Comparison of flow conditions in the lock chambers of interconnected and independent water-saving ship locks

The selection and design of water-saving systems are critical challenges in water-saving ship lock operations. However, the hydraulic characteristics of lock chambers in interconnected and independent water-saving system configurations remain unclear. A three-dimensional numerical model of the complete water delivery system for the Jinjia Weir water-saving ship lock was established for both configurations. The study analyzed flow velocity distribution, energy dissipation, and ship berthing stability during water transfer from the water-saving basin to the lock chamber. Results indicate that under the interconnected configuration, at maximum flow rates, uneven outflow occurs at the grille chamber near the upper head gate, and significant vortices emerge near the energy dissipation sill at the lower head gate, leading to uneven spatial flow velocity distribution. Turbulence is pronounced on the side opposite the water-saving basin near the lower head gate, and long-wave movements generated during the water transfer process amplify in the middle of the lock chamber, resulting in a significant longitudinal water surface slope. Under the independent configuration, the flow field distribution in the lock chamber exhibits strong symmetry, uniform outflow from lateral culvert side orifices, and stable water surfaces, offering better berthing conditions than the interconnected configuration. Under current conditions, the independent configuration demonstrates superior hydraulic performance. If the interconnected configuration is adopted, optimization of energy dissipation structures at the head gates is required.