Numerical Investigation of Hydraulics in a Vertical Slot Fishway with Upgraded Configurations

The implementation of vertical slot fishway (VSF) has been demonstrated to be an effective mitigation measure alleviate extensive river fragmentation by artificial hydraulic structures such as weirs and dams. However, non-suitable flow velocity turbulent kinetic energy significantly affect fish swimming behavior and, a result, hinder facilities’ performance. Therefore, this study’s main objective is propose new configuration VSF that can allow the passage different species under frequent variations discharge. To achieve several novel configurations were numerically investigated using FLOW-3D® model. Namely, five variants angles between baffles, four pool widths, another upgraded version introducing cylindrical elements positioned after opening behind baffles tested. Results show smaller increase Vmax decrease maximum (TKEmax); opposite result was obtained when increasing baffles. increased up 17.9% for α = 0° decreased 20.37% 37°; in contrast, TKEmax −20% 26.5% 37°. Narrowing width linearly; nevertheless, it did not difference only +3.5%. Using cylinders with large diameter TKEmax; diameters further reduced inside while TKEmax. case cylinders, dimension recirculation depended on arrangement cylinder within pool. Overall, reached at near 77% water depth all cases. Finally, solution-oriented findings resulted from study would help engineers design cost-effective fishways support sustainable development preserving aquatic biodiversity.