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ABSTRACT

This report contains a brief description of the 14-days Internship program inside
Lower Jogmai khola HPP. This report especially elaborates the practical
approach to hydro mechanical work that is performed inside the Lower Jogmai
khola HPP. It includes all the theoretical knowledge and practical approach that we
have learned during our internship period. This report mainly focuses on the project
that is currently being handled by Asian Hydropower Ltd. besides highlighting some
of the projects that have been successfully completed. It also gives an insight into
organization structure along with its brief introduction. All the activities performed
at Lower Jogmai Khola HPP have been documented by different departments for
clear understanding. In short, this report has been perfectly orchestrated to give the
reader a brief understanding of Hydropower along with its field experience.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are thankful to the mechanical engineering department at the Purwanchal campus in

Dharan for providing us permission for an industrial attachment, which allowed us to
experience a real working environment.
We express our gratitude to Lower Jogmai Khola HPP and Asian Hydropower Ltd. for
providing us with internship opportunities and allowing us to join the working committee and
we regard ourselves as extremely fortunate people. We are also appreciative that this
internship gave us the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and experts who
mentored and directed us.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and particular thanks to the Deputy Plant
Manager, Er. Santosh Mandal, who took the time out of his extremely busy schedule to listen
to us, provide guidance, and keep us on the right track, all of which enabled us to complete
our internship at their prestigious company. We also want to express our gratitude to him for
setting up every amenity and facility needed for a productive and successful work and
learning environment. We would like to sincerely thank Er. Baleshwar Mahatto for his
invaluable counsel and direction throughout our internship. We are very appreciative and
grateful for his unwavering guidance and support. His insights allowed us to perceive things
with different perspectives and helped us develop as engineers.
We express our gratitude to Er. Sudip Mahatto for generously sharing his vast knowledge and
expertise in hydropower plants. We would also like to express our gratitude to the entire staff,
especially Chef Santosh Dahal, for his delicious meals.

Thank you all!

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CONTENTS

♦ Headworks
● Civil Structure
o Dam/ Weir
o Gravel Flushing Chamber
o Settling basin
o Approach canal
o Head Pond
● Hydromechanical Structure
o Under Sluice Gate
o Under Sluice Stoplog Gate
o Trash Passage Gate
o Intake Gate
o Gravel Flushing Stoplog Gate
o Settling Basin Intake Gates
o Settling Basin Flushing Gates
o Settling Basin Flushing Stoplog Gates
o Head Race Inlet Gate

♦ Water Ways
● Civil Structure
o Anchor Block
o Surge Pipe
o Flushing Chamber
o Saddle support / Support Pier
o Manhole
● Hydro mechanical Structure
o Head Race Pipe
o Air Release Valve / Air Relief Valve
o Flushing Valve
o Penstock

♦ Powerhouse
● Primary Components
o Turbine
o Generator
o Transformer
o Bypass Valve
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o Main Inlet Valve (MIV)

● Auxiliary Systems
o Oil Pumping Unit (OPU)
o Generator Lubrication Oil plant (GLOP)
o Water Cooling System
o Auto Backwash Filter System
o Drainage And Dewatering System
o Air Injection System
o Electrical Overhead Travelling Crane (EOT Crane)
o Battery Backup
o Diesel Generator (DG)
o Auxiliary Transformer (6.6 KV – 415 V)
● Control panel

♦ Switch Yard
o Power Transformer
o Current Transformer
o Potential Transformer
o Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)
o Earth Switch
o Lighting Arrester
o Isolator

♦ Godak Substation

♦ Safety Induction
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Hydroelectric Power Generation

