Chapter 3

Chapter Three
Planning and Development Process

By Yimam A.

November 28, 2022

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Chapter 3

Outline

1 Methodology of HEPP Development

2 Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

3 Hydropower Development Cycles

4 Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

5 Types of Development

6 Efficiency of Hydropower

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Chapter 3

Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter the students should be able to:

Understand the methodology of HEPP development
Understand elements and equipment’s needed to be taken into consideration while de-
signing a hydroelectric power plant.
Understand factors that should be considered while selecting the site for a hydroelectric
power plant.
Understand the different types of developments of hydroelectric power plant.
Understand the environmental, social and economic analysis of HEPP.

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Methodology of HEPP Development

Site Survey: Hydrological and geological Survey.

Regulations and Environmental Concerns
Feasible Supply(feasibility study)
Estimation of Potential
Turbine Selection
Costing and Payback

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Measuring parameters

Measurement of river(water body flow data.)

Measurement of head ( Power and available head )
Topographical and geological condition of site
Site accessibility – need to be address during planning stage
Power transmission point distance – determine power loss
Power demand assessment

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Hydrological Survey

used to measure the flow-rate vs time at a given site

The more robust option is to find out the flowrate by working out the volume of water
that was entering the river.
This uses the rainfall data from metrology office for two lean seasons.

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Flow Rate Measurement

There are numerous ways to measure flow rate, such as:

Bucket Method
Float Method
Weirs
Meters

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

1.Bucket method

The Bucket method is a simple way to measure the flow rate using household items.
It requires a stopwatch, a large bucket, and preferably two to three people to measure
the flow rate using the bucket method:
Direct measurement with a bucket
Good for small flow in conduit.

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Cont....

Measure the volume of the bucket or container

Find a location along the stream that has a waterfall
With a stopwatch, time how long it takes the waterfall to fill the bucket with water
Record the time it takes to fill the bucket.

Figure: Bucket measuring method

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

2. Float Measuring Method

Figure: Float measuring method

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Cont....

The float method (also known as the cross-sectional method) is used to measure the
flow rate for larger streams and rivers.
Locate a spot in the stream that will act as the cross section of the stream.
Using a meter stick, or some other means of measurement, measure the depth of the
stream at equal intervals along the width of the stream.
Decide on a length of the stream, typically longer than the width of the river, to send
a floating object down.
Using a stopwatch, measure the time it takes the float to travel down the length of
stream.

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

3. Weir Measuring Method

Weirs are small dams that can be used in measuring flow rate for small to medium
sized streams (a few meters or wider).
They allow overflow of the stream to pour over the top of the weir, creating a waterfall.
Weirs increase the change in elevation making the streamflow more consistent which
makes flow rate measurements more precise.

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Figure: Weir measuring method

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Figure: Weir measuring method

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

4. Meters

Meters are devices that are used to directly measure the stream flow.
There are many different types of meters, the most common is the Pygmy meter, the
vortex meter, the flow probe, and the current meter:
Measured by Electromagnetic current or propeller type current meter.

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Measuring Instruments

Altimeter: – for altitude measurement

GPS: for location coordinate
Camera: for capturing the location image
Current meter: measuring the flow of water
Distance meter
Depth meter: depth of the water body
Clinometer measures vertical slope, usually the angle between the ground or the
observer and a tall object
Compass
Hand level

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Various studies during the preliminary site survey

Hydrological studies : Overall rain fall ,run off data ,principal river flow data , flood
characteristics, from record of government department, Minimum ,average and flood
details.
Topological studies : Tachometric survey and survey required depending upon the
existing info and maps.
Geological studies : Overall geological characteristics and local features for trans-
portation of material.
Power demand assessment : Overall power demand scenario in the project near by
area and existing infrastructure for power evacuation.

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Chapter 3
Methodology of HEPP Development

Site Survey

Pre Feasibility Report

Basic Design

Various Graphs and Pictures

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Chapter 3
Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

The following surveys are carried out for a hydro plant installation.
A. General surveys
B. Special surveys

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Chapter 3
Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

A) General surveys

They constitute the following:

1. Topographical surveys such as
i) The dam site topographical survey plans including the area of accommodate dam,
spillway, outlet works, diversion works etc.
ii) The reservoir submergence plans Contour plan of
a) Surge tanks
b) Tunnels
c) Penstock
d) Tail race channels.
iii) River surveys
iv) For a barrage structure detailed survey maps to cover the area under the barrage.

