CHAPTER - 8

8. Transmission & Interconnection

This chapter presents the details of proposed transmission facilities and interconnection point for
the evacuation of the power from Pikhuwa Khola (Khawa) SHP to the national grid. The details
of the options, background, planning of the lines, details of alignment, interconnection system
and facilities, metering equipment etc are included in this chapter.

8.1 Background
33 kV transmission line emanates out from Duhabi Substation (132/33 kV) and passes through
Dharan, Dhankuta substations and finally up to Tirtire, Sankhuwasava. One 33 kV line from Hile,
Dhankuta is tapped to Bhojpur which passes through Pakhribas and the transmission line length
between Hile to Bhojpur is approx 38 km. NEA in future is planning to connect Pakhribas to
Balardha, Saptari which further connects to Rupani and Lahan (132/33 kV) substations. The
detailes of the 33 kV distribution network showing the existing and the proposed is the drawing
volume 3.

Bhojpur bazaar has 33/11 kV 750 kVA substation which has recently been commissioned and is
developed for the rural electrification of different VDCs of Bhojpur district.

Buipa, Khotang 33/11 kV substation has also recently been commissioned which is connected
to Lahan Substation132/33 kV through Jaljale, Udayapur in 33 kV system. The NEA is also
planning to connect Bhojpur and Buipa, Khotang in future in 33 kV system which is approx 29
km. The existing 33 kV single transmission circuit between Dharan to Tirtire can evacuate
approx 12 MW capacity of power. At this stage 8.5 MW power is already connected and due to
long line this transmission circuit cannot evacuate any additional power.

NEA has initiated Koshi Corridor works to construct 220 kV double circuit transmission line from
Kusaha (Sunsari) to Basantapur, Terhatum. Basantapur will have 220/132 kV transformer and
associated bays. NEA will extend single circuit of 132 kV transmission line from Basantpur
Substation to Baneswore at Chainpur V.D.C. and construct a new substation at Baneswore.
NEA will construct and install 132/33 kV transformer and associated transformer and line bays in
Baneswore Substation.

8.2 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the Project Vicinity

NEA has signed power purchase agreement with Pikhuwa Khola (2.475 MW) developed by
Eastern Hydropower (P.) Ltd. which is proposed to be connected through single circuit of 33 kV

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transmission circuit at Bhojpur Substation.The list of potential IPPs in Sankhuasava and

Terhatum districts till this report is written is presented in Table 1 below.

Table 8-1: List of IPPs in Bhojpur, Sankhuasava and Terhatum districts

Probable Interconnection
Name of Project Company Size, MW
Substation

Pikhuwa Khola Eastern Hydropower 2.475MW Bhojpur 33/11 kV

Upper Khoranga - 7.5 MW Basantapur 220/132/33 kV

Lower Khoranga - 5 MW Basantapur 220/132/33 kV

Maya Khola - 14 MW Baneswore 132/33 kV

Upper Hewa - 7.5 MW Baneswore 132/33 kV

Down Piluwa - 10 MW Baneswore 132/33 kV

Upper Piluwa - 10 MW Baneswore 132/33 kV

Piluwa Arun Valley 3 MW Tirtire 33/11 kV

Lower Piluwa Banewore Hydropower 1 MW Tirtire 33/11 kV

Hewa Brun Hydropower 4.5 MW Tirtire 33/11 kV

The above information has been retrieved from www.doed.gov.np website.

The power from above projects will be evacuated only if 220 kV double circuit transmission line
will be constructed between Kusaha (Sunsari)-Basantpur Koshi Corridor Lines.

8.3 Power Evacuation Options

With the available and future transmission line networks and substations around the project
area, three alternative schemes are identified and are presented in Table 2.