Humans have been harnessing the energy of river currents for centuries, using
water wheels spun by rivers initially to process grains and cloth. Hydropower
became an electricity source in the late 19th century, a few decades after James
Francis developed the first modern water turbine. Approximately 16 percent of
the electricity produced worldwide today comes from hydropower. Hydropower
plants generate clean energy. Clean energy refers to the energy generated from
renewable and emission free sources.
Nepal's diverse topography, ranging from high terrains of Himalayas to flat
Terai , ensures abundant potential energy stored in the river currents. The
number of rivers flowing in the country only boosts the hydroelectric potential.
According to the research conducted in (......) that only considered the potential
energy stored in these rivers estimated about 83 MW of hydroelectricity can be
produced. Later on in (....), another thorough research conducted by (.....)
estimated the feasible hydroelectric potential is (...)MW.
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Plant Overview
Lower Jogmai Khola Hydropower Project is a simple Run-of-River type
hydropower project located in Ilam District of eastern Nepal. The project lies at
the end reach of Jogmai River within proximity of Mai Beni Hydropower
Project, where the river meets the Mai River. A 2870m long headrace pipe
followed by 417m penstock connects the reservoir to the power station which
contains two 3.1 MW Francis turbine-generators. The project is easily
accessible through a 3 km road from Mechi highway at Silpur which has been
upgraded by the project. The project is in operation since Nov 1, 2021.
General Information
● Name of the project : Lower Jogmai Khola Hydropower Plant
● Source River : Jogmai Khola
● Type of Scheme : Run of River
● Machine Type : Horizontal Francis Turbine
● Installed capacity : 6.2 MW.
● Gross Head : 133.1 m
● Net Rated Head : 123.49 m
● Design Discharge :5.78 m3/s
● Net Annual Energy : 35.92 GWh
● Headrace pipe : 2870 m
● Penstock Pipe Length : 417m
● Province :1
● District : Illam
● Project Location : Illam Municipality 10, Mai Jogmai RM 3 &4,
Suryodaya municipality 11
● Power Evacuation to : Godak Substation (4 km from Powerhouse)
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HEAD WORK
Head work is generally what you do in order to divert water. In the case of hydropower
plants, headwork is all the work that is required to guide water to the turbine. That could be
structure, pipework, small barrages etc.

Civil Structure:
1. WEIR
In the head work area, dams and weirs are constructed across the width of a river to
alter the flow and store the water. In Run-of-the-river type projects like Lower Jogmai
khola HPP, weirs are constructed instead of dams. The weir helps to raise the water
level upstream of the weir that builds the sufficient driving head to divert water into
the water way. During flooding, the weir allows the safe passage of flood through
weir crest.

To divert and regulate the flow of the water, gates are installed at places in headwork.
These gates also become significant during filtration and flushing processes.

2. Gravel Flushing Chamber

It is necessary to check or trap the particles incoming from the canal intake which
would otherwise, flow in the downstream side and reduce the discharge capacity of
canal and ultimately cause the wearing and chocking of the turbine units. The trap of
coarse particles (>2mm); is achieved by means of a hydraulic structure known as
gravel trap.
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During the high flood season the river carries appreciable amount of gravel hence a
gravel trap should be provided to trap the design size of gravel entering through intake
which is flushed through gravel flushing chamber .

3. Approach Canal / Approach Culvert

An approach canal in a hydropower plant is a water channel or conduit that directs
water from a poundage or reservoir, to the intake structure of Settling basin. Its
primary function is to channel and control the flow of water towards the intake,
ensuring a consistent and adequate supply to the turbines. The approach canal helps
regulate the water intake, allowing for efficient energy generation in the hydropower
plant.

4. Settling Basin
Gravel flushing system doesn’t completely flush out the minute sediments. So, a
long-inclined setting basin is made which is partitioned into two halves. It works
based on the principle of velocity flow. Particles of size more than 0.2 mm are
effectively settled onto the floor of the basin. Another wall partition is built at the end
of the basin that separates the head pond and the basin. This wall also stops the
particles that are yet to settle.
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5. Head pond
The filtered water from Settling Basin deposits into the head pond. The water from
the pond enters the Head Race Pipe. Its primary function is to store water temporarily
and regulate the flow of water entering the turbines. By controlling the release of
water from the head pond, the hydropower plant can manage energy production based
on demand, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of water to generate electricity.
The difference in water levels between the head pond and the tailrace (where water
exits after passing through the turbines) provides the "head" or gravitational potential
energy necessary for hydropower generation. The level of head pond water is
inspected hourly and relayed to the powerhouse, where the load is regulated. Head
Pond also prevents air from entering the Head Race Pipe. Thus, head pond level is
never allowed below a critical point (i.e., 648.5 m). A spillway is also provided for
removing excess water from the pond.
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Hydro Mechanical Structures:

1. Under sluice gate
It is a vertical lift wheel type gate with one opening. The wheels are mounted on the
gate leaf which allows the vertical movement of the gate. The vertical movement of
the gate is controlled through motorized screw spindle mechanism. Neopine rubber
bands are attached to the periphery of gates to prevent the leakage of water.

