hydropower industry. Our mission is to develop hydroelectricity - a central pillar of the Swiss energy system - by integrating digital technologies, increasing the flexibility of installations and improving their sustainability. We train the next generation of engineers and work with our partners to develop practical, transferable solutions for a more efficient, resilient and sustainable energy system.
- Condition monitoring anticipating component degradation by identifying ageing laws, developing appropriate acquisition chains and analysing data intelligently.
- Numerical simulations and on-site measurements optimising the operating modes of hydraulic machines to improve their efficiency, flexibility and service life.
- Digitalisation and integration of machine learning tools integration of machine learning tools to improve the performance, reliability and monitoring of hydroelectric facilities.
A better understanding of the behaviour of equipment in power stations ...
Our ambition is to become Switzerland's benchmark centre for applied hydroelectricity research, recognised for its expertise in digitising facilities, managing energy flexibility and sustainable engineering in an alpine environment.
We see ourselves as a genuine catalyst for innovation, promoting close collaboration between research and industry and actively contributing to a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.
Sustainable innovation
The Hydro Alps Lab's mission is to improve the production and monitoring of high-head and run-of-river hydroelectric power stations in the Valais.
advanced digital simulations
experimental laboratory measurements,
on-site measurements at the power station,
data analysis methods.
Thanks to an integrated approach, we are developing tools
that contribute to the flexibility, sustainability and performance of the hydroelectric fleet
Numerical simulations
We use advanced numerical models to analyse complex flows and fluid-structure interactions.
On-site measurements
Our teams install advanced monitoring to monitor certain equipment operating modes in real conditions with the operator.
Laboratory measurements
Our experimental facilities enable us to study hydraulic, mechanical and electrical phenomena, and to validate digital models and innovative monitoring solutions.
Data analysis
We develop predictive models based on machine learning, contributing to intelligent monitoring, predictive maintenance and performance optimisation.
Prediction and advanced monitoring
The tools developed transform scientific understanding into advanced prediction and monitoring capabilities, in the service of more flexible and sustainable hydropower.
Advanced signal analysis and modelling of unsteady flows
Our tools combine high-frequency measurements, time-frequency analyses and CFD simulations to accurately characterise hydraulic instabilities, vortex structures, fluctuating forces and fluid-structure interactions.
This in-depth understanding makes it possible to improve turbine reliability, optimise operating regimes and anticipate critical phenomena such as cavitation or abnormal vibrations.
Our impact
today
Expertise that is recognised in Switzerland and internationally, supported by cutting-edge infrastructures and high added-value applied research.
Our commitments for the future
To support our mission and vision, we have defined an ambitious roadmap that will guide our development over the coming years.
Our objectives are based on concrete short-term actions and a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening our role in the Swiss and European hydropower ecosystem.
Short-term (1-3 years)
- To strengthen collaboration between the HES-SO Valais-Wallis and industrial partners in the Valais and Swiss hydroelectric sector.
- Developing digital simulation and data analysis tools to improve plant performance and reliability.
- Structuring an integrated experimental platform, combining laboratory tests, on-site measurements and numerical modelling.
- Train and support the next generation by integrating research results into engineering curricula and continuing education courses.
- Increase the visibility of the laboratory and its projects at national and international level.
Long-term (4-10 years)
- To become a Swiss reference centre for innovation in hydropower, focusing on digitalisation and sustainability.
- Make an active contribution to the energy transition, in particular by supporting an increase in the production and winter flexibility of hydroelectric power.
- Strengthen our multi-disciplinary approach by integrating new fields (materials, artificial intelligence, energy optimisation).
- Support industry lobbying, helping to defend the interests of the sector and gain recognition for the strategic role of hydropower in Switzerland.
- Federate the hydroelectric community by organising events, conferences and workshops to encourage exchanges between researchers, industrialists and institutions.
- To position the Valais as a European centre of excellence for mountain hydropower and associated technologies.
Shape the future of hydropower with us
Students, researchers, engineers: join a stimulating environment where innovation meets impact and work with experts.