Visit Report

For Physics

12/30/1899
From: 6136 Bidhi, A2 'A'

House: Choyu
Table of Contents
 Acknowledgement
 Introduction
 Objectives
 Major Findings
 Conclusion
 Acknowledgement
The visit to Mid-Marsyandi Hydropower was an invaluable experience
that enriched our practical learning and left us with lasting memories. I
am grateful to the Physics Department for organizing such a successful
visit, which was both educational and enjoyable. I would also like to
extend my thanks to the school management for facilitating and
coordinating everything necessary for the visit, ensuring its smooth
execution. Additionally, I appreciate the personnel at the hydropower
station for their time and effort in explaining the operations of the
facility to us.
 Introduction
The Mid-Marsyandi Hydropower visit and Chitwan Medical college visit
was a part of a 3-day educational tour for A2 science students. We first
visited the hydropower plant while the visit to Chitwan Medical College
took place afterwards. The visit primarily focused on introducing the
application of Physics in real life events and it’s importance in our lives.
Moreover it also provided insights on operation of different medical
instruments such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI machines. Additionally,
we also visited Bottler's Nepal and went on a Jungle Safari, which
provided an opportunity to learn about wildlife and appreciate the
nature.
 Objectives
What are the objectives of your visit to Mid-Marsyandi
Hydropower- Station?
The major objective of the visit was to provide a practical insight on
learning Physics and it’s application to the real life. Moreover, the visit
wanted the students to understand the technology behind hydropower
that happens to be an important renewable source of energy. Likewise
the visit also emphasized on learning about the engineering principles
involved in the design and operation of a hydropower plant.
Additionally, the visit wanted students to gain insights on the
conversion process of hydraulic energy to electrical energy through
turbines and generators.
 Major Findings
The Mid-Marsyandi Hydropower Plant established on 14th December,2008 had
70MW of robust capacity. The following information were also identified:

Tunnel length: 5114m

Diameter: 6.4 m

Water head: 98m

Flow rate: 99.5 m3s-1

Height of surge tank: 45m

Type and number of turbines: Francis, vertical shaft; 2

Type of project: Run of river

3. Function of a surge tank: The surge tank plays a major role in maintaining
the stability safety of hydropower systems by absorbing and mitigating the effects
of sudden pressure changes and water hammer. It contributes to the efficient and
reliable operation of hydropower plants and other fluid systems.

4. Function of a governor: The role of a governor in a hydropower plant is to

control the turbine speed and maintain a consistent output by adjusting the water
flow. This ensures stable and efficient power generation.

5. How kulekhani hydropower is different than Mid-Marshangdi hydropower

plant?

➔ Kulekhani hydropower is a reservoir-based hydropower whereas Mid-

Marshyangdi is a Run-of-River-based hydropower.

6. Why is dam essential for hydropower generation in large scale?

➔ A dam is crucial for large-scale hydropower generation because it provides a
dependable and controlled water supply, creates the required head for efficient
energy conversion, regulates floods, meets peak electricity demand, and offers
additional benefits such as irrigation and water supply. It serves as a sustainable
and renewable energy source with multifaceted advantages.

7. What is turbine? How does it help to transfer kinetic energy from water to
rotor?

➔ A turbine is a device that transforms the kinetic energy of moving water into
mechanical energy. As water flows over the turbine blades, they rotate,
transferring their mechanical energy to a rotor connected to a generator. This
rotation induces a magnetic field in the generator's coils, converting the water's
kinetic energy into electrical energy, which generates electricity. Hydropower
stations convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into mechanical energy using
turbines and then transform this mechanical energy into electricity through
generators.

8. Describe in brief how electricity is generated in the hydropower station?

➔ Water is either collected in a reservoir behind a dam or diverted from a river. It

then flows through large pipes known as penstocks, which direct the water
towards turbines, increasing both its pressure and speed. The high-pressure water
strikes the turbine blades, causing them to rotate. These turbines convert the
kinetic energy of the water into mechanical energy.The rotating turbine is
connected to a generator via a shaft. As the turbine spins, it turns the generator's
rotor. The rotor, equipped with magnets, passes by coils of wire, inducing an
electrical current through electromagnetic induction. Initially generated electricity
typically has lower voltage, so transformers step up the voltage to facilitate
efficient transmission over long distances.Subsequently, the high-voltage
electricity travels through power lines to substations, where it is distributed to
homes, businesses, and industries.

9. Why is electricity more popular than other sources of energy? Give the
reasons.
➔ Electricity is preferred over other sources of energy due to its ease of
transmission, cleanliness at the point of use, compatibility with renewable energy
sources, potential for automation, safety, and its significant contribution to
economic development. These factors collectively make electricity the preferred
choice for powering modern societies.

10. General Knowledge Questions:

a. Total electricity generated in our country: 556.8 MW

b. Biggest hydropower in terms of generation: Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower

c. Percentage of electrity deprived people in Nepal: >60%

d. Capacity of Biggest hydropower: 456 MW

e. List 5 more hydropower projects under construction in Nepal:

-Rahughat Hydropower

-Tadi Khola Hydropower

-Sanjen Hydropower

-Junbeshi Hydropower

-Khani Khola Hydropower

11. What are the differences between franchise and pelton type of turbine?

➔ Francis turbines are versatile and suitable for medium to high head applications with varying
flow rates, while Pelton turbines are specialized or high head and low flow conditions, offering
high efficiency at these specific conditions.

12. What are the factors that determine the capacity of a hydropower project?
➔ The capacity of a hydropower project is influenced by the water flow rate, head, turbine
and generator efficiencies, reservoir size, water availability, site topography, environmental and
regulatory constraints, infrastructure quality, operational strategies, sedimentation
management, and technological advancements. These factors together determine the potential
and actual power generation capability of a hydropower project.
13. What were the negative environmental effects in the local area due to
construction of this project?

➔ Due to the construction of this project, a lot of terrain had to be dug out which destructed a
lot of habitats for the nearby Fauna. Also, there is a constant noise pollution around the station
due to the large turbines and near the dam due to the water flow in high pressure. During the
construction of the station, a lot of pollution on the water body as well as the nearby land was
reported.

14. What are the benefits of this mega project to the local people?

➔ The plant brings significant benefits to local people by the following ways:

-provides electricity access

-creates jobs

-supports economic growth

- improves infrastructure

- enhances cultural recreational and tourism opportunities.

Conclusion
The visit to Hydropower station was very informative as it provided us the practical
approach for learning. Moreover the visit helped us understand the practical application
of physics. It provided us insight on how the operations are carried out in the
hydropower plant. Along with being informative the visit was also very enjoyable there
were no hindrances in the visit due to the smooth management from the school side.

Thank You!