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Chapter 3
Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

Cont....

2. Geological and foundation investigations.

A study should be carried out for the following:
i) Seismic condition of the region
ii) Water flow in reservoir
iii) Sub-surface conditions
iv) Foundation investigations for dams.

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Chapter 3
Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

Cont....

3. Metrological and hydrological studies:

The following data should be collected
i Precipitation, evaporation.
ii Water flows such as maximum and minimum water flows.
iii Rainfall-run off relation data.
iv Mean latitude, and longitude, mean elevation, mean monthly temperature.
v Location of raingauge station near power plant site.

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Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

Cont....

4. Construction material investigations:

Data should be collected for the following:
i Materials to be used for
a) Concrete and masonry dams
b) Earth and rock fill dams.
ii Tests to be carried out for materials.

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Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

Cont....

5. Transportation and communication:

Data should be collected for the following:
Road, water and rail routes
Telephone and telegraph lines.
6. Environmental considerations
Navigation
Fish culture.

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Chapter 3
Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

B) Special surveys

Special surveys include the following:

1. Load surveys: They are made of
i Power-station capacity
ii Power to be generated
iii Details for major loads to be served
iv Peak load
v Load factor
vi Future energy demand
vii Interconnection with other power systems

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Chapter 3
Surveys Needed for Hydro Power Plants

Cont....

2. Lay-out studies: This includes the following

i Type of power plant such as storage type, run of river plant,pumped storage type etc.
ii Structural components like
a) Dams
b) Canals
c) Tunnels
d) Penstock
e) Draft tube
f) Surge tanks
g) Power house
h) Switch yard

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Hydropower Development Cycles

The studies to be carried out are:

Resources Studies
Preparation/updating of resources inventories
Preparation/updating of resources rankings
Site Specific Studies
Reconnaissance studies
Pre-feasibility studies
Feasibility studies

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Resource Studies

The main purpose of resource inventory investigation is to identify, register and cata-
logue the hydropower resource existing in a river basins
Flow data and data on topography is sufficient to establish the production and gener-
ating capability of a site.
The identified project sites are ranked according to size,cost, electric demand, etc.
Preparation of resources inventories and their updating is a continuous process and
should not be stopped at any time.

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Site Specific Studies

Reconnaissance studies
The details and data requirements of these studies are regional in nature.
Accuracy of these data as a requirement is less.
Carried out for specific purpose such as: to establish the available potential in a district.
They are concerned with project selection from inventories of resources.

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

The main objectives may be such as:

Assessment of demand or define electric power need
Selection of candidate projects from the resources inventories which will meet the elec-
tric power demand
Investigation of candidate projects & project alternatives to the best technical level
Technical ranking of candidate projects should be prepared and well recorded
Selection of a suitable project from the list of investigated candidate projects.
Estimation of preliminary cost and implementation schedule

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Main Activities to be Done

Data collection
Field work and
Office studies
Final reconnaissance report

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

Data Collection:
Infrastructure information
Power market and demand forecast
Hydrology
Topography
Geology and geotechnical engineering
Environmental studies
Socio-economic set up

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

Office Studies:
Power demand forecast
Flow regulation
Head
Env’tal constraints
Report:
Any reconnaissance report must conclude with a statement on the viability and sus-
tainability of the project under consideration.
Data requirement for feasibility study should be indicated.

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Field Work

The following issues should be recorded properly

Terrain features such as location and placement of structures
Infrastructures such as access to the project, transmission lines,Settlement and reset-
tlement issue
Availability of construction material
Environmental issues such as diversion of flow from one catchment to the other, defor-
estation, etc.

