Research Scope
PTMH research group focuses on the experimental investigation and predictive modeling of flow phenomena and fluid-structure interactions in hydraulic machinery. Our research scope encompasses the in-depth study of the behavior and performance of various types of hydraulic machines, exploring and implementing innovative technological solutions to enhance efficiency and reliability, and analyzing power system requirements to foster the energy transition. Experimental studies are conducted to understand complex flow phenomena within hydraulic systems, including flow instabilities and cavitation, utilizing advanced measurement techniques to capture detailed flow dynamics, and developing new experimental setups and methodologies to investigate fluid-structure interactions such as fatigue and erosion. Our research also focuses on the development of methodological frameworks, employing machine learning and analytical models, to forecast the behaviors of hydraulic machines and integrate predictive models into operation, monitoring, and maintenance strategies to improve the overall performance of hydropower plants and hybrid systems.
By addressing these focal points and collaborating with industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications and solutions, we aim to advance the understanding of hydraulic machinery, contributing to the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of hydropower systems.
Ongoing Research Projects
VORTEX-FLEX
In a collaborative framework with the UNFoLD lab, the project investigates vortex dynamics and rotor-stator interactions causing dynamic stresses on runner blades during start-up in reversible pump-turbines. It combines flow measurements in a reduced-scale Francis turbine model with a simplified experimental set-up to reproduce and study key vortical structures under controlled conditions, enabling better understanding of transient flow effects. December 2024 – November 2028. Granted by the Swiss Feral Office of Energy.
START – HYDRO
Multifactorial analysis of the impact of start-up sequences on the lifetime of hydroelectric units through digital twins. March 2025 – February 2029. Granted by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
ReHydro – Demonstration of Sustainable Hydropower Refurbishment
The main objective of ReHydro is to demonstrate how European hydropower can be refurbished and modernized to be fit for a leading role in the future power system respecting sustainability requirements and societal needs in a climate change context. A suite of monitoring and digital tools (performance, cavitation, machine health) implemented at demonstration sites will improve hydropower efficiency. Innovative concepts like retrofitting with pumped hydro and hybridization will make hydropower fit for future markets. May 2024 – April 2028. Granted by the European Union, Horizon Europe programme.
HydroLEAP
The HydroLEAP project consortium is uniquely well positioned to provide concise answers to the pressing questions and concrete solutions to the associated technical issues. It is constituted of major stakeholders in the Swiss hydro industry, covering the entire value chain; i.e. public research and development institutions (basic at EPFL and ETHZ, applied at HES-SO), engineering consultants (PVE Sàrl) and power station owners/operators (FMHL, MBR and Hydro Exploitation) from the SME sector, and large utilities (ALPIQ and FMV). October 2020 – June 2025. Granted by the Swiss Feral Office of Energy, Pilot + Demonstration Program. .
STORE – Energy Storage Infrastructure for 100% Production from Renewables and Energy Self-Sufficiency in Switzerland
Next-generation Hydropower Storage. December 2023 – July 2027. Granted by Innosuisse, Flaghip Initiative.
Concluded Research Projects
XFLEX HYDRO – Extending power system flexibility
XFLEX HYDRO aims to demonstrate an innovative methodology for system integration of hydroelectric technology solutions, variable speed being a key component and a reference, to provide further enhanced flexibility services assessed by a crosscutting analysis of their impact on both the technology and the market aspects. September 2019 – February 2024. Granted by the European Commission, H2020 programme..
Paired-Hydro – Machine learning for the components fatigue prediction in hydropower generation
PAIRED-HYDRO aims at developing a methodology to improve the operational safety and the condition-based maintenance asset of the hydroelectric unit. In particular, the study will be focused on the prediction of the damage due to fatigue and the optimization of the operational sequences to minimize the lifetime reduction of runner blades and guide vanes of a Francis-type hydraulic machine. July 2022 – December 2024. Swiss Data Science Center Collaborative Program.
POST – OFEN
The project aims at predicting the stability of hydropower plant by means of the hydroacoustic properties and flow characteristics of the hydraulic system due to cavitation. November 2019 – April 2022. Granted by the Swiss Feral Office of Energy.