Mini Hydro

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01. Technical information and data related to the following.

a. Generator installation, cable selection, transformer selection, and earthing system


b. Turbine and mechanical equipment installation
c. Weir, channel, forebay tank, penstock and other civil works

a) Generator installation
 Generating Voltage
 Capacity
 Frequency
 Generator cooling method
 Excitation method
 Speed
b) Cable Selection
 Maximum output current of the transformer
 Current carrying capacity of the cable
 Insulation type
 Voltage Drop
c) Transformer Selection
 Capacity of transformer[power rating (MVA)]

Cable selection

185mm2 Cu/XLPE/PVC=600/1000V

Transformer selection

02. Of the different types of hydro-turbines, why has this particular turbine type been selected? Why
are the three turbine output ratings different? What are the pros and cons of the latter? What are
the technical parameters used (e.g. specific speed) in selecting a turbine? How is hydraulic speed
governing and synchronizing effected? How does the synchronizing relay operate?
There are two main types of turbines: impulse and reaction. The type of hydroelectric turbine
selected for the project is based on the height of the standing water called the “head” or the
volume of water or flow at the site. Other determinants include the depth, efficiency and cost
of the turbine must be set.
In this power plant due to the low head and high volume of water flow, Francis turbines were
selected.

According to the volume of water flow through the penstock of each turbines, their output
ratings are different.
Pros :
 To get the maximum efficiency from each turbines according to available water level

Cons :

 Difficult to maintenance work

Technical Details of Turbines :

 Turbine 1- Speed- 750rpm


Flow rate-1.209m3 /s
Head-20.8m
Output-219kW

 Turbine 2 –Speed- 500rpm


Flow rate-2.299m3 /s
Head-20.8m
Output-426kW
 Turbine 3 –Speed- 500rpm
Flow rate-3.608m3 /s
Head-20.8m
Output-680kW

Governor plays an important role in hydraulic turbine as it maintain the stability of the system
frequency by controlling the speed of the system. Regulation quantity of water rejected from
guide vanes. We have a reaction turbine in which we have runner and guide vanes through
which water will enter to the runner. An Oil sump, control valve with piston and piston rods
attaching to the cylinder and another cylinder with piston and linking mechanism, which is
connected to the guide vanes for open and closed the guide vanes for regulating the flow of
water. Normally guide vanes are connected to the ring. This oil sump is connected to the
control valve through pipes. Governor is connected to the control valve. When we consider a
startup condition of the generator, Water enters though guide vanes and go to the runner
then runner and rotor of the generator will start rotating. Then from direct involving of
governor gradually increase the water flow rate though the guide vanes. When the rotor
comes to a value below its rated speed (vr) and generator output frequency, reach to a value
below its rated (specified) frequency (fg), guide vanes become steady.

Then, apply excitation current below rated excitation current (IDC) with the direct involving of
AVR. Now, we should observe the slow sequence of bulbs, which are in control panel. Then
from adjusting the rotor speed raising the generator frequency slowly, sequence of the bulbs
further slower. Then we are sure that fg is just above fs. Now adjust excitation current IDC so
that Vg=Vs. After few cycles of sequence of bulbs at on instant when the bulbs are in steady of
illuminating. Then the breaker is closed.

If load is less and speed of the rotor will high but It not happen. Then governor will rotate at
higher speed, then from a mechanism, piston push to the downward direction and there is an
oil pump, which will start working and oil to the cylinder. When this piston move in the
downward direction, then it will push the oil to another cylinder. Then piston in cylinder 2 will
move in the forward direction. When it will move in the forward direction this this linking
mechanism will work and it will close the guide vanes accordingly and the flow water will be
maintained.

Before generator is connected in parallel with another live generator acting on system, we
must ensure some essential conditions.
(I) its frequency (fg) equal to system frequency (fs).
(II) Its rms line voltage (Vg) equal to system rms line voltage (Vs).
(III) Its phase sequence identical to system phase sequence.
(iv) Its instantaneous voltages in phase with system voltages.

