On 17 March 2026, the Hydro Alps Lab was delighted to welcome Prof. Sébastien Houde, director of the innovation centre Heki at Laval University (Canada). The visit provided an opportunity to share major advances in fluid-structure interactions in Francis turbines. This research is being carried out in collaboration with industrial partners such as GE Vernova, Andritz, EDF and Hydro-Québec, as well as the HES-SO Valais/Wallis, underlining HAL's international dimension.
Tr-Francis: a cutting-edge research strategy
Sébastien Houde presented the results of the $4 million Tr-Francis project (2018-2024). The strength of this study lies in structural homology: measurements taken on a laboratory scale model predict with impressive accuracy the behaviour of real prototypes in power plants. To achieve this, the study uses stereoscopic PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) to map the flow of water in real time at the inlet and outlet of the impeller, as well as the integration of strain gauges and accelerometers, and also piezoelectric actuators to identify vibration modes in full operation. The aim of this last point is to model in detail the vibrations and damping of the water turbine and thus better monitor its state of health.
MD-Francis: AI and digital twins
Prof. Houde also opened the door to the new MD-Francis project (2024-2029). The aim is to move from understanding to predictive maintenance and anomaly detection (clogging, damage to blades, cavitation-related wear) using only non-intrusive sensors placed on fixed parts, such as the casing or bearings. To achieve this, the team uses PINN (Physics-Informed Neural Networks) and ROM (Reduced-Order Models) to reconstruct what is happening on the turbine with the help of AI. This paves the way for intelligent monitoring systems for operators.
This meeting demonstrates once again that the challenges of hydropower know no borders. By combining the expertise of the Heki Centre and the Hydro Alps Lab, we are accelerating the development of practical solutions for more flexible and sustainable operation of hydroelectric power stations.
Photos & Article : Benjamin Bouix