▪ To create a still pocket of water in front of the intake so that sediment free water
can be withdrawn thorough it.
▪ To flush sediments deposited in front of the intake.
▪ To allow a portion of flood discharge to pass safely through it.
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2. Under Sluice Stop Log Gate

It is a standby gate for the main sluice gate. During the maintenance of under sluice
gate, stop log gate is used. Despite its rare usage, this gate is always maintained at
optimum condition.
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3. Trash Passing Gate

It is a manually operated gate which allows trash like logs, leaves, etc. to pass through
during adverse conditions like flooding.
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4. Intake gates
Two vertical lift gates driven with motorized screw spindle mechanism are used.
Trash racks are also installed to prevent trash. It is installed above the under-sluice
gate so that the sediments settle on the floor and less unwanted particles will enter
through. This gate marks the start of the water ways. Hence this gate regulates the
amount of water entering the waterways.

5. Gravel Flushing Gate

This gate is a vertical lift gate. The vertical movement is controlled by a manual screw
spindle mechanism. The opening of this gate allows the gravels to flush onto the river.

6. Gravel Flushing Stop log Gate

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This is also a manual controlled vertical lift gate. This is a standby gate used during
the failure or maintenance of the main flushing gate.

7. Settling Basin Intake Gates

Two intake gates are installed in the Settling Basin side by side. These gates are
manual controlled vertical lift gates controlled through screw spindle mechanism.
These gates allow the passage of water into the Settling Basin.
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8. Settling Basin Flushing Gate

Two manually controlled vertical lift gates are installed in the settling basin that
allows the intermittent flushing of sediments from the basin onto the river.

9. Settling Basin Flushing Stop log Gates

Stop log Gates are installed by each flushing gate. These are the standby gates used
during the maintenance of the main flushing gates.

10. Head Race Inlet Gate

It is installed at the outlet of the head pond. It uses a motorized screw spindle
mechanism for vertical movement. This gate is almost always open.
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WATER WAYS
Waterways in a hydropower plant refer to the engineered systems or passages designed to
control, direct, and transport water to powerhouse and from various components present in
headwork area.

Civil Structure:
1. Anchor Block
It is a massive concrete block that anchor down the pipe securely to the ground. It
should be stable against various forces acting on it. The shape and size of anchor
block is confirmed by stability analysis. An expansion joint in the pipe is placed
immediately downstream of the anchor block. It is required at every horizontal and
vertical bends.
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2. Flushing Chamber
Flushing is one simple technique for managing sediment in reservoirs. In general,
reservoir flushing involves opening low-level gates in a dam and allowing the water
to remove sediment from the reservoir. In this hydropower project the flushing
chamber consist of one working flushing valve and one stand by. This chamber is
located where there is increase in gradient and chance of settlement of sediments.
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3. Manhole
A manhole in the head race pipe of a hydropower plant serves as an access point
within the pipeline. This specific manhole allows personnel to enter or reach sections
of the head race pipe for inspection, maintenance, and repairs. These manholes are
crucial for allowing engineers and maintenance workers to access and perform tasks
within the head race pipe, which transports water from the intake to the turbines,
ensuring the efficient functioning of the hydropower plant.
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4. Surge pipe
It is a massive concrete block that anchor down the pipe securely to the ground. It
should be stable against various forces acting on it. The shape and size of anchor
block is confirmed by stability analysis. An expansion joint in the pipe is placed
immediately downstream of the anchor block. It is designed on the basis of upsurge
level and down surge level of water. It may be vertical as well as horizontal.

5. Saddle Support / Support Pier

Support piers are short columns that are placed between anchor blocks along straight
sections of exposed penstock pipe. Supports piers or saddle supports are provided at
uniform spacing along the pipeline. These structures prevent the pipe from sagging
and becoming overstressed. However, support piers allow pipe movement parallel to
pipe alignment that occurs due to thermal expansion and construction.