Table 8-2: Different Schemes for Power Evacuation

Schemes Description

33 kV single transmission circuit up to Bhojpur Substation and evacuating

Scheme 1 through Bhojpur-Pakhribas-Hile-Basantapur

33 kV single transmission circuit up to Bhojpur Substation and evacuating

Scheme 2 through Bhojpur-Pakribas-Ghodetar-Balardha-Rupani-Lahan

33 kV single transmission circuit up to Bhojpur Substation and evacuating

Scheme 3 through Bhojpur-Buipa-Jaljale (Udayapur)-Lahan

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Scheme 1: (Through Pakribas-Hile-Basantapur SS)

33 kV single transmission circuit up to Bhojpur Substation and evacuating through Bhojpur-

Pakhribas-Hile-Basantapur SS:
In this scheme 33 kV single circuit of transmission line shall be constructed between Pikhuwa
Powerhouse to NEA’s Bhojpur Bazaar Substation. The transmission line shall be 4.105 km in
length. There is newly constructed 33 kV transmission between Bhojpur Bazaar to Hile passing
through Pakhribas. The transmission line length between Bhojpur-Pakhribas and Pakhribas to
Hile is 33 km and 5 km respectively. NEA has planned to construct 33/11 kV substation at
Pakhribas which will be connected to Hile and Balardha substations.
Hile Substation is connected to existing Dhnakuta Substation which further connects to Dharan
Substation in 33 kV system. On other side of Hile, it connects to Basantpur, Terhatum. At this
moment Basantapur does not have substation but NEA under ADB fund has initiated for the
construction of new 220/132/33 kV substation connecting Rupani or Inarwa by 220 kV
transmission circuit.
After Comissioning of Basantapur and Baneshwor Substations and connecting to 33kV system
at these new stations, the power evacuation being done to Dhankuwa form Piluwa, Hewa and
other peojects can be freed as well.
In this option the power injected by Pikhuwa Project can be evacuated through Basantapur
Substation. The concept drawing is shown in Figure 8.1 below.

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Figure 8-1: Pikhuwa Power Evacuation scheme to Basantapur Substation at 33 kV

Scheme 2: (Through Balardaha-Rupani-Lahan SS)

33 kV single transmission circuit up to Bhojpur Substation and evacuating through Bhojpur-

Pakhribas-Ghodetar-Balardha-Rupani-Lahan (132/33 kV):
In this scheme 33 kV single circuit of transmission line shall be constructed between Pikhuwa
Powerhouse to NEA’s Bhojpur Bazaar Substation. The transmission line shall be 4.105 km in
length. There is newly constructed 33 kV transmission between Bhojpur Bazaar to Pakhribas.
The transmission line length between Bhojpur-Pakhribas is 33 km.
NEA has planned to construct 33/11 kV substation at Pakhribas and further connecting to
existing Balardha, Saptari 33/11 kV Substation by constructing a new substation at Ghodetar,
Bhojpur. Proposed Ghodetar Substation is approx. 21 km from Pakhribas. The length between
proposed Ghodetar Substation and existing Balardha Substation is 18 km. Balardha Substation
is further connected to Lahan, Siraha 132/33 kV substation though 33 kV transmission circuit.

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In this option the power injected by Pikhuwa Project can be evacuated through Pakrhribas,
Ghodetar and Balardha substations. The concept drawing is shown in Figure 8.2 below.

Figure 8-2: Pikhuwa Evacuation Scheme at Balardha Substation at 33 kV Voltage Level

Scheme 3: (Through Buipa-Jaljale-Lahan SS)

33 kV single transmission circuit up to Bhojpur Substation and evacuating through Bhojpur-

Buipa-Jaljale (Udayapur)-Lahan (132/33 kV) substations.
In this scheme 33 kV single circuit of transmission line shall be constructed between Pikhuwa
Powerhouse to NEA’s Bhojpur Bazaar Substation. The transmission line shall be 4.105 km in
length.
NEA has recently commissioned Buipa, Khotang Substation which is 1.5 MVA capacity at 33/11
kV voltage level constructed for the electrification of different VDCs of Khotang district. Buipa
Substation is fed in 33 kV system from Lahan (132/33 kV) Substation. In between Lahan and
Buipa there is an existing Jalaje, Udayapur 33/11 kV Substation and further NEA has planned to
construct new substation at Rasuwaghat.
NEA has initiated for polling for 33 kV system between Bhojpur and Buipa. The construction of
33 kV between Bhojpur and Buipa will create a big loop in which power can be evacuated easily.

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Feasibility Study Report, 2012 Chapter - 8: Transmission and Interconnection

In this option the power injected by Pikhuwa Project can be evacuated through Bhojpur, Buipa,
Jaljale and Lahan substations. The concept drawing is shown in Figure 8.3 below.

