ABSTRACT
In this contribution, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation was carried out to analyze water flow through the culverts and inside a two-chambered ship lock during different filling/emptying operation algorithms. The analyzed ship lock is representative of the existing ones belonging to low-head barrages in Central Europe (specially in the Odra River reach that belongs to Poland). Two different algorithms were analyzed for the filling operation from the upper pond to the chambers. Also, these algorithms for lockage operation from one to another chamber were studied. This last-mentioned analysis was carried out with the purpose of saving water during scarcity periods. The output of the model shows which of the proposed algorithms, is more proper for the correct operation of the chamber lockage (also pros and cons of the two algorithms are stated) and which of these algorithms are more efficient for maintaining the upstream water level during dry seasons. The added value of this contribution is that the model can be easily modified in order to model different scenarios according to the necessities of any specific hydraulic structure.