Hydro Mechanical Components:

1. Head race pipe
It is the water conveyance system that connects the intake, and the fore bay of a
run-of-river hydropower plant is referred to as a headrace. The length of the head race
pipe of Lower Jogmai hydropower plant is 2870m with maximum diameter of 1.9m
and minimum diameter of 1.7m.
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2. Air Release Valve / Air Relief Valve

Air release valves are typically installed at the highest point of a pipeline to allow the
release of undesired air to protect against unwanted surges and maintain system
performance. Air release valves should ideally be placed at strategic higher places
where trapped air can accumulate.

3. Flushing Valve
A flushing valve in hydropower refers to a specialized valve or mechanism designed
to release or flush out accumulated sediment, debris, or air pockets from the system. It
helps maintain the efficiency and proper functioning of the hydropower plant by
allowing controlled release of excess debris or air within the pipelines or chambers.
This process can prevent blockages, optimize water flow, and ensure the smooth
operation of turbines and other equipment in the hydropower system. In this plant,
Flushing valve is placed in flushing chamber .There are two flushing chamber in
waterways, where two flushing valve are placed in each. The sediments settled in a
headrace pipe is discharged mainly in a nearby water stream

4. Penstock
A penstock in hydropower refers to the pipeline or conduit that delivers water from
the reservoir to the turbines in a hydroelectric power plant. It’s a crucial component
that controls the flow of water, directing it to the turbines to generate electricity.
Usually made of steel or reinforced concrete, penstocks can vary in size and design,
depending on the specific requirements of the hydropower system. They are designed
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to withstand high pressure and the force of the flowing water. The penstock’s
diameter, length, and material are carefully determined to ensure efficient water
delivery to the turbines. Water passes through the penstock under pressure, which
drives the turbines connected to generators, thereby producing electricity. Penstocks
are a fundamental part of the infrastructure in the process of converting the potential
energy of water into electrical energy in a hydroelectric power plant. In this HPP a
penstock of 417m is used. In order to supply water in two units bifurcation is carried
out which distribute water in two units with equal pressure and discharge. Bifurcation
is the division of something into two branches or parts.

POWER HOUSE
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Powerhouses are a major constituent of any hydropower project. Powerhouse mainly consists
of the power producing machines viz. Turbine and Generator. A powerhouse is where the
conversion of pressure energy (energy with water) to electrical energy takes place.
Powerhouse also consists of a control room, LTAC control room, switchgear room, battery
room, etc. Where overall HPP is controlled.
The detailed explanation of various machines and components of powerhouse is done below:

Primary Components:
Turbine:
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A turbine is a turbo machine that converts water energy into mechanical energy. The
turbine used in this HPP is Francis turbine with rated speed 750 rpm and runaway
speed 1215 rpm. The Francis turbine is a reaction turbine that operates on the
principle of converting water's kinetic energy into mechanical power through a
combination of radial and axial flow. The parts of the Francis turbine are spiral casing,
stay vanes, guide vanes, runner blades, and draft tube. The no. of runner blade in the
turbine used is 18 and there are 20 guide vanes which are used for controlling the
discharge of water. The power output from the turbine can be varied with the variation
of the discharge which is done by controlling of the guide vanes openings through
governing mechanism. The draft tube is used to increase the head thus increasing the
power produced and used to increase the efficiency of turbine.

Generator:

The generator used in this HPP is a synchronous generator. The main function of the
generator as the name suggests is to generate electricity. Generator converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy. synchronous generator works on the
principle of electromagnetic induction, i.e., when the flux linking a conductor
changes, an EMF is induced in the conductor. When the armature winding of
alternator subjected to the rotating magnetic field, the voltage will be generated in the
armature winding. The excitation system is used which excites the field coil.
General information
Type : Synchronous Machine
Speed: 750RPM
Power generation: 3647 KVA
Frequency: 50HZ
Rotation : Counter-Clockwise from shaft facing end
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Powerfactor:0.8

Main inlet valve (Butterfly valve):

Main inlet valve or MIV is a valve which is installed before water enters spiral casing
of the hydro turbine. Water from the weir goes to the penstock and before water enters
the turbine, MIV is a equipment in between that stops the water for small maintenance
purpose in the power house. The opening and closing of MIV is controlled by OPU.

