KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
PROJECT FINAL REPORT

STUDY OF ULTRA LOW HEAD TURBINE FOR NEPAL

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Bachelors Degree Mechanical Engineering
Submitted By:
NISCHAL POKHAREL(32102)
PRADEEP PARAJULI(32098)
PRATIK KOIRALA(32117)
REJIT DULAL(32081)

Submitted To:
Mr. ANUP K.C.
Project Coordinator
July 2014

Authorization
We hereby declare that we are the sole author of the project.
We authorize the Kathmandu University to lend this report to other institutions or
individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. We further authorize the Kathmandu
University to reproduce the report by photocopying or by other means, in total or in
part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly
research.

____________________________________________________________________
Nischal Pokharel, Pradeep Parajuli, Pratik Koirala, Rejit Dulal

July 2014

ii

CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL
Study of Ultra Low Head Turbine for Nepal

By:

Nischal Pokharel, Pradeep Parajuli, Pratik Koirala, Rejit Dulal

This is to certify that we have examined the above research project and have found
that it is complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions
required by the report examination committee have been made.

_________________________________________
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ramesh Kumar Maskey
[Supervisor]
Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering

_________________________________________
Dr. Hari Prasad Neopane
Associate Prof. & EnPe-MPPOES
[Co-supervisor]
Department of Mechanical Engineering

July 2014

iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to thank our supervisor Dr. Ramesh Kumar Maskay for extending
our ideas and field of imagination and making us realize to approach a project in such
a way that it can be usable in any form or way. He has always been supportive and
provided us the idea of the models of the turbine and its beneficiaries.
We are grateful to our co-supervisor Dr.Hari Prasad Neopane during the whole
semester for sharing his great enthusiasm for all things innovative, scientific and
engineering of the fluid system through the turbine.
Mr. Anup K.C., our project co-ordinator is another person we would like to thank for
his suggestion, guidance and motivation in our works by giving weekly feedback of
our work. We are deeply indebted to his contributions in this project.
We thank Mechanical Workshop for helping us with the equipment and devices as
well as the tools required for model preparation of our project. Last but not the least,
we would like to thank our department for providing us this opportunity of doing the
project.

iv

Contents
Authorization .................................................................................................................. ii
CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL .............................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................. iv
LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................... vii
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................viii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................... ix
LIST OF SYMBOLS ...................................................................................................... x
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ........................................... 11
1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 11
1.2 Background ......................................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER 2 OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................ 13
CHAPTER 3 SCOPE AND LIMITATION ................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................. 15
CHAPTER 5 LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................... 17
CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM OVERVIEW AND OPERATING PRINCIPLE ................... 19
6.1 System Overview: ............................................................................................... 19
6.2 Operational Principles: ....................................................................................... 19
6.2.1 Force due to Hydraulic Pressure Difference: ............................................... 21
6.2.2 Counter-acting Acceleration Force .............................................................. 21
6.2.3 Idealized Output Power ................................................................................ 22
6.2.4 Efficiency ..................................................................................................... 22
CHAPTER 7 WORKS ACCOMPLISHED ................................................................. 23
7.1 Discharge measurement in Roshi khola canal .................................................... 23
7.2 Development of the model design: ..................................................................... 23
7.2.1 First Model Preparation: .............................................................................. 24
7.2.2 Second Model Preparation: .......................................................................... 24
7.2.3 Third Model for testing and data analysis: ................................................... 25
CHAPTER 8 PROBLEMS FACED ............................................................................. 31
CHAPTER 9 GANTT CHART .................................................................................... 32

CHAPTER 10 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ................................... 33

References .................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix

vi

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. 1: Turbine Selection based on Head and Discharge..........................................11

