TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

Institute Of Engineering
Thapathali Campus

A REPORT ON: Bhafu Khola Micro Hydropower Design

Project Location: Jinwang VDC,Rolpa

SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO:

NAME: BISHAL RAYAMAJHI DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOBILE
ROLL NO: THA078BME011 AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 2081/11/04

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 Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3

Design Parameter: Internal Diameter of Penstock Pipe ................................................................ 3

Design Parameter: Thickness of Penstock Pipe ............................................................................ 3

Head Losses ............................................................................................................................... 4

Mechanical Power Output .......................................................................................................... 5

Turbine Speed ............................................................................................................................ 6

Electrical Power Output ............................................................................................................. 6

Generator Design ....................................................................................................................... 7

Design Takeaways ...................................................................................................................... 8

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Introduction
In this report we will determine basic design parameters for a micro hydro power project based
on the information available about the project location and energy requirements.

Project Specifications

● Project Location: Jinwang VDC, Rolpa

● Number of households: 222
● Flow Rate in the river(Q): 260 liters/second
● Gross Head(H): 27 meters
● Power Demand: 20 kW

Design Parameter: Internal Diameter of Penstock Pipe

For the sizing of penstock pipe, we need to set the fluid flow velocity in the pipe. Assuming this
velocity to be 2.2 m/s and head losses in the pipe to be 5% of gross head, we can calculate the
following parameters.

Assume,

Flow Velocity in penstock(V) = 2.2 m/s

Head Loss(ΔH) = 5% of Gross Head

= 0.05 ✕ 27 = 1.35 m

Π × Dm 2
Flow Rate(Q)=V × A where, A= 4
⇒Dm =√150473❑

∴ Dm≈ 400mm

Hence, a pipe of diameter 400mm is recommended.

Design Parameter: Thickness of Penstock Pipe

Thickness Calculation is done using the formula below:

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 P×Dm
T p=0.8×(2× ρ)+C

Here, P = working pressure on pipe including surge

= H+50%× H=27+13.5=40.5 kg/cm2 ρ = permissible stress of pipe material = 1200 kg/cm2

for mild steel

C = corrosion factor = 0.2 cm for 20 years life of Mild Steel

40.5× D
40.5× Dm
∴Tp=0.8×2×1200 + 0.2 = 11mm

Thus, the appropriate wall thickness of the penstock pipe would be 11 mm.
Head Losses
f ×Lm ×V 2
1. Pipe Head Loss: ΔH p= 2 g×Dm

Here, f = friction factor = 0.0262

Lm = Penstock Length = 55 m (say)

V = Flow Velocity in pipe = 2.2 m/s

g = 9.81m/s2

Dm = internal pipe diameter = 0.4 m

∴ m

Hence, head loss in pipe alone, ΔH p=0.8887m.

kb×V 2
2. Bend Head Loss: ΔH b= 2𝑔

Let, Friction coefficient of 20 degree bend, kb = 0.1,

∴ m per bend

2×g

Head loss of similar nature will exist 12 times since there will be 12 such instances
including bends, entrance, expansion joints, etc.
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∴Total Bend Head Loss, ΔH tb=12×0.025=0.296m.
Hence,

Total Bend Head Loss:

ΔHtotal=ΔH p+ΔH tb=0.8887+0.296=1.185m

Since, ΔHtotal ＜1.35mi.e.5%of Gross Head, the diameters and bend angles we have
assumed are acceptable.

Thus, Net Head, HNet=H−ΔHtotal =27−1.185=25.815m.

Mechanical Power Output

We have, H Net=25.815m and Q=260liters/s.

To choose suitable turbine type, we will analyze Nomogram as shown below:

Fig : Nomogram for Turbine Selection

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It is clear that the suitable type of turbine is either Kaplan or Francis turbine based on the net
head and discharge for this project.

Turbine efficiency is expected to be 0.750.

ηturbine=0.75

Shaft PowerOutput, Pshaft=ρ gHQηturbine

Pshaft =100×9.81×25.8×0.26×0.750

∴Pshaft =49.35kW

Turbine Speed

Velocity of Jet at Inlet(V1)= Cv ×√2*9.81*25.815

0.97√22.5
21.824m/s

Wheel Velocity (V 2) =Ku ×V1

0.46×21.824

= 10.04 m/s
60×V2
Speed (Nturbine)= =640rpm
𝛱 ×𝐷

Specific Turbine Speed

𝑝1 /2
Specific Speed (Ns)=Nturbine× 𝐻 5/4

= 77 rpm
Electrical Power Output
Normally, v-belt is selected for power transmission of power from turbine to the generator.
Transmission Efficiency (ηtrans) =0.9
On choosing synchronous generator, we get

Generator Efficiency(ηgen) =0.85

Now, electrical power output is given by

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Pelectrical =Pshaft ×ηtrans×ηgen
=37.75kW
Generator Design

Table:Generator Rating Factors

Since the altitude of the powerhouse is about 1590 meters. Hence following rating factors are
applicable:

A= Temperature factor = 1.08 (for 25oC)

B = Altitude factor = 0.96

C = ELC correction factor = 0.83
D = Power factor = 0.8

Therefore, kVA rating is computed as:

kVA rating= 1.3× Installed Capacity ∈kW

A×B×C ×D

=71.28kVA

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Generators of rated capacity of 75 kVA are available in Nepal.

Design Takeaways
Following are the final proposed parameters for the Bhafu Khola Micro Hydro Power.

Proposed Penstock:
● 400mm Internal Diameter
● 55 m Long
● Made of Mild Steel
● 11 mm thickness

Proposed Turbine:
Francis Turbine
*Note: According to discharge and head either Kaplan or Francis turbine could be chosen but in
our project the specific speed of turbine was low i.e. only 77 rpm.Hence we choose Francis
turbine for the project.

Proposed Generator:
● Three phase synchronous generator
● Electrical design power = 75 kVA
● 415 V, 50 Hz, 0.8 pf (lagging)
● 750 RPM
● Star connected
CONCLUSION:
The Bhafu Khola Micro Hydropower Design provides a technically feasible and efficient
approach to fulfilling the energy needs of 222 households in Jinwang VDC, Rolpa. The
proposed system includes a 400mm diameter mild steel penstock pipe, a Francis turbine, and a
75 kVA three-phase synchronous generator, ensuring stable and reliable power generation. The
design calculations confirm that the selected parameters, including penstock diameter, head
losses, and power output, are within acceptable limits, making this a sustainable and practical
solution. Further refinements in efficiency and cost estimation could enhance the project's
viability for long-term operation.

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