Bypass valve:
The water from penstock usually comes with immense pressure that may hamper the
turbine runners if it is passed directly onto it. Bypass valve, used at the inlet of
turbine, helps in equalizing the water pressure during starting phase of running the
turbine in both sides of inlet valve (butterfly valve).
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Auxiliary Systems
Oil Pump Unit(OPU):
Oil Pump Unit is the system which is used to pressurize and supply oil to any system
which is operated hydraulically. Oil is pressurized near or equal to 200 bar by
injecting nitrogen with the help of pump and the pressurized oil is supplied to :
1. Governing mechanism
2. Main Inlet Valve
3. Break assembly
4. Air injection device
Dc (Directional control) valve is used to control the flow of pressurized oil to various
mechanisms.

Generator Lubrication Oil Plant (GLOP):

Generator Lubrication Oil Plant is the system that is used for supplying oil for
lubrication and cooling of different types of bearings used in Generator. Generator
bearings (DE and NDE sides) are forced lubricated and having pump and motor
arrangements with a heat exchanger which is used to supply the cooled oil with a
desired pressure to both bearings. The used pump and motor arrangement is called
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GLOP. The heat exchanger used is counter flow type and used for cooling the oil used
for lubrication.

Auto Backwash Filtering System:

The working principle of Auto Backwash Filtering System is the unfiltered liquid
enters the filter elements simultaneously from the upper and lower ends and exits the
outlet after filtering. The automatic backwash method starts when the pressure
decreases, or the amount of time reaches the predetermined value.
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Water Cooling System:

Water cooling system is a common system provided for both units to meet cooling
water requirement of shaft seal, Generator bearing lube oil plant heat exchanger, OPU
heat exchanger for each unit. The applications of Water-Cooling System are :
1. Heat Exchanger of Generator Bearing Lube Oil System,
2. Shaft Seal
3. Heat exchanger of OPU.

Auxiliary Transformer:
It converts produced 6.6 KV voltage to 415 KV to operate auxiliary components
within the powerhouse. It supplies power to all the internal components used in the
powerhouse. It is controlled from the LTAC control room.
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Drainage and dewatering system

The drainage and dewatering system in a hydropower powerhouse involves a network
of structures and mechanisms designed to manage water within the facility. It ensures
the controlled removal of water from areas where it shouldn’t accumulate, like
tunnels, chambers, or lower levels of the powerhouse, preventing flooding or damage
to equipment.
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This system typically includes pumps, drains, sumps, and channels to redirect or
remove excess water, preventing it from interfering with the operation of the
hydropower plant. It helps maintain a dry and safe environment for workers and
equipment within the powerhouse, enabling efficient and safe power generation.

Air injection system

An air injection system in a hydropower plant turbine involves the introduction of
compressed air into the water flowing through the turbine. This method is used to
prevent cavitation, a phenomenon where low-pressure zones form in the water,
leading to the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles. These collapsing bubbles
cause erosion and damage to the turbine blades and other components.

By injecting compressed air into the water passing through the turbine, the air bubbles
reduce the low-pressure areas, preventing cavitation and mitigating the potential
damage to the turbine. This system helps maintain the efficiency and longevity of the
hydropower turbine by minimizing the effects of cavitation.
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DG &Battery Backup
Diesel generators and battery backup systems in the powerhouse of a hydropower
plant serve as auxiliary or emergency power sources.
Diesel generators are often used as backup power in the event of an unexpected
shutdown or during maintenance of the primary generation system. They provide an
alternative source of electricity, enabling the continuous operation of essential
equipment or critical functions within the hydropower plant.
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Battery backup systems play a similar role by providing short-term power during
sudden outages or as an immediate power source for critical systems that require
uninterrupted electricity. They can bridge the gap until other backup systems, like
diesel generators, come online.
Both these backup systems are essential for ensuring the reliability and continuity of
power supply in a hydropower plant, especially during unexpected disruptions or
maintenance activities.

EOT Crane

There are other various machines that are useful in the powerhouse. One of these
machines is an Electric Overhead Travelling (EOT) crane.

EOT (Electric Overhead Traveling) crane is one of the types of overhead cranes,
which is also called bridge cranes. EOT cranes operate on electricity. It needs an
operator or pendant station to control the functions of the EOT crane.

It consists of a parallel runway connected with a traveling bridge. The hoist is

mounted on a traveling bridge. It is used for critical industrial applications.

