A method for controlling a water contactor drive for a water contactor with an electric machine, operating circuit, water contactor drive and hydroelectric plant

The invention relates to a method for controlling a water contactor drive (200) for a water contactor (100), in particular for a water roller gate, preferably at a water turbine (1000), wherein the drive has an electrical machine, in particular an asynchronous machine (210) in particular an asynchronous motor / generator. According to the invention it is provided that having the electrical machine, especially asynchronous machine (210), a fan brake (230), said method comprising the steps of: - - releasing the brake fan (230) in the event that insufficient power is displayed, - automatic operation of the electrical machine, especially asynchronous machine (210), wherein the electrical machine, especially asynchronous motor is operated in generator island operation, in which a rotary field is generated automatically.