Fig. 2: Components of ULH turbine.....17
Fig. 3: Showing pressure acting on a simple vertical plate..20
Fig. 4: Static Pressure difference in ultra low head turbine ....................................21
Fig. 5: First model23
Fig. 6: Second model....23
Fig. 7: Third model...23
Fig. 8: Design of the turbine and its assembly..24
Fig. 9: Turbine design with shaft fitted in it.....25
Fig. 10: Attaching blades to hub using M-seal.........26
Fig. 11: Top view of the turbine...26
Fig. 12: Site with closed loop water system for turbine testing ..26
Fig. 13: Test setup of turbine assembly over the canal ...27
Fig. 14: Canal used to test the turbine ....28
Fig. 15: Setup made to test the model .28
Fig. 16: Discharge versus output Power .29

vii

ABSTRACT
This paper deals with new concept of exploitation of very low head hydropower sites,
where the fall height is less than 5 m. The ultra-low head (ULH) turbine is the subject
of this research, which is suitable for small heads, discharges with little variability,
easy to manufacture and with low costs associated.
The ULH turbine we aimed to study works on the principle of static pressure
difference. Two models were built for the study of operational principle. This was
followed by scale model testing, the results of which are used to estimate the
performance. The result of the testing was proved beneficial for making a simple
model of the turbine assembled in the test rig which was later on tested too and
analysis was made on the outcomes. We made a design of whole assembly in the solid
work. This design is mainly focused on the study rather than the production.
The main reason of the study was the ever increasing energy demand and the adequate
amount of water resources in our country that has not till been utilized in spite of the
high potentiality.

viii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
cm

centimeter

L/s

liter per second

meter

m/s

meter per second

m3/s

cubic meter per second

MW

megawatt

Newton

Nm

Newton meter

rpm

revolution per second

second

ULH

ultra-low head

Watt

ix

LIST OF SYMBOLS

d1

upstream water depth

[m]

d2

downstream water depth

[m]

diameter of the hub

[m]

FA

counter-acting acceleration force

[Newton, N]

FP

force due to hydraulic pressure difference

[Newton, N]

acceleration due to gravity

gap width between canal wall and turbine

[m]

head of the turbine

[m]

discharge

blade depth

[m/s2]

[m3/s]
[m]

upstream velocity

[m/s]

downstream velocity

[m/s]
[kg/m3]

density of water
theoretical efficiency

[-]

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction
Hydropower is the exploitation of flowing water to generate electrical or mechanical power. The
source of water in the majority of cases is natural, ranging from streams flowing down mountains
to rivers and canals flowing along plains. Many countries had already installed large scale and
high output hydropower site. The focus now, has been shifted in the installation of small
hydropower, with power outputs beneath 10 MW [1]. The targeted sites for such activites are the
sites with 'very low head' where the vertical distance through which flowing water falls over
structures or terrain is less than 5 m [1]. The research showed the usuage of pelton turbine under
the condition of high head of 50 m to 1500 m, Francis turbine under the presence of high
discharge and moderate head, Kaplan turbine when we have low head and high discharge and
crossflow turbine if we have got moderate dicharge and moderate head [2].

Fig. 1. Turbine Selection based on Head and Discharge [reference 3]

11

The concern now, is regarding the best use of low head and low discharge running water in the
rivers. Few research has been done so far in this. The turbine that can be fitted for this is ultra
low head (ULH) turbine over which we are focused.
In context of Nepal, mainly Pelton and Francis Turbine and few Kaplan turbine has been used in
the industrial hydroscale [4]. As we all know Nepal, which is the second richest country in water
sources has unlimited amount of small rivers and streams where the installation of ULH turbine
is possible.
It is the demand of time to install such a turbine in the country like Nepal to overcome and
mitigate the energy problem in different sites. The majority of very low head hydropower
installations can be done on natural or man-made rivers and canals with little or no water storage
capacity. Man-made sites include industrial sites such as water treatment plants, navigation and
irrigation canals in Terai. Thus, if we have such a huge potentiatity, then why cant we step up
for this?