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

Multipurpose uses
Diversion of flow during construction of Headwork and/or coffer dams
Incase of reservoir and tunnel projects special attention shall be given to the geological
and geotechnical properties.
Appraisal of discharge available
Study of existing and future water uses like drinking, irrigation, etc.
Verification of estimated head
Powerhouse type, location and equipment

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Pre-feasibility Study (Preliminary Design)

In this phase one or more identified projects are brought one step further in the planning
process.
In this study one or more project alternatives are proposed and studied before selection.
The main purpose of pre-feasibility is to:
Establish demand for the project
Formulate a plan for developing this project
Assess if the project is technically, economically and environmentally acceptable
Make recommendation for future action

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

The following aspects are to be investigated during pre-feasibility study:

1. Hydrologic study:
Source, extent, amount, occurrence and variability of water.
Present, past and future needs of water
Include opportunities for control and development of water.
Quality of water in terms of its physical and chemical properties Sediment quality and
quantity
Existing water rights should be recognized for each and every stakeholder.
2. Power studies: considers a balance between power supply & demand.
3. Layout Planning: a comprehensive layout plan will be prepared and should be supple-
mented with sufficient number of drawings, which will be used for preparation of the
bill of quantities.

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

4. Geology and foundation engineering

5. Seismic studies
6. Environmental studies
7. Estimation of cost
8. Economic and financial studies
9 Future investigation plan
10 Pre-feasibility report
A clear statement should be made in respect of technical, economical and environmental
feasibility of the project.
It should give clear indication whether or not to study the project in more detail.

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Pre Feasibility Report

Pre feasibility report is required to investigate weather project is technically or finan-

cially feasible or not.
Aim of PFR is to examine next step to project formulation
Preparation of PFRs involves
Conceptual planning,
Preparation of project and equipment layouts,
Infrastructure requirement,
Environmental and geological studies,
Power evacuation arrangement, cost estimates and
economic evaluation.

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont....

Executive summary
Introduction
Project location
Map
Project description
Salient feature
Hydrology
Climate
Catchment area
Rainfall

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont....

When designing a hydroelectric power plant a number of elements and equipment’s

need to be taken into consideration.
Site selection
Technical data
Intake position
Penstock length and diameter
Turbine and generator systems
Electrical and control equipment
The Power House
Distribution system

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont....

Based on the firm power:

Civil engineers are needed for site selection depending upon hydrology, hydraulic studies
etc. and then for design & construction of dam,penstocks,tailraces and power house
etc.
Mechanical engineers involved in the design, manufacture & selection of the turbines,
bearings, valves, gears, governors etc. needed to convert hydraulic to mechanical en-
ergy.
Electrical engineers involved in design, manufacture & selection of generators, control
systems, switchgears, transformers etc.
♣ Firm power is the power which should always be available even under emergency
conditions.

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont....

Besides environmental impacts and economic analysis are performed by respective pro-
fessionals.
Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Geologists, Economists,
Ecologists, Sociologists and many other experts combine their skills in order to develop
an optimum design considering technical, financial, environmental and social aspects
of hydropower development.
Feasibility study contains:
Site visit and selection
Capacity analysis
Economic analysis
Environmental impact analysis
♣ Feasibility study is the first step in HPP construction.
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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Feasibility Study

Feasibility studies are carried out to determine the technical, economical and environ-
mental viability of a project.
This phase of investigation consists of a detailed study which is directed towards the
ultimate permission, financing, final design and construction of the project under in-
vestigation.
The main part of feasibility studies include:
1. Data Collection:
Socioeconomic data
Population
Income distribution
Power market
Tariffs
Hydrology
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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

Topography
Geology
Seismic
Environment
Meteorology

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

2. Project parameter estimation

Power and energy estimation
Power system studies
Water resources studies
Geology and foundation conditions
Seismic studies
Construction materials
Existing infrastructure
3. Layout Optimization
Project layout
Sediment & control measures
Number and size of units
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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

Auxiliary equipment
Transmission planning
4. Environmental studies
Assessment of environmental disturbance and their mitigation measures

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

5. Engineering design
Intake structure and sediment excluder
Headrace and tailrace
Powerhouse
Dimensioning and preparation of specification for hydro turbine and electromechanical
equipment
Construction facilities

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Hydropower Development Cycles

Cont...