Synchronizing is the process of ensuring there four essential conditions before closing the
breaker.

03. What kind of excitation is used and how does the AVR operate under different conditions?
Synchronizing process. What is the cooling arrangement for the alternator? How is the alternator
grounded? What are the other ways of effecting this earthing? Role of the ballast load in
controlling speed and pressure rise in penstock during grid trip. Selection of power cables for the
ballast

Self-excitation with shaft end mounted AC generator.

Excitation is the process of creating and strengthening the magnetic field of the generator by
providing the necessary direct current to the field winding. This direct current is supplied to
the rotor by a separate DC source, called exciter. From controlling this current, we can control
the output voltage of the generator and reactive power which is suppling to the system.
Excitation, perform protective function. Power plant that we visited consists of AC Generator
and Thyristor Rectifier bridge directly connected to the generator.
The Generator AVR is a small electronic device that sits on the alternator monitoring the
power output. This small electronic device automatically maintains the generator electrical
output terminal voltage within pre-set manufacturer’s parameters. The voltage fluctuation
occurs mainly because of the variation in load on the electrical supply system. It could damage
the power system equipment if it is not converted to constant voltage.

The following are the main functions of an AVR:

 Controls the system’s voltage and maintains the operation of the machine closest to
the steady state of stability.
 Divides the reactive load between the alternators that operate in parallel.
 Reduces the over-voltages that may occur due to the sudden loss of system load.
 Increases the excitation of the system when fault conditions are present to guarantee
maximum synchronizing power while the fault is being cleared.

04. Draw a single-line diagram of the substation, identify the types of switchgear, and
associated protection features. Ascertain how the earthing is carried out to ensure that acceptable
limits of touch potential and step potential are not exceeded. How is “Mains Failure” protection
effected? Note any special features to protect power station’s electronics against transient voltage
surges (lightning and switching).

Switchyard Earthing.

Touch Potential
The potential difference between a person’s handout-stretched by 1 m touching an earthed structure
and his foot. It arises from the fact that the ground surface potential at a person’s feet can be
somewhat lower in value than that present on the buried earth electrode (and any connected
metalwork). If an earthed metallic structure is accessible, a person standing on the ground 1 metre
away and touching the structure will be subject to the touch potential.
Step Potential
Difference in the voltage between two points which are one meter apart along the earth when ground
currents flowing. For purposes of assessment, the step distance is taken as one metre. A potential
gradient in the ground is greatest immediately adjacent to the substation earth electrode area.
Accordingly the maximum 'step potential' at a time of substation potential rise will be experienced
by a person who has one foot on the ground of maximum potential rise and the other foot one
step towards true earth
Earth Mesh Design
Earthing System in a Sub Station comprises of Earth Mesh , Earth Electrode, Earthing Conductor
and Earth Connectors. Primary requirement of Earthing is to have a low earth resistance.
Substation involves many Earthlings through individual Electrodes, which will have fairly high
resistance. But if these individual electrodes are inter linked inside the soil, it increases the
area in contact with soil and creates number of parallel paths. Hence the value of the earth
resistance in the inter linked state which is called combined earth value which will be much lower
than the individual value. Earth Mesh keeps the surface of substation equipment as nearly as
absolute earth potential as possible. To achieve the primary requirement of Earthing system, the
Earth Mesh should be design properly by considering the safe limit of Step Potential, Touch Potential
and Earth Resistance.

The mesh is formed by placing mild steel bars placed in X and Y directions in mesh formation in the
soil at a depth of about 0.5 m below the surface of substation floor in the entire substation area except
the foundations. The crossings of the horizontal bars in X and Y directions are welded. The earthing
rods are also placed the border of the fence, surrounding building foundations, surrounding the
transformer foundations, inside fenced areas etc.

The mesh ensures uniform and zero potential distribution on horizontal surface of the floor of the
substation hence low step potential in the event of flow of earth fault current.