1.2 Background
Till now, very much has been done in the field of the hydroelectricity for the production of the
electricity with high head, moderate and high discharge. For the developing country where the
hydro sources are limited or in considerable views, steps for the moderate or low production of
the electricity under 10 MW, very few initiatives could be witnessed.
Ultra-low head turbines are meant for this usage of producing hydroelectricity under the
condition of low head and low discharge [1]. The resulting amount of electricity may not be that
much significant but would be reliable for the developing nations for hydro aspects. It is because,
the use of the ultra-low head turbine would be beneficial for such nation where the sources of
water are small rivers, river basins and canals. And where the low head will be the case.
And for the various rivers and small streams and for even with low water storing capacity, ultralow head turbine is the most feasible one which could even serve our rural communities with
ever longing energy problems.

12

CHAPTER 2 OBJECTIVES
This project emphasizes on the following major goals which comprises of other goal line:

Study of the scope of the low head and low discharge turbines and conditions and
materials required for its usage, if feasible.

Work out with the prospects and design aspects of the low head turbine installations.

Findings regarding the aesthetics of the ultra-low head turbine, its reliability,
functionality and selection of sites and future proceedings on its design.

Issues regard of the work roots for low head turbine, implications, and efficiency.

Design and the installations arrangement of the ultra-low head turbine based on the static
pressure difference principle.

Design of the test rig for testing purpose thereby determining output power, efficiency
etc.

13

CHAPTER 3 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This project mainly deals with the model design and its testing without considering velocity
triangle analysis, electrical components and metallurgical properties of material being used.
Some of its other scope and limitations are as follows:

This project aims for studying the possibilities of using ultra-low head turbine in possible
site such as irrigation canal in Terai region, man-made sites including industrial sites such
as water treatment plants.

In this project we researches on simple applicable design of ultra-low head turbine and
canal requirements for that designed turbine. Detailed design on the consideration of
velocity triangle has not been done.

The project aims to fabricate small turbine and make a test rig for testing purpose using
sufficient discharge.

Electrical parts of generator are not the part of our study.

14

CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY
The flow chart of the methodology applied is as follows:
Literature review

Site Visit: Visited

Roshi khola canal

Model Preparation

First model: Tested for

operational principle

Second Model

Failed, so

Failed, so

Third Model

Test rig preparation

If succeeded
If succeeded

Design Modification

Testing and data

analysis

Working with the relevant information and the time factors, our project dynamics had several
efforts to concrete the knowledge about the hydro based project work. Initiatives taken by us
with the expert guidance resulted some fairsome tale of knowledge in hydro technology whereas
the longevity of the research works in this area was the goal of our project methods.

Literature Review: The initial basic of the methodology was the prime effort to study
the literature of the hydro power and its status here over. After the periods of the study
and overlook in the areas regard to ultra-low head turbine, we draw to a conclusion that
the ultra-low head turbine would be answer to small scale hydropower in the areas with
low river discharge, small canals, small water reservoirs, low head sites and alike. The
study of the ultra-low head turbine in time was accomplished to conclude that no hydro
power in nation is using this system to generate electricity significantly then.

Site visit: Initially, though we were focused in doing research in Terai belts, later on
through the literature review and expert guidance, we limited our project in Kathmandu

15

University premises as lot can be done for ULH turbine here over too. Our practical
approach begin with the preparation of a turbine model to test it in nearby Roshi khola
canal. The various parameters for the design were taken into account. The flow of water,
discharge rate, cross sections, velocities of flow, head were the prime parameters into
consideration.

Model Preparation: We step forward for the ideas of this prototype design. The
preliminaries required for the prototype making was gathered to set a small model of the
ultra-low head turbine in the workshop. Consecutively three models of the turbine were
made after the first one had failed with the principle of the static pressure difference and
second one created difficulty of assembly in the canal. The initial model was tested in a
local Roshi khola canal to observe its working principle and functionality. The design of
the prototype was in part with our ambition of the project to date. The exemplary second
model of the ultra-low head turbine was made in the workshop using the sheet metal and
plywood with nuts and rivets. Sheet metal was used for the making of the blades of
turbine and the pressure hub in the turbine. The lateral ways to impart the finish and close
the gap was made using the plywood in the both rounded ends. Unfortunately we were
unable to test this model due to the difficulty created in its assembly in canal due to use
of metal sheet. The final model having the hub and blades of the polyvinyl pipe that was
designed considering the designed criteria, was fabricated in our workshop which was
tested in the canal present nearby Roshi khola canal.