An EOT has three working movements: Crane Hook Up and Down Lifting, Trolley
Lateral Movement, and Crane Long Traveling Longitudinal Motion.
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The EOT crane used in this HPP is a top running double girder EOT crane.

An EOT crane is made up of several key components, including the hoist (main hoist
capacity 35 tons and secondary hoist capacity 6 tons), trolley, bridge, runway, hook,
electrical control panel, DSL bus bars, and pendant.

The brake system used in EOT crane is electromagnetic shoe braking system. The
braking system consists of two armature coils. Each coil is connected to a brake shoe
with the help of torque spring and connecting rod. The break drum is a disc which is
connected to the rotating wheel by a shaft. When the armature coil is supplied with
DC, magnetic flux is produced in the coil. Due to the production of opposing
magnetic field the coils are attracted to each other, and the brake shoe is pressed
against the brake drum causing the drum to halt. In this way the electromagnetic shoe
braking system works.

CONTROL ROOM

The room where all control systems are manipulated for safe generation and transmission of
electricity. The generation parameters and grid parameters are matched to of the transmission
to the substation. The control room controls every activity of the HPP. We observed that all
details were recorded every hour by the authorized operator for future reference. We further
observed there was a regular contact between control room and head works. Whenever the
water level was low, the load in the turbine was decreased so that the % of guide vane
opening was also decreased which made the speed of turbine constant. If any fault appears in
the system ,alarm system is activated instantaneously with automatic trip of the plant. In this
way, the smooth operation of HPP is carried out.
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Switch Yard
In the context of a hydropower plant, a switchyard is a designated area where electrical power
is received from the generators and then prepared for transmission. It involves a collection of
various electrical equipment such as switches, circuit breakers, transformers, and other
devices. The switchyard manages the distribution and control of the generated electricity,
adjusting voltage levels and preparing it for transmission to the grid or other areas where the
power will be utilized. This area ensures the efficient and safe transmission of the electricity
produced by the hydropower plant.
The various equipment employed in switch yard are discussed below:-

Power Transformer

Power transformers are essential components in a hydropower plant’s electrical

system. They facilitate the transmission and distribution of electricity by stepping
up or stepping down voltages as needed.

Key functions of power transformers in a hydropower plant include:

1. Voltage Transformation: They increase (step up) or decrease (step down)

voltage levels for efficient transmission and distribution of electricity from
the generators to the grid or different parts of the plant.
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2. Isolation and Protection: Transformers help in isolating different sections

of the plant’s electrical system, safeguarding against faults and providing a
level of protection to the equipment.

3. Reduction of Losses: By stepping up the voltage for long-distance

transmission and stepping it down for local distribution, transformers aid
in minimizing energy losses during transmission.

4. Adaptation to Different Systems: They allow for compatibility between

varying voltage levels in different sections of the plant and the broader
power grid.

Overall, power transformers play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and safe
transmission, distribution, and utilization of electricity within hydropower plants,
contributing to a reliable and stable power supply.

According to the feasibility and reliability ,HPP uses different voltages for
transmission of generated power to local, national grid.
In this plant , a delta -star 3 phase main transformer which converts 6.6KVA into
33KVA is used.

Current Transformer
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Current transformers (CTs) in a hydropower plant are devices used to measure

electrical currents within the system. They step down high primary currents to
lower, proportional secondary currents that are suitable for measurement by
instruments like ammeters, relays, or meters. Current transformers are crucial for
monitoring and protection within the plant, providing accurate current readings for
control systems, equipment monitoring, and safety measures. They help ensure
proper functioning and safeguard electrical components in the hydropower plant.

Potential Transformer
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Potential transformers (PTs) in a hydropower plant are devices used to step down
high voltage to lower, proportional voltages for measurement and protection
purposes. They function similarly to current transformers but are specifically
designed to handle voltage measurements.

PTs reduce high primary voltages to a standardized lower voltage level that can be
safely and accurately measured by instruments such as voltmeters, protective
relays, and other control devices. These transformers play a critical role in
providing accurate voltage measurements for monitoring, control, and protective
purposes within the hydropower plant’s electrical systems.

Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)

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vacuum circuit breaker is a type of circuit breaker used in electrical systems,

including those found in hydropower plants. It operates by utilizing a vacuum as
the arc quenching medium within the interrupting chamber.