6.Estimation of project cost

Project cost
Operation, maintenance and replacement
Environmental cost
Construction planning and budgeting
Contingencies and other costs
7. Economical and financial analysis
8. Future steps to be taken for the project implementation
9. Feasibility Report

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Chapter 3
Hydropower Development Cycles

Implementation Phase

Project implementation is a multidisciplinary job which include:

Approval and appropriation of funds
Pre-qualification and hiring of consultants
Detailed design
Preparation of tender/contract documents
Pre-qualification of contractors
Preparation of construction design and engineering design
Preparation of operation manual
Construction supervision
Construction of civil works
Supply and erection of equipment
Testing, commissioning and commercial operation
Preparation of completion report
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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

The following factors should be considered while selecting the site for a hydroelectric
plant.
1 Availability of water
2 Water storage capacity
3 Available water head
4 Accessibility of the site
5 Distance from the load Centre
6 Water pollution
7 Sedimentation
8 Large catchment area
9 Availability of Land

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

1.Availability of Water

The recorded observation should be taken over a number of years to know within
reasonable limits the maximum and minimum variations from the average discharge.
The river flow data should be based on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly flow over a
number of years.
Then the curves or graphs can be plotted between river flow and time.These are known
as hygrographs and flow duration curves.

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

2. Water Storage Capacity

The output of a hydropower plant is not uniform due to wide variations of rain fall. To
have a uniform power output, a water storage is needed so that excess flow at certain
times may be stored to make it available at the times of low flow.
Since storage of water in a reservoir at a height or building of dam across the river is
essential in order to have continuous supply during the dry season.
The storage capacity can be determined from the Hydrograph, Mass Curve or by using
analytical methods.

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

3. Available Water Head

Available water head depends upon the topography of the area.

The level of water in the reservoir for a proposed plant should always be within limits
throughout the year.
Availability of head of water has considerable effect on the cost and economy of power
generation.
An increase in effective head reduces the quantity of water to be stored and handled
by penstocks, screens and turbines and therefore capital cost of the plant is reduced.

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

4. Distance from Load Center

Most of the time the electric power generated in a hydro-electric power plant has to be
used some considerable distance from the site of plant.
For this reason, to be economical on transmission of electric power, the routes and the
distances should be carefully considered since the cost of erection of transmission lines
and their maintenance will depend upon the route selected.
Power plant should be set up near the load center, this will reduce the cost of mainte-
nance of transmission line

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

5. Accessibility of the Site

The site where hydroelectric plant is to be constructed should be easily accessible.

This is important if the electric power generated is to be utilized at or near the plant
site.
The site selected should have transportation facilities of rail and road.

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

6. Water Pollution

Polluted water may cause excessive corrosion and damage to the metallic structures.
This may render the operation of the plant unreliable and uneconomic
It is necessary to see that the water is of good quality and will not cause such troubles.

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

7. Sedimentation

Gradual deposition of silt may reduce the capacity of the storage reservoir and may
also cause damage to the turbine blades.
Silting from forest covered areas is negligible.
On the other hand the regions subject to violent storms and not protected by vegetation
contribute lot of silt to the run off

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

8. Large Catchment Area

The reservoir must have a large catchment area so that level of water in the reservoir
may not fall below the minimum required in dry season.

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

9. Type of the land of the site

The land to be selected for the site should be cheap in cost and rocky in order to
withstand the weight of the large building and heavy machinery.
There should be a stream diversion during period of construction.
The necessary requirements of the foundation rocks for a masonry dam are as follows:

The rock should be strong enough to withstand the stresses transmitted from the dam
structure as well as the thrust of the water when the reservoir is full.
The rock in the foundation of the dam should be reasonably impervious
The rock should remain stable under all conditions.

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

Main design parameters

The power capacity of a hydropower plant is primarily a function of two main variables
of the water
Water flow
Hydraulic head
Design flow is the maximum flow for which your hydro system is designed.
It will likely be less than the maximum flow of the stream (especially during the rainy
season) or more than the minimum flow during dry season.
If a system is to be independent of any other energy or utility backup, the design flow
should be the flow that is available 95 percent of the time or more.

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Chapter 3
Selection of Site for a Hydroelectric Power Plant

Cont....