In addition to such a grid below ground level, the ground electrode is driven into the ground and
electrically connected to the ground grid.Equipment bodies such as transformer body, Metal frame
structures, neutrals etc. are connected to the station earthing system by earthing strips. The fence,
equipment body, tanks, support, structures, towers, structural steel works, water pipes etc. should be
earthed. If the switchyards have a soil of low resistivity, earth resistance of the earthing system would
be low. If the soil resistivity is high, the mesh rods are laid at closer spacing and more electrodes are
inserted in the ground.
Still we are supplying power to the grid.When a Main Failure has been occurred, the small hydro power
station should be isolated. From using Main Failure Relay this task can be achieved.It protects from
following faulty conditions,

 Over Voltage
 Under Voltage
 Over Frequency
 Under Frequency

According to the above conditions that relay can disconnect the circuit breakers.

When the Lightning has affected to High voltage side of the substation there exist surge arrestors to
protect the system from lightning. If it would be transferred to low voltage side, there exist surge
arrestors in panel boards, which are in Low voltage side.
05. What are the procedures used for commissioning the turbine-generator unit?

Pre-Shipment Testing
Factory testing

Pre-Commissioning Testing
The contractor required to performs inspections and tests to ensure all the installation are in
accordance with the contract requirement.

Dry test

After the installation is complete, all equipment is first tested in a dry state to verify basic
functionality.

Mechanical and hydraulic mechanical tests shall verify that the components have been
properly executed, that the components are free to move as needed, that the guides and
bearings are within tolerance, that the servo motors are controlled to achieve the desired
physical and timing travel, and so on.Electrical component testing shall verify that the wiring
connections conform to the electrical schematic and that the operation of each controller,
switch contactor, relay, and other control equipment is in accordance with specifications. In
addition, all circuits, interlocks, guards and sequence of operations should be tested to ensure
correctness. The start and stop sequences must be run and the input signals of the control
logic must be artificially simulated, such as water pressure or speed, which are not available
under dry conditions.
 Performing visual inspection, all critical units and dimensional checking
 Measuring gate operational speeds
 Hydrostatic tests of all pressurized fluid system.
 Checking manual operation of hydraulic power unit
 Calibration and adjustment of all temperature sensing devices, pressure switches,
flow switches, transducers is done
 Checking limits of travel
 Hydrostatic tests of generator coolers, bearing coolers and piping.
 Functional checks and adjustment of generator speed switches and pressure switches.
 Check alignment of ready-assembled turbine and generator shaft in dry conditions,
according to NEMA or IEEE Standard limits
 Perform hydrostatic pressure and tightness tests for all equipment containing or
carrying water, oil and compressed air
 Perform distributor dry test and measure wicket gate openings
 Perform wicket gate timing tests
 Perform main inlet valve timing tests
 Conduct governor logic, start-up and shut down sequences in dry conditions; check
interlocks, indications and characteristics
 Perform operational tests on all turbine auxiliary equipment, including calibration of
related electric control instruments; check for correctness of wiring and piping
 Check alarm and protection devices, verify alarm and tripping settings of all
supervisory instrumentation
 Check stator bore for roundness
 Checking air gap uniformity
 Insulation resistance & dielectric test of generator.
 Perform hydrostatic pressure and tightness tests on all equipment containing or
carrying water, oil and compressed air
 Check brakes during braking and during lifting operations
 Conduct AC high voltage withstand test of stator winding
 Conduct AC high voltage withstand test of rotor winding
 Perform operational tests on all generator auxiliary equipment, including calibration
of related electric control instruments; check for correctness of wiring and piping
 Check alarm and protection devices, verify alarm and tripping settings for all
supervisory instrumentation
 Perform tests on AVR excitation system
 Perform tests on Auxiliary and Standby power, Battery bank
 Perform functional test of fire-protection system

Wet and load tests

Pre-conditions for wet and load tests on generating equipment are that water-retaining structures
have been inspected, tested as far as possible in dry, and are ready for operation. Reservoir
impounding, coffer dam removal, power waterway filling, fish ladder operation, and ecological flow-
device operation, require detailed planning and coordination with the individual steps of the
equipment commissioning process.