When an electrical fault occurs, causing excessive current, the vacuum circuit
breaker's contacts open, interrupting the electrical current flow. The vacuum inside
the breaker extinguishes the arc formed by the contacts separating, effectively
quenching the arc and stopping the flow of electricity.

Vacuum circuit breakers are known for their fast and reliable interruption of
currents, making them efficient in protecting electrical systems, including those
within hydropower plants, from overloads and short circuits. They are commonly
employed in medium-voltage and high-voltage applications due to their compact
size, reliability, and fast response to faults.

Lighting Arrester

Lightning arresters in a hydropower plant are protective devices designed to divert

and dissipate the excess voltage generated by lightning strikes. Placed
strategically across the plant’s electrical systems, they prevent damage caused by
lightning-induced power surges. These arresters function by providing a
low-resistance path for the excessive electrical current generated by lightning,
safeguarding the plant’s equipment, transformers, and electrical systems from
damage due to voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes.
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Isolator & Earth Switch

In a hydropower plant, isolators and earth switches play important roles in ensuring the
safety and proper functioning of the electrical systems.
Isolators:

❖ Isolators, also known as disconnect switches or isolating switches, are

used to physically disconnect electrical equipment or circuits from the
power source. They are primarily used for safety purposes, such as
isolating equipment for maintenance or during emergencies.
❖ In a hydropower plant, isolators may be used to disconnect generators,
transformers, or other electrical components from the power supply for
maintenance or repair.
Earth Switches:
❖ Earth switches, or ground switches, are used to establish an electrical
connection between the electrical equipment and the earth (ground).
They are primarily used for grounding purposes to ensure the safety of
personnel and protect equipment.
❖ In the context of a hydropower plant, earth switches may be used to
ground electrical equipment to discharge any residual electrical energy
and prevent accidental energization during maintenance or in the event
of a fault.
Both isolators and earth switches are crucial for maintaining the safety and reliability of
electrical systems within a hydropower plant. They are typically operated by trained
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personnel to ensure that equipment can be safely disconnected and grounded as

needed.
Godak Sub-station
Substation are the crucial component in a electrical power system. They play a significant
role in transforming voltage level, maintaining power quality, and routing electricity to
different areas. It help in distribution and transmission of electricity, managing the flow and
insuring safe and efficient delivery of power to home , business and industries.

Godak sub station is situated in Illam municipality which comes under the control of NEA. It
receive power from different Hydropower project situated in Illam district and perform a
task of distribution and transmission of power to:
1. Damak substation
2. Phidim substation
3. Tilkeni Sub-station
Altogether ten hydropower plants are connected to Godak substation grid and they are
listed below:-
1. Lower Jogmai khola HPP (6.2MW)
2. Mai Beni HPP ( 9.51MW)
3. Puwa Khola-1 HPP (4MW)
4. Jogmai Khola small Hydroelectric power plant (7.6MW)
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5. Puwa Khola power plant (6.2MW)

6. Sagarmatha HPP (12.6MW)
7. Panchakanya HPP(18 MW)
8. Super Mai HPP (7.8MW)
9. Sanimamai HPP (22+7 MW)
10. Himal Dolakha HPP (8MW)
These hydropower plant delivers generated power at different voltage level according to
their design parameters and feasibility of project which then is converted to 132KV in order
to supply to other respective substation.

Safety Induction
Health: The absence of diseases and illness.

Safety: The absence of risk and serious injury.

Reason for promoting health and safety

1. Safe place of work
2. Safe plant and equipment
3. Safe system of work
4. Training, supervision of staff

Health and Safety management System

● ILO-OSH 2001 Safety and Health Management System.
● PDCA (plan, do, check, act) cycle of health and safety system.

Workplace Hazards and Risk Control

● Violence at work
● Substances misuse at work
● Movement of people
● Work at height
● Temporary work

Musculoskeletal Hazards
● Work related to upper limbs disorder
● Manual handlings
● Power load handling equipment

Work equipment Hazard and Risk Control

● Machinery hazard
● Hand held equipment Hazards

Electrical safety
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Fire safety
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Chemical and Biological hazards and risk control

Physical and physiological hazards and risk control
● Vibration
● Noise
● Radiation
● Stress

Emergency Evacuation Plan

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