Figure 8-3: Pikhuwa Evacuation Scheme at Buipa Substation at 33 kV Voltage Level

8.4 Preferred Power Evacuation Scheme

Analysing the above three options and considering the fact that the power evacuation is only
possible if NEA initiates and develops following:

- Construct 220/132/33 kV Basantapur Substation- This will help to evacuate the power
from Pikhuwa Project through Pikhuwa-Bhojpur Substation-Hile-Basantapur.
- Construct a new 33 kV transmission circuit between Pakhribas-Ghodetar-Balardha
substations; and
- Construct a new 33 kV transmission circuit between Bhojpur-Buipa substations.

Looking in the possibilities of the above, the first option to construct a new 220/132/33 kV
substation at Basantapur is going ahead as the Government of Nepal has prioritised this project
and is in land acquisition stage. The development of this substation including 220 kV
transmission line will be completed by the end of 2017.

The preferred power evacuation for Pikhuwa Hydro Power Project is to connect in 33 kV system
to Bhojpur Substation and the power flow will be through option 1. The development of the

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Feasibility Study Report, 2012 Chapter - 8: Transmission and Interconnection

project will also take time and hence NEA’s work and the development of Pikhuwa Project may
synchronise in terms of timing.

Second preference in case of delay on the construction of Basantapur S/S (for Scheme 1), the
route via Belardha (Scheme 2) can be considered for connection agreement and which may be
revised once the Scheme 1 comes in to reality.

Anyway, with due consideration of preferred option, the walkover survey of the proposed line
route between Pikhuwa Powerhouse to Bhojpur Substation has been carried out. The
transmission line route has been selected based on the minimum environmental impacts.

During the site survey the northing, easting and elevation were recorded using GPS for each
pole locations.

8.5 Power Loss

The power generated from Pikhuwa Project shall be evacuated in 33 kV single circuit
configurations with utilisation of ACSR DOG 100 mm2 conductor. The total circuit length shall be
around 4.105 km in between Pikhuwa Project to recently completed 33/11 kV Bhojpur
Substation. The line losses in this section shall be in average of 0.8947%. The line losses can
be compensated if the generation can be slightly increased at the time of additional discharge
available in the river.

8.6 Transmission Line

33 kV single circuit transmission line with 4.105 km in length is proposed. The walkover survey
has been carried out to select the best optimal route so that there is minimum environmental
impact and social conditions. The span between 70-80 m is selected and shall be based on the
final design considering the sag as well as minimum ground clearance. The ground clearance of
7.0 m shall be maintained and can be achieved by increasing the pole height where there is
larger sag due to longer spans. The ACSR conductor of 100 mm2 cross sectional area with trade
name DOG has been proposed.

 Length of transmission Line = 4.105 km

 No of Insulator Discs needed = 3 strings (255 x 145mm : dia x spacing)
 Type of conductor = ACSR, 100 mm2

8.6.1 Line Route

The proposed 33 kV transmission line starts from outdoor switchyard of Pikhuwa powerhouse
and end at newly constructed substation located in Bhojpur Bazaar. 63 number of poles have

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Feasibility Study Report, 2012 Chapter - 8: Transmission and Interconnection

been proposed and the coordinates of these poless are presented in Chapter 3: Survey and
Investigations Table 3.7.

Table 8-3: Adopted specifications in 33 kV transmission line route

Span (pole to pole distance) : 70-80 m

Min. clearance to any earth object : 1.00 m

Cross arm length : 1.9 m
Configuration : Triangular
Minimum ground clearance : 7m

8.6.2 Transmission Pole

Poles shall be galvanized steel telescopic, uniformly tapered circular in cross-section. The poles
shall be fabricated in sections as specified in below out of welded tubes of suitable lengths. The
diameters of the top and the bottom end of the completely assembled pole shall be as specified
below. The sections of the steel poles shall be designed such that the butt end of the top section
fits on the top end of the second section, the butt end of the second section fits on the top end of
the third section and so on. The various sections shall be fitted together by pressed friction
joints. The completely assembled telescopic pole shall have the design loads as specified. The
separate pole cap shall be provided with top section of the pole. The bottom section of the pole
shall be provided with a base plate.

Table 8-4: Dimension of Pole

Overall Length 11m 13 m
Number of Sections 5 6
Diameter of the assembled pole:
Top in mm 170 170
Bottom in mm 402 451
Application of
Load from top of pole in meter 0.6 0.6
Depth of Planting in meter 1.8 2

Similar six sections of 13 m in length of poles shall be used for crossing existing 11 kV lines.
The poles shall be hot dip galvanized and the rate of galvanization shall be as per the relevant
standards. Similarly, the bottom section is additionally painted with bituminous paint for the
protection from the corrosion.The proposed structure data sheet showing the line length, type of
tower and conductor requirement is presented in the table 8.5.