Generating equipment, electrical and mechanical auxiliaries

Operational tests on the main generating and auxiliary equipment under wet conditions are either
categorized as load or no-load tests.

No-load tests: Generating units are rotating at synchronous speed but not electrically connected to
the network. One primary objective is to verify that the mechanical installation of the coupled
turbine/generator unit is sound with respect to bearing temperatures, balancing of rotating parts,
mechanical vibrations, and behavior under over-speed conditions, among others. Other objectives
include electrical testing, such as excitation system tests.

Usually the following tests are part of the speed-no-load testing phase:

 Check start-up/shutdown sequence, including mechanical braking


 Conduct initial mechanical run, including over-speed test.
 Conduct mechanical run for bearing-temperature stabilization
 Measure shaft run-out (eccentricity)
 Measure vibration to determine general vibration level and assess balance of assembled
rotating equipment
 Conduct functional test of generator-protection relays
 Conduct functional test of excitation system during no-load running
 Measure short circuit and no-load curves
 Determine generator reactance and time constants
 Measure shaft voltages
 Synchronize with grid system

Load tests: Generating unit performance is verified; measured values are compared to performance
guarantees specified in the supply contract and/or in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the
grid operator. Typically, the following checks are performed as part of the load test phase:

 Conduct load-rejection tests on one generating unit at a range of load steps, including
overload, to check response of turbine governor and AVR excitation system under load
conditions (typical load steps are 25, 50, 75, 100 and 110 percent of design load)
 Conduct reactive capability test
 Conduct power system stabilizer test
 Energize transmission circuit
 Measure V-curve characteristic
 Check temperature rise and power output
 Measure vibration
 Efficiency test
 Cavitation test

There are many other detailed tests on the governor and excitation system response during loading
and off-loading of the generating units; measurements of generator electrical characteristics under
load, tests on generator and transmission system protection under load conditions, etc.
If there are several units, the following tests are performed for joint operation.

 Perform simultaneous load rejection test of all generating units operating at maximum load
to check safety device responses and confirm that pressure rise in power waterways, and the
speed rise of generating units remains within contract-imposed limits
 Perform active power sharing
 Perform reactive power sharing
 Stabilize power system

Trial operation and reliability run

Immediately upon completion of satisfactory commissioning Test-on-Completion, the trial operation


and reliability run shall commence.

The duration of the trial and reliability run varies widely with the size of the project and adopted
commercial terms and conditions. For small projects, 3-10 days of continuous operation may satisfy
requirements.

During the trial run, generating units and all associated equipment shall be subjected to normal
operation; generating units are connected to the network for power supply at a range of loads and as
required. Proper functionality and readiness for commercial operation of the entire installation shall
be demonstrated by this operation. Minor adjustments and fine-tuning of parts might be carried out
during the trial run, if they do not interfere with equipment operation. If any defects revealed during
the trial and reliability run indicate that operational reliability and readiness are not fulfilled, the trial
run must be cancelled, re-started and completely repeated in a later stage after all defects have been
rectified.

06. Ascertain the different responsibilities of the Client, Contractor and the Project Management team
and how coordination is effected.