Design for the assembly of the turbine in the canal: Although the design of canal
assembly for the purpose of testing of second model was done in AutoCAD, we did not
test it, rather redesign was done for the testing of third model. Initially the design was
done in order to test it in a canal to be made nearby Fluid Mechanics laboratory with the
closed water system having the discharge of 18 L/s. But the test set up was made for the
testing in Panauti site due to insufficient head provided by the discharge of pump because
of the greater initial velocity.

16

CHAPTER 5 LITERATURE REVIEW

The ULH turbine is the noble energy converter which utilizes the hydrostatic pressure difference
between upstream and downstream with fall height under 5 m [1]. Depicted in the Figure 2, the
ULH turbine has just one moving part; a wheel which rotates about a horizontal axis. The wheel
has two critical components:

Central hub: This is a horizontal cylinder which spans the width of the machine, and hub
diameter equal to the head of the site (H) upto 1.25 H [5]. The top of the hub is level with
or just above the upstream water surface and the bottom of the hub is level with the
downstream water surface.

Blades: The blades are the surface on which the waters energy is extracted. In the ULH,
they have almost same length as the diameter of the hub or head of the site [5]. They
extend radially from the hub, whilst twisting as they progress across the width of the
wheel. The blade can also be made airfoil in order to increase lift in the turbine that
increases the speed of the turbine.

Also depicted in figure are the main components of the wheel support structure, including:

Shroud: This curved section of river bed ensures that at least one entire blade is enclosed
within a close fitting channel. This prevents any leakage flow of water between and along
the diagonally mounted blades, entering from beneath the wheel.

Side walls: These not only provide a mounting

for the wheels bearings, but also prevent any
leakage flow of water between the blades
entering

from

the

sides

of

the

wheel.

Importantly, the side walls do not extend up to

the water surfaces or along the entire length of
the wheel. Instead the sides of the wheel remain
exposed to allow water to enter the compartments Fig. 2. Components of ULH turbine [Senior,
between the blades from the side of the wheel as

J. & Co.]

well as the front. They also allow air to ventilate the compartments from the side of the
wheel [6]. This process allows the water to drain from the compartments with ease once
they have reached the downstream.

17

Some of the geometric requirements are:

It requires inflow from side and back, therefore a gap of width G between canal wall and
turbine should be provided.

The turbine should have 8-12 blades with a preferred angle of 20 degrees.

The blade depth T should be 0.7 to 1.0 times the hub diameter D, T = 0.7 to 1.0 D.

The downstream water depth d2 should be ideally equal to the blade depth T, but not less
than 0.7 T otherwise efficiency drops significantly.

The width W should not exceed two times the hub diameter, W< 2D.

The ratio of the turbine width and canal width should be less than 0.7 to allow the flow of
water from side as well [5].

18

CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM OVERVIEW AND OPERATING PRINCIPLE

6.1 System Overview:
The system for the ultra-low head turbine consists of the turbine blades and pressure hub as the
major part of the system design. Low head water wheels can be classified as undershoot,
middleshot and overshoot. In undershot water enters beneath wheel, driven by the impulse
resulted with low velocity of wheel and high velocity of water. Water enters as same height as of
the axle in middleshot requiring the curved part in the blade which extract the energy through the
existed impulse. In overshoot wheel, the water enters from above the wheel, which rotates in the
opposite direction to undershot and middleshot waterwheels. These are predominantly driven by
the water's potential. A stream wheel extracts kinetic energy from fast flowing water by
decelerating it, which makes it so possible for the working of it. The ULH turbine rotates
because of forces generated on the blades as they pass underneath the hub. The largest force is
generated by the difference in hydraulic pressure either side of the wheel, resulting from the
dissimilar depths of water. Then it is counteracted by the reaction force of water as it is forced
underneath the hub, as the simple process of a working system [1].

