Sonar-Imaging Technology

Originally developed for military purposes, sonar imaging systems such as the DIDSON™ are used for fish biology surveys. These ultrasound cameras can be deployed in any water depth and record video-like sequences of fish, even in complete darkness or under heavy turbidity. The Institut für angewandte Ökologie GmbH is one of the few companies in Germany that own a DIDSON™ 300. So, we are able to investigate the behavior of fish in front of cooling water or turbine intakes of hydro power plants under real outdoor and operating conditions to develop corresponding protection strategies.

Exposing the DIDSON™

Shoal of fish the ultra sound beam of the DIDSON™

Reference projects

• 2017 - 2018: Monitoring in the behavior of fish at the hydropower plant Kesselstadt at the river Main by ultrasound sonar.
• 2016 - 2017: Monitoring of eel downstream migration and eel detection in real time near hydroelectric power plant Wahnhausen at the river Fulda by ultrasound sonar.
• 2013 - 2014: Verification the function and reliability of an electric deflection system in front of a cooling water abstraction unit.

Publications

ROSENFELLNER, V & B. ADAM (2016): Verhalten von Fischen am Einlaufrechen des Pumpspeicherkraftwerks Geesthacht. - Wasserwirtschaft 106/12, 34 - 38.