Therefore, a stand-alone system such as a micro hydropower system should be designed

according to the flow that is available year-round; this is usually the flow during the
dry season.
Reserved flow: it is the minimum flow required to avoid aquatic life damage in the
water stream.
Firm flow: The firm flow is defined as the flow being available X% of the time, where
X is a percentage specified by the user and usually equal to 95%.

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

Types of Development

In studying the subject hydropower engineering it is important to understand the

different types of development.
Run-off river development
Diversion and canal development
Storage regulation development
Pumped storage development
Single purpose development
Multi purpose development
Cascaded development

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

1. Run-off river development

A dam with short penstock (supply pipe) directs the water to the turbine using the
natural flow of the river.

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

2. Diversion and canal development

The water is diverted from the natural channel into canal, thus changing the natural
flow of the water in the stream for a considerable distance.
Power canal or tunnel diverts water from main stream channel.
Powerhouse is provided at suitable location along the stretch of canal or tunnel.
Water from power house is returned to main stream by tailrace channel.
Short term pondage requirement is met through a pool called forebay in the case of
diversion canals and by means of a surge tank in case of diversion tunnel.

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

Cont...

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

3. Storage regulation development

An extensive impoundment at the power plant or at the reservoir up stream of the

power plant permits changing the flow of the river by storing the water during high
flow periods to enlarge the water available during the low flow periods, thus supplying
the demand for energy in a more efficient manner.
Storage refers to long time impounding of water to meet the seasonal fluctuation in
water availability and the fluctuations in energy demand.
Pondage refers to short-time impounding of water to meet short-time changes of de-
mand.

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

4. Pumped storage development

Water is pumped from lower reservoir to a higher reservoir during period of low energy
demand. The water then run down through turbine to produce power to meet peak
demand.
Hydropower schemes of the pumped storage type are those which utilize the flow of
water from a reservoir at higher potential (head water pond) to one at lower potential
(tailwater pond)
During times of peak load, water is drawn from the headwater pond to run the reversible
turbine pump units in the turbine mode. The water released gets collected in the
tailwater pond.
During off-peak hours, the reversible units are supplied with the excess electricity
available in the power grid which then pumps part of the water of the tail-water pond
back into the head water reservoir.
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Chapter 3
Types of Development

Cont...

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

5. Single and multi purpose development

In single-purpose development the water is used only for the purpose of producing
electricity.
In multi-purpose development hydropower production is just one of many purposes for
which the water resource is used.
e.g. irrigation, flood control, navigation, industrial water supply, etc

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

6. Cascaded development

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Chapter 3
Types of Development

Cont....

Example:
Gibe III 1870 MW
The Gibe III dam is part of the Gibe cascade, a series of dams including the existing
power stations
Gibe I (184 MW)
Gibe II (420 MW)
As well as the planned power stations
Gibe IV (1472 MW)
Gibe V (560 MW) dams.

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Chapter 3
Efficiency of Hydropower

Efficiency of Hydropower

The potential for energy production in a hydropower plant is determined by the fol-
lowing parameters:-
The amount of water available
Water loss due to flood spill, bypass requirements or leakage
Head
Hydraulic losses in water transport due to friction and water velocity change.
The efficiency in energy conversion of electro mechanical equipments.

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Chapter 3
Efficiency of Hydropower

Cont....

In hydropower plant the energy transformation

Potential energy(stored water in dam)

Kinetic energy(water falling from height)

Mechanical energy(Turbines)

Electrical energy(Generator)

The energy transformation in modern hydropower plants is highly efficient usually well
over 90%.
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Chapter 3
Efficiency of Hydropower

Cont....

Efficiency of hydropower plant is dependent on

Hydraulic loss (intake, turbine, tailrace)
Mechanical and electrical loss (turbines and generators)
Absorption of sediments
Due to heat in the water and generator
The total efficiency of a hydropower plant is determined by the sum of these three loss
components.
Hydraulic losses, it can be reduced by increasing turbine capacity or reservoir capacity
for better regulation of flow.
Head loss, it can be reduced by increasing the area of headrace and tailrace, by de-
creasing roughness in the pipes.
By avoiding too many changes in flow velocity and direction.
By Yimam A. Chapter 3 November 28, 2022 75 / 76
Chapter 3
Questions

Thank You!

By Yimam A. Chapter 3 November 28, 2022 76 / 76