6.2 Operational Principles:

Among the various operating principles of the turbines, we are dealing with the theory of
operation of middleshot turbines, being one of the most effective and applicable too.
The ULH turbine and its channel bed have geometric similarities with stream wheels and this has
often created confusion. It is to be noted that no similarities exist in their operation; a stream
wheel extracts kinetic energy from fast flowing water by decelerating it. Its blade speed is
approximately equal to the velocity of the downstream which is lesser than the upstream
velocity. The ULH turbine also has a blade speed approximately equal to the downstream
velocity, which unlike the stream wheel is greater than the upstream velocity.
The ULH turbine rotates because of forces generated on the blades as they pass underneath the
hub. The largest force is generated by the difference in hydraulic pressure either side of the
wheel, resulting from the dissimilar depths of water. This is partially counteracted by a reaction
force to the acceleration of the water as it is forced underneath the hub, acting similar to a nozzle.

19

These two forces are assessed below using the following idealized model which illustrates the
working principle namely Static Pressure Difference principle [1].
Starting from first principles, the Pressure, P at a depth of water, h with density, of water,
under the influence of gravity, g is:
(1)

Fig. 3. Showing pressure acting on a simple vertical plate [Senior, J. & Co.]

Referring to the Fig. 3 above, consider a simple vertical plate which separates two dissimilar
depths of water, d1 and d2. The triangles represent the hydrostatic pressure. The forces on either
side of this plate of width, W, are F1 and F2:
(2)
(3)
It can be seen that the force on the plate acting from the deeper water, F1, is greater than that
acting from the shallower water, F2, and the total force acting on the plate, F, is:
(4)
If it is now imagined that the plate moves laterally with velocity, v, the power at the plate, P, is:
(

(5)

The above example illustrates the most important principle behind the ULH operation: that two
dissimilar depths of water acting across a vertical plate result in a force from which power can be
extracted. In reality, it is not practical to have a vertical plate which moves laterally and
indefinitely. Instead it is proposed that the plates, or blades, are mounted about an axle. This

20

configuration adds additional complexity to the analysis as the water must flow from the deeper
side of the turbine to the shallower side.

Fig. 4. Static Pressure difference in ultra low head turbine [Senior, J. & Co.]

6.2.1 Force due to Hydraulic Pressure Difference:

Referring to Fig. 4, head difference between the upstream and downstream water levels is d1 - d2.
The flow rate Q and thus the speed
the wheel stationary, both

and

are proportional to the rotational speed of the wheel. With

equal zero. As the wheel starts to rotate

becomes greater

than , and in accordance with continuity we get

(6)
Assuming that

is achieved beneath the hub, this acceleration of the water leads to a drop in

water level by
d

(7)

The force on the blades due to the hydraulic pressure FP acting on the blade therefore drops
(FP= Pressure Area of blade, A):
d

(8)

6.2.2 Counter-acting Acceleration Force

The reaction force to the nozzle effect under the hub, FA is equal to the mass flow rate times the
acceleration. The acceleration is calculated assuming that the known velocity change took place
over length l equal to twice the diameter of the hub.
(9)

21

6.2.3 Idealized Output Power

The idealized power output is the total force acting on the blade under the hub (FP FA)
multiplied by its velocity:
d

(10)

6.2.4 Efficiency
The idealized efficiency of the turbine is the ratio of ideal output power to input power, as given
below:
(11)

22

CHAPTER 7 WORKS ACCOMPLISHED

7.1 Discharge measurement in Roshi khola canal
This type of turbine requires a place having plenty of continuous flow like irrigation canal with
less head. Therefore, during the initial phase of our project, we were mainly focused on the
suitable site for the installation of the turbine. Site visit was our first assigned task. We visited a
nearby canal called Roshi khola canal and measure the discharge of water there using Floatation
Method.
The discharge of the water was measured to be
within the required range (
depth of the canal was
(below

[7]. This discharge obtained is

) for the installation of ULH turbine. Also, the

which is quite sufficient to maintain the suitable head

) for the turbine. Considering the head and discharge of the water in the canal to be

the determining parameters for the turbine installation, we concluded that Roshi khola canal is
suitable location for it.

