Author(s): Eduard Schafer
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Inland navigation Rhine 2D hydrodynamic numerical model flow forecast route planner digitalization RUBIN Dumux dumux-shallowwater automatization
Abstract: In a current project of the Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute (BAW) a data-based route planner for inland navigation is developed. The integration of traffic and current forecasts will enable more efficient route planning with optimized arrival times, fuel consumption and maximum possible draught. The base of the project is an operational 2D hydrodynamic numerical model of the Rhine, which calculates water levels, flow velocities and clearance heights. The model covers the free-flowing Rhine over a distance of 450 km and uses the newly developed software (dumux-shallowwater) to provide four days forecasts. Daily input data such as flow rates at the inlet and 12 tributaries and water levels at the outlet are automatically provided by external authorities and processed through pre-processing, simulation and post-processing. For calibration purposes the model is split in 3 sections. Initial results from the Lower Rhine show a sufficiently high level of agreement with measured data, with deviations of ±10 cm at approximately 90% of the measurement points. This confirms the suitability of the model for operational use. Future work will focus on the calibration of further river sections, the extension of the forecast period and the adaptation of the evaluation to routes selected in practice in order to further increase the benefits for inland navigation.
Year: 2025