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Table 8-5: Structure data sheet

Frame Type Conductor

(Sq.mm.)
Break No. of
Pole Cumulative No. of Length
S.N Span, m Angle Stays
No. span, m Poles H H (km)
(degrees) SA (HT)
DDE Straight DDE
100 mm2

1 P1 0 2 1
2 P2 101 101 13 2 1 3 0.320
3 P3 215 114 3 2 1 0.359
3 P3 317 102 8 2 1 0.320
4 P4 407 90 30 1 1 1 0.284
5 P5 564 157 5 2 1 0.494
6 P6 756 192 13 2 1 3 0.604
7 P7 843 87 0 1 1 0.275
8 P8 984 141 2 2 1 0.443
9 P9 1,147 163 2 2 1 0.514
10 P10 1,263 116 65 2 1 2 0.365
11 P11 1,283 20 64 1 1 2 0.064
12 P12 1,481 198 4 2 1 0.624
13 P13 1,636 154 3 2 1 0.485
14 P14 1,768 132 15 2 1 3 0.416
15 P15 1,887 120 16 2 1 3 0.378
16 P16 2,017 129 3 2 1 0.408
17 P17 2,078 61 7 1 1 0.193
18 P18 2,234 156 7 2 1 0.492
19 P19 2,298 63 6 1 1 0.199
20 P20 2,431 133 14 2 1 3 0.419
21 P21 2,488 57 7 1 1 0.180
22 P22 2,656 168 21 2 1 3 0.531
23 P23 2,740 84 35 1 1 1 0.265
24 P24 2,853 113 10 2 1 0.356
25 P25 2,973 120 8 2 1 0.378
26 P26 3,115 142 6 2 1 0.447
27 P27 3,172 57 2 1 1 0.180
28 P28 3,238 66 7 1 1 0.209
29 P29 3,364 125 13 2 1 3 0.395
30 P30 3,411 47 32 1 1 1 0.149
31 P31 3,523 112 48 2 1 2 0.352
32 P32 3,588 65 9 1 1 0.206
33 P33 3,689 101 39 2 1 3 0.317
34 P34 3,750 61 43 1 1 1 0.193
35 P35 3,910 160 0 2 1 0.504
36 P35A 4,070 160 22 2 1 3 0.504
37 P36 3,945 35 - 1 1 2 0.109
4105 63 7 6 13 12 39 12.93

8.7 Conductor

Based on the minimum line losses and voltage drop Aluminium Conductor with Steel
Reinforcement (ACSR) trade name DOG conductor of area 100 mm2 is proposed for power
evacuation.

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Table 8-6: Technical Details of ACSR Conductor

Item Description Unit Data
1. ACSR "DOG"
2
1.1 Conductor size mm 100
1.2 Conductor type ACSR DOG
1.3 Number and size of wires
1.3.1 Aluminium No 6
dia. mm 4.72
1.3.2 Steel No. 7
dia. mm 1.57
1.4 Cross section
1.4.1 Aluminum mm2 105.0
1.4.2 Steel mm2 13.55
2
1.4.3 Total mm 118.60
1.5 Conductor diameter mm 14.15
1.6 Ultimate strength N 32700
1.7 Standard mass of conductor kg/km 394
1.8 Electrical D.C. resistance at 200 C ohm/km 0.273
1.9 Standard of length on reel m 1,000
1.10 Standards BS 215 PART 2

8.8 Interconnection facilities

Interconnection scheme will be such that there will be minimum disturbance to Pikhuwa 33 kV
transmission line. Utmost care shall be taken during the interconnection facilities construction, so
that minimum shutdown occurs. The breaker, relays shall confirm the latest international standard.
In interconnection point one 33 kV line bay consisting of 33 kV vacuum circuit breaker, 30 kV
lightning arresters, 33 kV manual operated disconnectors and 33 kV current and voltage
transformers are required.

All the equipments will be of high standard and comply with all other equipment used in Nepal.
The details of interconnection with the ratings are shown in single line diagram and briefly
presented in the table below.

