Research Statement

Submitted by: Ravi Poudel

Email: mravimecher@gmal.com
The sediment erosion has been one of the most crucial and challenging problem in the design,
operation and maintenance of the runners for the hydro power plants. The high amount of
sediment and the high quantity of hard substances like quartz in the sediments cause severe
damages to the runner in very short period of time. The Erosion are mainly caused by the
impact of sediments on the surface of the runner. The wear caused by the sediment laden
water deteriorates the runner blades, guide vanes and other components that are subjected to
the flowing water. The extent of erosion depends on quantity of sediment, hardness of the
sediments, and operating conditions and design of the turbine as well as the material used for
the turbine manufacturing. Damages caused by the sediment erosion affects the flow patterns
in the runner and reduces the efficiency of the runner which ultimately leads to economic
losses. Realizing this scenario there is dire need for extensive research in design of runners,
materials to be used for manufacturing, optimization of the operating conditions so that the
turbines can withstand such abrasive sediments for longer duration of time. There is also need
of research for proper operation and maintenance of runners for such sediment laden hydro
projects. Personally, for me this challenge and the prospects of getting an opportunity to serve
the hydro industry of Nepal, has sparked my interest to pursue my further studies in
researching the possible solutions and remedies for sediment laden hydropower projects. It is
mainly for this reason that I have chosen the “Experimental Study of Sediment Erosion in
Francis Turbine in Laboratory Condition” as my research topic for the Master’s degree.
The runners of hydro power plants in Nepal require frequent overhaul and repair in very short
duration of time. This is because of very high amount of sediment in the Nepalese river which
are rich in hard and erosive substances. Withdrawal of clean water from the river for power
production is expensive due to design, construction and operation of sediment settling basins
(Neopane HP, 2010). To overcome sediment erosion related failures, development of erosion
resistant alloys, coatings of the components and optimization of hydraulic design of the
components are important practices (Thapa et. al, 2015). My interest is to study the
phenomenon of the sediment erosion in Francis Turbines and investigate the phenomenon in
laboratory condition so as to better understand the process of erosion.
Kathmandu University has been doing several researches regarding the design, operation and
maintenance of sediment resistant hydro turbines. Several researchers are working on this field
to develop core competency in field of hydropower. Funded projects like “Francis turbine for
sediment laden water”, “Experimental investigation of sediment erosion in Francis and Cross
flow turbines”, “Condition monitoring of Hydropower Plants in Nepal Owned by NEA” and many
more projects are running under Turbine testing lab at Kathmandu university. It will be an
opportunity and an honor to work with Turbine Testing Lab under the supervisors of
Kathmandu University. Under the proper guidance of my supervisors, I plan to conduct my
work plan as follows for my research works on “Experimental Study of Sediment Erosion in
Francis Turbine in Laboratory Condition”.
- Literature Review regarding the existing researches done on the sediment
characteristics of different hydro power plants and extensive study of sediment
characteristics of different hydropower of Nepal.
- Data collection on erosion rates of turbines and the overhaul and repair cost borne by
hydropower plants in Nepal due to sediment erosion.
- Design of laboratory procedures for analysis of sediment erosion in a model turbine at
Turbine Testing Lab.
- Analysis of the experiment conducted and report preparations.
- Conduct research to provide possible remedies to the sediment laden hydro power
plants to lessen and mitigate the downtime costs due to sediment erosion of turbines.
After I completed my undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering from Kathmandu
university, I worked as site Engineer at Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project from June 2016
till now. I have worked for monitoring and supervision of various electromechanical and
hydromechanical installations including turbines, nozzles, MIV, MSOV, Generators, Penstocks,
Hydraulic gates, and hydraulic power units and related accessories. After completion of the
construction works, I also witnessed the commissioning tests of the power plant and currently I
am working on shift duties for plant operation. During this exposure to operation period of
short time in this wet season we have witnessed substantial and noticeable erosion on runner.
This experience has also given me a feel of how erosive and deteriorating could be the problem
of sediments in context of Nepal. After gaining the practical experience with construction and
operation of hydropower plant I would like to further pursue my higher academic degree in
research related to the relevant field. Thus I have chosen the “Experimental Study of Sediment
Erosion in Francis Turbine in Laboratory Condition” as my research topic for the Master’s
degree.

Bibliography:

1. Neopane HP. Sediment Erosion in Hydro Turbines. Faculty of Engineering Science and
Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). March 2010.
2. Thapa BS., Dahlhaug OG, Thapa B. Sediment erosion in hydro turbines and its effect on the flow
around guide vanes of Francis turbine. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. September
2015.