HyTEC - Hydromorphology and Temperature Experimental Channel

The versatile and unique ´HyTEC´ facility is an inevitable basis for scientific research in various projects under the leadership of the Institute ofHydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management (IHG) of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU).

The overarching goal of the investigations at the test facility is to develop causal relationships with regard to the reaction of aquatic organisms to hydropeaking phenomenato by experimental approaches under controlled conditions. The facility consists of two identical and independent channels, each 40 m long and 6 m wide. It is one of the largest of this kind in Europe. The specialty also from an international point of view: the water temperature can also be manipulated to the given test design via two separate pipelines from the Lake Lunz, a surface and a deep pipe, each with up to 300 liters per second.

In addition, the adaptive test facility also offers opportunities for many other scientific studies, such as experiments on the topic of reproduction, habitat use and behavior of fish. Another area of application is accompanying research in the development of technical innovations, such as fish protection in hydropower plants.