Considerations about the optimum design of piano key weirs

Piano Key Weirs, a recent innovation in the Labyrinth Weirs geometry, have been studied for years by several research centers and laboratories all over the world. The first prototypes have already been built, mainly in France, and others are under construction in Vietnam, Algeria and India. Despite some general design equations have been proposed recently, no optimum geometry has been defined yet.

Whatever its geometry, a PKW is more efficient than a standard linear weir of same width. It is also more efficient than a labyrinth weir with the same cycle shape. But the PKW geometry may appear as complex as it involves a large set of parameters. Optimization of the weir design is thus not straightforward. Using the results of a large number of systematic scale model tests carried out to analyse the effect of the main geometric parameters on the PKW discharge capacity, the paper shows how a single optimum design doesn’t exist. This is especially true when economic and technical criteria are considered instead of a single hydraulic performance criteria. Despite this observation, some general rules to design a PKW can be suggested, as well as considerations about the best value of the main ratios defining the structure geometry. The relative influence of these parameters on the PKW efficiency is also highlighted.