Aerial view of Lake Sihl, with the mountains in the background and the dam in the foreground

Fish barrier on Lake Sihl protects the underwater world

The refurbished fish barrier at Lake Sihl prevents fish from entering the pressure tunnels and reaching the turbines, where they would be injured or killed.

A metal ball placed in the water, which emits irregular electrical pulses into the water via an electronic control system, generates an electrical field that is unpleasant for fish. Different species react depending on the pulse frequency, meaning that both larger and smaller fish are deterred in a targeted manner. If the fish approach the ball, they swim back to safe areas because they feel uncomfortable.

The previous control system dated back to 1995 and was becoming outdated. STEINEL Solutions, which had already supplied the technology back then, has now developed a new, enhanced control system. It is designed with redundancy to automatically switch over to a second system in the event of a failure. In addition, a remote maintenance interface enables remote monitoring and reduces maintenance requirements.

STEINEL Solutions was once again awarded the contract for the control system. This was not only due to its existing expertise, but also because of its local presence.

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Lake Sihl with the dam in the background

The new control system has been updated and enhanced with a remote maintenance interface to optimise on-site monitoring. In addition, SBB has been required to utilise the statutory minimum flow – which must be discharged via the original riverbed of the Sihl – to generate further electrical energy. A fish barrier, designed by SBB, also had to be installed for the run-of-river power station.

The requirements and positioning of the additional ball were defined and simulated in collaboration with a specialist university to ensure that there are no electrical loopholes for the fish. The new control system was designed from the outset to be able to control two balls in parallel.

By modernising the fish barriers on Lake Sihl, SBB is demonstrating that sustainable energy production and environmental protection can go hand in hand. The Etzel power station thus remains a key project for Switzerland’s railway power supply and for the protection of aquatic life.

Image showing two photographs: on the left, the metal ball of the fish barrier; on the right, the electronics cabinet

The modernisation comprises:

✓ Replacement of the 30-year-old control system
✓ Replacement of electrical components and cabling
✓ Improved self-monitoring
✓ Integration with the SBB building management system
✓ Extension to accommodate a second fish barrier at the bottom outlet for the Dotier power station

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STEINEL Solutions offers consultancy, product development, industrialisation, electronics manufacturing and services all under one roof as a one-stop shop.
Dam in front of the forest, with Lake Sihl in the foreground

“We are committed to preserving the environmental benefits of rail transport and using natural resources sparingly. We are dedicated to further reducing our environmental impact. With STEINEL Solutions, we were able to engage a regional partner for the project who was already familiar with our facility. Thanks to the proximity of our companies, communication lines were kept short and the project was implemented quickly, flexibly and to a high standard.”

Sascha Schwaller, Site Manager at Etzelwerk Power Station, SBB AG
Four round portraits of the sales team.
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