PhD candidate Halvor Kjærås makes hydraulic measurements at the guide fence in Mandalselva.
The project introduces a completely new method to prevent fish from entering the intake of hydropower plants. By changing the flow pattern in the water, the fence guides the fish away instead of physically blocking the fish, which is today's "best practice". The method, which is considered best practice today, entails large financial losses for the hydropower producer, and is therefore used to a small extent.
Can save fish without losing power
The results from the project will contribute to hydropower plants being able to be operated for longer periods of the year without compromising downstream fish migration. The method is made available through the publication of research, wider availability can be made in the form of, for example, a method description as an addition to the Handbook for environmental design in regulated salmon rivers or equivalent.
The method has already been shown to have commercial potential as it can be offered as a service in the portfolio of environmental design experts and consulting engineers. Further product development can be done by equipment suppliers who can offer specialized equipment for the purpose.