The main duties of the client;

 Ensure that suitable management arrangements are made for the project
 Select & appoint a competent and resourced Principal Designer.
 Select & appoint a competent and resourced Principal contractor.
 Notify the relevant enforcing authority of certain projects (notifiable).
 Ensure sufficient time and resources are allowed for all stages of the project.
 Provide the pre-construction information (PCI) to the designers and contractors.
 Verify the sufficiency of the construction phase plan (CPP) prior to construction
commencement.
 Verify that suitable welfare facilities are in place prior to construction commencement.
 Contractor training - Ensure the necessary information, instruction and training is received
and appropriate supervision is provided to comply with the regulations.
 Ensure co-operation and co-ordination between the client's employees and client
contractors with the project contractors where the client's work activities overlap the
construction work and to enable others to perform their duties.
 Subsequent to receipt of the health and safety file from the Principal Designer, maintain the
information up to date and provide access to any person who needs to see it for health and
safety purposes.
Responsibilities of Contractor;

 plan, manage and monitor all work carried out by themselves and their workers, taking into
account the risks to anyone who might be affected by it (including members of the public)
and the measures needed to protect them
 check that all workers they employ or appoint have the skills, knowledge, training and
experience to carry out the work, or are in the process of obtaining them
 make sure that all workers under their control have a suitable, site-specific induction, unless
this has already been provided by the principal contractor
 provide appropriate supervision, information and instructions to workers under their
control
 ensure they do not start work on site unless reasonable steps have been taken to prevent
unauthorised access
 ensure suitable welfare facilities are provided from the start for workers under their control,
and maintain them throughout the work

In addition to the above responsibilities, contractors working on projects involving more than one
contractor must:

 coordinate their work with the work of others in the project team
 comply with directions given by the principal designer or principal contractor
 comply with parts of the construction phase plan PDF relevant to their work

The project manager is responsible for;

 Designing and applying appropriate project management standards.


 managing the production of the required deliverables
 planning and monitoring the project
 adopting any delegation and use of project assurance roles within agreed reporting structures
 preparing and maintaining project, stage and exception plans as required
 managing project risks, including the development of contingency plans
 liaison with programme management (if the project is part of a programme) and related projects to
ensure that work is neither overlooked nor duplicated
 monitoring overall progress and use of resources, initiating corrective action where necessary
 applying change control and configuration management processes
 reporting through agreed lines on project progress through highlight reports and end-stage
assessments
 liaison with appointed project assurance representatives to assure the overall direction and integrity
of the project
 maintaining an awareness of potential interdependencies with other projects and their impact
 adopting and applying appropriate technical and quality strategies and standards
 identifying and obtaining support and advice required for the management, planning and control of
the project
 managing project administration
 conducting a project evaluation review to assess how well the project was managed
 preparing any follow-on action recommendations
07. How should power generation be managed to avoid possible adverse impacts on the MV system?
How is the exported power controlled depending on water availability?

When in power generation it is very important to controlling the power factor. After connecting the
grid, if we operate under low power factor, voltage will rises. Then it cause to rising the voltage of MV
side. When we deliver reactive power in lagging power factor MV side voltage can be rise. We should
not permitted to the rising of voltage in MV side and should control the power factor. When we have
voltage rising case, we should force the power factor to leading action. After monitoring the MV side
voltage we have to decide the relevant operating power factor.

Using data, which is observed by water level sensor placed in dam, we can adjust the water flow rate
through the runner. Water level sensor normally indicate 4-20 signal in all time. This signal has directly
fed to the governor. Governor knows the limitations of water level indications. Then governor open
and close the wickets gates according to the above signal.

08. What shortcomings do you see in the current power station location, design, installation etc.? Are
there any adverse environmental impacts? If so, what are these? What general suggestions can you
make to improve the overall design and installation of the power station? Justify your
recommendations.

Yes, Hydropower plants are generally seen as green energy sources, which are carbon free and use
Inexhaustible resources to produce the energy. Hydropower do not pollute the air we breathe in the
way that the energy source does not produce any air pollutants. Even hydro power plant has many
advantages, there may also be negative impacts. There exists impact on the ecological aspects from
the power plant. Dam will have effects on the terrestrial ecosystem and biodiversity, the flow regime,
migration of aquatic organisms, transport of nutrients and sediments and can cause emissions of
greenhouse gases. Reduction in water flow, fish fauna affected, changed water quality, morphology
and changes in water temperature and reduced sediment flow.

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