7.2 Development of the model design:

Fig. 5. First model

Fig. 6. Second model

23

Fig. 7. Third model

7.2.1 First Model Preparation:

The ULH turbine works on a quite a new principle i.e. static pressure difference principle.
Initially we were not aware how a turbine works under this principle. Thus, we prepared a model
just for the sake of knowing the operating principle well. For this, we used sheet metals to make
8 twisting blades and ply was used to make two opposite circular faces as shown in Fig. 5 above.
Most of the parameters like number of blades, width of the blades, angles of alignment of the
blades on the faces, diameter of the cylinder etc. were selected by hit and trial method. Later on,
it was tested in Roshi khola canal. The turbine rotated in anticlockwise direction (

) as per

our concept but not according to our operating principle. This deviation was mainly due to lack
of the hub in it. Hub acts as a blockage for the water discharge, thereby creating single passage
for the water flow which is beneath the turbine. Thus, ULH turbine is just like middle-shot
wheel, in which water enters the turbine as almost same height or more as that of the axis.
7.2.2 Second Model Preparation:
After the testing of the first model, we were aware that the failure of the principle was mainly
due to enough volumetric loss from the turbine. Unlike the first model, this model consists of
hub within it in order to remedy the problems faced of deviating from operating principle.
Considering the depth and width of the canal nearby Fluid Mechanics Lab in Kathmandu
University as primary parameter, we made another model using same materials as in first one.
This model was mainly based on the ratio of length (l) of the turbine and diameter (d) of the
hub such that l does not exceeds twice of d. Due to large leakage possibility from the
turbine, we were not able to test it as per our desire. Initially, we expected to prevent the leakage
using labyrinth and made arrangements for its testing as shown in AutoCAD drawing below. But
later on, we found the turbine needs certain design modification. As per our literature analysis
and supervisors suggestion, a final model is prepared in recent days. We are expected to test this
model and cast it, if it gives enough efficiency.

24
Fig. 8. Design of the turbine and its assembly for testing

7.2.3 Third Model for testing and data analysis:

This model is made up of PVC pipe with more accurate design specifications than the previous
two. It consists of a hub of diameter D, curved blades of depth T which are inclined at an angle
with respect to the axis. The blade length is assumed to be less than the canal width B in order to
allow for water to enter the blades from the side.
Geometric specifications [5]:

The turbine consists of 8 curved blades with a preferred angle of 20 degrees.

The blade depth, T is 10.6 cm and the hub diameter, D is 15.24 cm to maintain their ratio
0.70.

The projected blade length (L) parallel to the axis of hub is 23 cm in order to maintain
the relation (L<2D).
Also, we are assumed to make following considerations while testing it.

The hub diameter D is to be maintained 1.2 to 1.25 times the head difference H in order
to reduce the turbulence losses during blade entry upstream.
The downstream water depth d2 is to be maintained equal to the blade depth T but not
less than 0.7 T in order to make efficiency significant.
The projected blade length is to be maintained less than 0.7 times the canal width.

The Fig. 9 shows the design of the turbine with shaft of 2.4 cm diameter attached to it with
centering.

