Fish protection and fish guidance at water intakes using innovative curved-bar rack bypass systems

Abstract

Run-of-river hydropower plants (HPPs), dams and weirs pose a particular threat for downstream migrating fish. The migration delay and injury or mortality during turbine or spillway passages contribute to a decline in fish populations worldwide. The overarching goal of this research study is therefore to improve the sustainable and efficient use of hydropower by providing a technical solution for the safe downstream migration of fish at run-of-river HPPs and water intakes with a minimal impact on hydropower production and operation. The focus lies on the design improvement of mechanical behavioural fish guidance structures (FGSs) consisting of vertical bars in combination with a bypass system (BS).