Jean Decaix

Jean Decaix is a Researcher at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO Valais-Wallis - Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie) within the Department of Energy and Environmental Techniques. His work focuses on hydropower systems, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and cavitation modeling for hydraulic turbines. Decaix contributes to projects like SCCER-SoE (Supply of Electricity center) and XFlex Hydro, aiming to enhance grid stability through advanced turbine operation.

Decaix's research spans Francis and Pelton turbines, with a focus on flow topology, unsteady cavitating flows, and hydraulic short-circuit modes. He develops freely distributable CFD tools for building airflow and turbine efficiency, validated through experimental measurements and numerical simulations.

• Notable projects:
  • SCCER-SoE (2017-2020): Innovation roadmaps for geothermal and hydropower
  • Solution de transfert d'énergie par pompage-turbinage à petite échelle (2015-2017): Economic model development for small-scale hydropower

Decaix's 15 most recent publications (2015-2024) cover topics like cavitation suppression, vortex rope dynamics, Pelton turbine efficiency, and CFD validation for building energy systems. His work emphasizes renewable energy integration and mechanical stress reduction in hydropower plants.