25
Fig. 9. Turbine design with shaft fitted in it

Fig. 11. Top view of the turbine

Fig. 10. Attaching blades to hub using M-seal

Initial Site Selection:

26

Canal

Fig. 12. Site with closed loop water system for turbine testing

Test rig preparation:

Initially, we discussed to make a canal in order to test the third model in front of the Fluid
Mechanics laboratory. The closed water system was as per our design requirement. But the water
flow system of 18 L/s could not provide the required head for the testing. As per the design
calculation, the head required was at least 12 cm. We were in dilemma to find a site that could
provide us the head as mentioned above. With different ups and down, we finally came to a
conclusion to make a canal ourselves and test the turbine in the Roshi khola canal.
For this, the turbine needs to be fitted in the canal. A shaft was fitted in the turbine with
appropriate centering in order to minimize the eccentricity while the turbine is in motion. A half
inch hollow pipe was used as shaft and the motion from the turbine was passed to it using two
iron rod with the help of nuts. Two bearings were then attached to the shaft in order to hold it in
the canal. And the canal was prepared using three wooden planks. The dimensions of the canal
are:
Width of base of the canal = 35 cm

27

Height of the side planks of the canal = 42 cm

Length of each wooden planks = 220 cm
The previously mentioned testing site (in front of Fluid Mechanics Lab) was discarded mainly
due to the insufficient head provided by the system. The discharge of 18 L/s was very less for
testing. Instead of making 5-6 m length canal in front of the laboratory, we made a turbine
assembly that could be tested near Roshi khola canal. With all the assemblies have been made,
we successfully tested it in a canal nearby Roshi khola canal and detailed analysis of the outcome
has been made.

Experimental Procedure:
Fig. 13. Test set up of turbine assembly over the canal

First the test rig was made in the workshop. It was then taken to a canal nearby Roshi khola canal
and fitted in it as shown in figure below. Firstly, the speed of the turbine was recorded. The
obtained speed was 12 rpm.
After that, different discharges were sent to the test rig that varies the working head and
corresponding output power and effiency were calculated.

28

Fig. 14. Canal used to test the turbine

Fig. 15. Set up made to test the model

Data analysis:
Thus observed discharge, head and upstream velocity changes are used to find the output power
and efficiency as follows:
Table 1. Calculation of the theoretical out power and efficiency by varying the discharge
v2 (m/s) d1 (m)
H (m)
Q (m3/s) FP (N)
FA (N)
POUT (W) PIN (W)
efficiency
0.65
0.14
0.07
0.016
12.8
5.2
5.0
11.00
45.14
0.70
0.15
0.08
0.017
14.4
6.4
5.6
13.47
41.81
0.75
0.16
0.09
0.018
16.0
7.7
6.2
16.15
38.48
0.79
0.17
0.10
0.019
17.5
9.1
6.7
19.07
35.15
0.84
0.18
0.11
0.021
19.0
10.6
7.1
22.20
31.82
0.89
0.19
0.12
0.022
20.4
12.2
7.3
25.56
28.49
0.93
0.2
0.13
0.023
21.7
13.9
7.3
29.15
25.16
0.98
0.21
0.14
0.024
23.0
15.7
7.2
32.96
21.83

29

1.03

0.22

0.15

0.025

24.3

17.6

6.8

36.99

18.50

The torque calculated for the head difference of 12 cm is:

Number of revolution, N= 12 rpm
Head difference= 12 cm
(12)
= 39.71 Nm

Graph showing the relation of

discharge and output power
output power

8.000
6.000
4.000
2.000
0.000

Q 0.016 0.017 0.018 0.019 0.021 0.022 0.023 0.024 0.025

Po

5.0

5.6

6.2

6.7

7.1

7.3

7.3

7.2

6.8

Fig. 16. Discharge versus output Power

Conclusion of the data analysis:

The speed obtained of 12 rpm is in accordance of the speed required for working of ultra-low
head turbine. The obtained theoretical efficiency is a bit low. This low efficiency is mainly due
to the leakage of water from sides of the turbine and canal wall and also due to friction between
bearing and shaft. The efficiency can be increased by decreasing the leakage from the sides using
lybrinth and also attaching the bearing in the canal firmly.