Table 8-7: Interconnection equipment required in 33/11 kV Bhojpur Substation

S.No. Description of Item Unit Quantity
33 kV, 3 phase 800A, 25 kA outdoor vacuum circuit breaker
1 complete with accessories Set 1

33 kV Line breaker panel complete with directional over current

2 relay, earth fault relay, master trip relay, metering devices Set 1
33 kV, 630 A, (STC 3 sec), 20 kA , 3 phase disconnecting switch
3 without earthing facility outdoor type Set 1
33 kV, 630 A, (STC 3 sec), 20 kA , 3 phase disconnecting switch
4 with earthing facility outdoor type Set 1
30 kV, 10 kA, Lightning arrester outdoor station type with surge
5 monitor Nos. 3

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33 kV, 50 VA, 33,000/ √3/110/√3V-110/√3V, 3P for protection and

0.5 for metering, outdoor potential transformer complete with
6 accessories Nos. 3
33 kV, 300/1-1A two core outdoor current transformers complete
with accessories, 20 VA 5P20 for protection
7 and 20 VA, 0.5 for metering. Nos. 3
8 33 kV Power fuse complete set Nos. 3
9 33 kV Post Insulators to complete the scope of work Nos. 3
33 kV Insulator strings with tension set, connectors, brack strap to
10 complete the scope of work 1 set= 3 disc Lot 1
Galvanized steel structure for incoming, busbar gantry and
equipment (e.g. CB, CT, PI, LA, isolators, HT metering, PF,
lightning mast) supporting frame complete with bolts, nuts and all
11 accessories. Lot 1
Busbars, conductors and different connectors to complete the
12 specified scope of works. Lot 1
Low voltage power and control cables and necessary equipment to
13 complete the work. Lot 1
14 Necessary jointing kits Lot 1
Earthing System to connect switchyard equipment to existing earth
15 to achieve one ohm resistance Lot 1
16 Energy meter 0.2 accuracy class Nos. 2
17 33 kV HT metering unit 0.2 accuracy class with two metering cores Set 1
18 Spare parts Lot 1
19 Supply and delivery up to site Lot 1
20 Erection, testing and commissioning Lot 1
21 Civil works Lot 1

8.9 Metering Equipment

The metering equipment shall be placed for each generator to measure the power generated.
Similarly, an energy meter shall also be installed after the power transformer in 33 kV side to
measure the transmitted power and energy. The static bi-directional energy meter shall be
installed by the project in 33 kV side in interconnection point (Bhojpur Substation) at the
incoming 33 kV transmission line from Pikhuwa powerhouse.

The maintenance free 33 kV HT metering equipment comprising of CT and PT shall be of 0.2

accuracy class. The CT and PT each shall have double metering core. The energy meter shall
be used for the purpose of power trading i.e. to measure an energy export by the power house
and also to measure an energy import by the powerhouse during breakdown and maintenance
periods. The energy meter and metering equipment shall be indoor and outdoor type respectively. A
provision of a separate set of check energy meter shall also be provided by the company.

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8.10 Communication System

The telephone lines are proposed in the project for powerhouse, switchyard and inter-
connection point. The area is already facilitated by CDMA phone facilities. Similarly, the reliable
communication shall be provided between powerhouse, Bhojpur SS and intake area.

8.11 Construction Power

Around 250 kVA power shall be required during the construction time of the project. There will
be mechanical workshop which will utilizes around 100 kVA of power and along the alignment
there will be 3 units each of 50 kVA transformers used for welding of the penstock and third one
in headworks area. One transformer may be solely used for crusher plant. The back up diesel
generator of at least 1 x 100 kVA shall be required so that the project won’t be disturbed due to
load shedding.

From proposed power house 11 kV line with ACSR RABBIT conductor (50mm2) shall be used
along the alignment and transformer shall be installed with all the necessary protections such as
lightning arresters, drop out fuse, earthing set, MCCBs, etc. and from transformer point, 0.4 kV,
3phase 4 wire line shall be constructed along the alignment which will be strung in 9 metre steel
telescopic/wooden poles. ABC cable (50 mm2) shall be used for 3 phase 4 wire system along
the alignment. The same power line and transformer can be used later for the lighting around
the head works, powerhouse and camp site. The construction power alignment does not have
any adverse effect in the environment. The power line alignment shall be in parallel with the
Headrace and penstock alignment.

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