11.

Turbine Selection
In a mini hydro power plant design, the hydraulic turbines are important hydraulic machines
of the plant that convert the hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. There are different
types of turbines such as a Pelton turbine, Kaplan turbine, Francis turbine, bulb turbine etc.
Different factors are affecting the selection of a turbine.

11.1 Factors that affects the turbine selection.

1. Head

The hydraulic turbine selection should be decided based on the head, and for different head
ranges different turbines are suitable as given in the below table.

Fig 1
As per our design parameters, net head was identified as 115m.

2. Specific speed

The Specific speed is high for turbines which works under high heads and low flow rate.
Similarly, specific speed is low for a turbine which works under the low head and high flow
rate. When the specific speed of the selected turbine is not up to the required range, then
the rotational speed of turbine reduces thus the capacity of plant reduces. In this particular
design net head is 115m and design flow is 1.2m3s-1.

Type of Turbine Specific speed range

Pelton turbine 10 - 70

Francis turbine 80 - 400

Kaplan turbine 300 - 1000

Bulb turbine 1000 - 1200

3. Rotational speed

The rotational speed of the turbine depends upon the specific speed of the turbine,
frequency and number of pair of poles in the electric generator. So, the specific speed of the
selected turbine should produce the same amount of rotation speed of the generator

4. Efficiency of the turbine.

The efficiency of the turbine selected should be as high as possible and it is considered for
various working conditions of turbines. Different turbines in decreasing order of their overall
efficiency are as below.

Efficiency of turbines = Francis Turbine > Kaplan Turbine > Pelton Turbine

5. Part load operation

In general, the efficiency of the turbine is maximum when it is running with a designed load
condition. When the part-load or overload condition arises the efficiency reduces which is
uneconomical.

The range of flow rates and discharges of the water resource throughout the year provide
another important parameter to select an appropriate turbine type for the site’s net head as
system losses may be altered. Practically in order to estimate the output of water turbine
has been developed experience curves which define the relation between the output of
water turbine and the head, the specific speed with the head. Further, it is very easy using
experience curves to determine what type of turbine is suitable for a particular
development. The selection of appropriate water turbine depends on the specific speed, the
head, and the rate of rotation and the output of water turbine.

In this design turbine was selected by taking the below table in to consideration. (Curves
which shows possible application ranges for various types of turbines)
 Fig 2

Considering all the above factors, A single Pelton turbine rated for 1000 kW was selected as
the turbine for this design. Main reason for this selection is better part load efficiencies of
Pelton turbines.
According to the flow duration curve, 98% of the time flow is higher than 0.65 m3/s. which
accounts for 42% of the rated capacity. Pelton Turbine offer close to 90% efficiency at these
flow levels. Therefore, having two turbines will not be advantageous.

12. Electrical and Control System of the plant.

Generator

 Type : Synchronous
 Capacity: 1000kVA
 Rated Output: 800W
 Rated Voltage: 400V
 Rated Frequency: 50Hz
 Power Factor: 0.8
 Duty: Continuous

Plant Transformer :

 400 V/33 kV 1000 kVA step up transformer is used.

Control System :

 PLC and SCADA based system for water issuing and water level sensing
13. Financial Evaluation
 Under the financial evaluation we have considered some assumptions as given below.

Tariff paid by CEB

Tier 1: 22.00 LKR/kWh (1-7 years)
Tier 2: 15.90 LKR/kWh (8-15 years)

Actual O&M of Inflation increment 8%

100 % depreciation over 15 years with unit rate.

First we have done the load schedule as mentioned below.

Loan Schedule

Loan Schedule

Project Cost 350 MRs

Debt Equity Ratio 4:1
Loan 300 MRs
Equity 50 MRs
Loan period 5 years
Interest rate 14% 42

Year 0 1 2 3 4 5
Opening Balance 300 240 192 153.6 122.88
24.19 19.353 15.4828
Interest 37.8 30.24 2 6 8
Loan Repayment 60 48 38.4 30.72 24.576
Closing Balance 240 192 153.6 122.88 98.304
Profit and loss statement

Cash Flow

Conclusion

Based on the financial evaluation it can be concluded that project is financially viable to proceed.
Calculated project IRR value is 18%.