30

CHAPTER 8 PROBLEMS FACED

Although many micro hydropower have been designed and installed in Nepal, no attempt has
been made till now for the exploitation of low head sites of Nepal. Only some parts of world
(e.g. Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, UK etc.) and implemented the concept of ULH turbine for
electrification purposes. The real working Turbine would have been really helpful for us to get
an idea of design parameters. As this is the totally new concept for country like ours, sources of
information for us were quite insufficient one. During model preparation, we faced the problem
of attaching the blades to the hub with great strength. Later on, we made slots in the hub and
attached the blades in it using M-seal. Also, problems were raised while fitting the turbine in the
test rig and leakage problems were also quite visible while testing.

31

CHAPTER 9 GANTT CHART

The work schedule is as given below:
S.N

Activity

1.

Concept
development
Literature review

2.
3.

4.
5.

6.

7.

8.

March

April

May

Model
preparation
for
testing
Site Selection for
testing
Progress
report
and
midterm
presentation
Material
collection and test
rig preparation
Testing of the
model and data
analysis
Final
Presentation

32

June

July

CHAPTER 10 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Since this was our research based project, we mainly focused on literature review during initial
days to understand the aesthetics of ultra-low head turbines and also prepared different models to
study the operational principle. After studying the detailed theory required for the design, simple
testing and doing brain storming we prepared the final model and tested it in canal nearby Roshi
khola canal and obtained results. Since, electricity generation was not in scope our project, we
simply analyzed theoretical data obtained. As the purpose of this project was also to be familiar
with new technology, we took the initiation for Nepal. But the scope of this project is very wide.
One can take the research on various fields of this project like blade profile design,
manufacturing technology, gear box design for synchronous speed of required generator etc. We
hope in near future our work could prove to helpful for those researchers and students who are
interested in this field and also hope that ultra-low head turbine will also be one of the source of
electricity generation in near future for Nepal.
Through our experience of not being able to test the turbines with different blade profiles, we
would request Kathmandu University to make a universal test rig so that further research can be
done in upcoming days as its scope seem to be ever increasing.

33

References
[1] Senior, J., Wiemann, P., & Muller, G. (n.d.). THE ROTARY HYDRAULIC PRESSURE

MACHINE FOR VERY LOW HEAD HYDROPOWER SITES. University of

Southampton, U.K.
[2] Subramanya, K. (2013). HYDRAULIC MACHINES. 7 West Patel Nagar, New Delhi: Tata
Mcgraw Hill Education Pvt. Ltd.
[3] Hydro

electric

power

plants.

(cited

on

2014

June

25).

Retrieved

from

http://www.hydropowerstation.com/
[4] Pandey, B. (cited on 2014 June 28) . Status of Hydroelectricity in Nepal: Potential and
Challenges. Retrieved from http://www.binodpandey.wordpress.com/
[5] Harvey, A, & Brown, A (1992). Micro-Hydro Design Manual.Stockholm: ITDG Publishing.
[6] WIEMANN, P. (2006) Neue wirtschaftliche und technische Mglichkeiten der
Stromerzeugung durch innovative Kleinwasserkraftwerke (New economic and technical
possibilities for energy generation with innovative small hydropower converters, in
German), Diplomarbeit, Universitt Kalsruhe/ University of Southampton.
[7] Marjang, N. and Merkley, G. 2009. Surface Velocity Coefficients for Application of the
Float Method in Rectangular and Compound Open Channels. Irrigation Science 27:457-470.

34

Appendix

35

36

Calculation basis for output power and efficiency:

For upstream water level, d1 = 19 cm = 0.19 m
Downstream water level, d2 = 7 cm = 0.07 m
Head difference, H = d1 d2 = (0.19 0.07) m = 0.12 m
Width of canal, W = 0.35 m
Using floatation method, the upstream velocity was calculated as v1 = 0.326 m/s (considering the
coefficient of velocity to be 0.74 for the canal of depth upto 0.4 m)
Discharge obtained, Q = A1 * v1
= (0.35 * 0.19) * 0.326
= 0.022 m3/s
Using equation of continuity,
Q = A2 * v2
0.022= (0.35 * 0.07) * v2
Therefore, downstream velocity, v2 = 0.89 m/s
Decrease in water level, d
d

d
d

0.035 m

= 7.3 W

37