TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
THAPATHALI CAMPUS
DESIGN OF A MICRO-HYDROPOWER PLANT
Submitted by: Submitted To:
Name: Dewan Lama Department of Automobile
Roll No.: THA077BME019 and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract:
This report presents the design considerations under Handi Khola MHP. The project is designed
to supply electricity to 271 houses of Thampalkot-3 VDC in Sindhupalchowk district with power
demand of 26 kW. The report outlines theoretical aspects of the project such as mechanical
output calculation, electric power output, turbine selection, generator capacity determination,
cable sizing for transmission (3 phase), and energy estimation.
Objective
To design a Micro Hydropower Plant (MHPs) from given data.
Introduction:
Micro Hydropower Plants, often referred to as Micro Hydropower (MHPs) are renewable
sources of energy that harness the energy of flowing water to generate electricity on a small
scale. It is a sustainable, reliable and environmentally friendly method of producing power,
particularly suitable for remote or off-grid locations. The key aspects of a MHP include:
Scale: MHPs typically generate electricity on a small scale, with capacities ranging from a few
kilowatts to a few hundred kilowatts. It is distinguished from larger hydropower systems by its
smaller size and capacity.
Resource Utilization: MHPs utilize the energy of flowing water to generate power. The energy is
derived from the potential energy of water at an elevated position (net head), which is converted
into kinetic energy and then mechanical energy as the water flows through a turbine.
Components: The main components of a MHPs include a water source (such as a stream or
river), an intake structure to divert water, a penstock (pipeline) to direct water to the turbine, the
turbine itself, a generator to convert mechanical energy into electricity, and a transmission
system to distribute the generated power.
Net Head: The net head is a critical factor in MHPs. It represents the effective vertical distance
between the water source and the turbine. The higher the net head, the greater the potential
energy available for electricity generation.
Flow Rate: The flow rate of water through the system, often measured in cubic meters per second
(m³/s), is another essential parameter. It determines the volume of water available to generate
power and influences the system's overall capacity.
Efficiency: MHPs aim for high efficiency in converting the energy of flowing water into
electricity. Efficiency is influenced by factors such as turbine design, generator efficiency, and
transmission losses.
Fig: Schematic diagram of a Typical MHP
The steps involved for the design consists of following order of theoretical calculations:
Step-1: Mechanical Output Calculation.
The mechanical output of the MHP is calculated using the formula:
Pmech or shaft = η turbine × ρ × g × H × Q
Where:
Pmech = Mechanical power output (W)
η turbine = Turbine efficiency
ρ = Density of water (assumed as 1000 kg/m³)
g = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
Q = Flow rate (m³/s)
H = Gross head (m)
Step-2: Electric Power Output Calculation.
The electric power output is calculated by considering the mechanical power output and
generator efficiency:
Pelectric =ηgenerator ×Pmech x ηgear
Where:
Pelectric = Electric power output(W)
ηgenerator = Generator efficiency
Step-3: Turbine Selection using Nomogram Chart.
A nomogram chart, such as the Shapiro-Hasanoglu chart, can be utilized to select an appropriate
turbine based on the site's head and flow rate conditions.
Step-4: Generator Capacity Determination.
The generator capacity should be chosen based on the electric power output required to meet the
demand. It should also consider factors such as start-up torque and overload capacity. It is
calculated as :
installed power if turbine∈kW ∗1.3
Capacity of generator(kVA)=
pf∗A∗B∗C
Where:
Pf= 0.8
Temperature factor (A)= 0.92 for 50°C
Altitude factor(B)= 0.8 for 2000m
ELC correction factor(C)= 0.83
Step-5. Cable Sizing for Transmission (3 Phase).
Cable sizing is determined based on the electric power output, transmission distance, voltage
drop limitations, and conductor material. The cable size should ensure minimal losses and
comply with safety standards.
Step-6: Energy estimation determination.
The energy estimation is determined considering electric power generation, transmission
efficiency and operating hour of the plant per day.
Site Assessment and Data:
Project Name: Handi Khola MHP
Location: Thampalkot VDC - 3, Sindupalchowk
Number of household: 271
Minimum flow in river: 275 ltr/sec
Gross Head (Hg): 36m
Discharge (Q) = 275 lit/sec = 0.275 m3/s
Power Demand: 26 kW
Assumptions:
Head losses: 10%
Transmission line = 2 km
Transmission Voltage = 220 V
Voltage drop allow = 10%
Turbine efficiency (ηturbine) = 75%
Gear efficiency (ηgear) = 90%
Generator efficiency (ηgenerator) = 85%
Transmission efficiency (ηtransmission) = 90%
Operating Hours per day = 24
Design Calculations:
Step 1: Mechanical Output Calculation:
Net head(Hnet)= Gross Head – Head Losses
= 36 – 10 % of 36
= 32.4m
Power available at shaft (Pmech)= η turbine × ρ × g × Hnet × Q
= (0.75*1000*9.81*32.4*0.275)
= 65555W = 65.56kW
Step 2: Calculation of electric power output
Power at generator (Pelectric) = Pmech * ηgenerator * ηgear
= 65.56*0.85 * 0.9
= 50.15 kW
Step 3: Turbine Selection
Input power in turbine = Pshaft / ηturbine
= 65.56/0.75
= 87.41kW
Using nomogram Chart,
For head = 32.4m
Discharge (Q) = 0.275 m3/sec
Cross-flow Turbine is selected.
Installed kW of turbine is 87kW.
Step 4: Generator capacity determination.
Capacity of generator(kVA) = (87*1.3)/(0.8*0.92*0.93*0.83)
= 199.08 kVA
Step 5: Size of cable
Density of Aluminium= 18.4 kg/m3
Specific resistance(ohm/km)= 18.4*k/Area in mm
Cross section area of wire(A)= 100mm2 (let)
K= 1.6 for Al
So,
Specific resistance R(ohm/km) = (18.4*1.6)/100
= 0.2944 ohm/km
Total resistance(Rtotal) = 0.2944*2
= 0.5888 ohm
Total Voltage drop= (Pelectric * R’total)/220
or, 10% of 220 = (50.15*10000*R’total)/220
Therefore, R’total = 9.65*10-3 ohm
Now,
Using the new total resistance we can get corrected specific resistance and the required cross
sectional area of wire,
R(ohm/km) = (R’total /2)
= 9.65*10-3 /2
= 4.82*10-3 ohm/km
R(ohm/km) = (18.4*k)/A(mm2)
= 18.4*1.6/(4.82*10-3) = 6107.88mm2 (3-phase)
For single wire,
Area = 6107.88/3
= 2035.96 mm2
Step 6: Determine energy estimation
E= Pelectric * ηtransmisson *hrs per day
= 50.15 * 0.9 * 24
= 1879.2 kWh/Day
= 685908 kWh/year
Conclusion:
Hence, the design of a Micro Hydropower Plant (MHP) involves various calculations and
considerations, including mechanical output, electric power output, turbine selection, generator
capacity determination, cable sizing for transmission, and energy estimation. By meticulously
evaluating these parameters, an efficient and reliable MHP can be developed to meet the energy
demands effectively.
Recommendations:
It is recommended to conduct detailed feasibility studies, site surveys, and consultation with
experts to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the design parameters. Additionally, regular
maintenance and monitoring should be implemented to optimize the performance of the MHP.
