POWER CHANNELS

 Conveyance system from dam to Forebay

Note: Only lined channels are covered in this lecture series

LAYOUT & DATA REQUIREMENTS .

The following data are required for planning and layout of open power channels:

a) Topographical map of the area;

b) Sub-surface data of soil characteristics including mechanical properties and shear
parameters;
c) Texture and composition of soil;
d) Permeability of sub-grade strata in relation to seepage loss and for design of filters;
e) Water availability;
f) Sub-soil water level, annual fluctuations in its levels in the area and quality of sub-soil
water;
g) Drainage facilities of the area including possibility of water logging and salination
h) Quantity and gradation of sediment load expected in the power channel;
i) Permissible sediment grade through water turbines;
j) Discharge requirements of irrigation system, if the channel has to cater for irrigation
also;
k) Power demand and load curve of the area and future extension of power demand;
l) Seismicity of the region ground acceleration;
m) Availability of suitable materials, including filter proposed drainage system and and
value of construction materials for under lining;
n) Existing communication and transport Facilities.
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Design of lined power channel

1. Resistance Equation

Manning’s Equation

1
Q AR 2 / 3S1/ 2
n

n = 0.018-0.02 for Brick and tile lining

n = 0.015-0.018 for finished concrete lining

See value of n for different surfaces in IS 10430: 2000

2. Longitudinal slope

Flatter longitudinal slope of power channel is provided to decrease loss of

energy in the power channels.
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3. Recommended Side Slopes

S.No. Type of Soil Side Slopes (H:V)

i) Very light loose sand to average sandy soil 2:1 to 3:1
ii) Sandy loam 1.5:1 to 2:1 (in cutting)
2:1 (in filling)
iii) Sandy gravel 1.5:1 (in cutting)
1.5:1 to 2:1 (in filling)
iv) Black cotton 1.5:1 to 2.5:1 (in cutting)
2:1 to 3.5:1 (in filling)
v) Clayey soils 1.5:1 to 2:1 (in cutting)
1.5:1 to 2.5:1 (in filling)
vi) Rock 0.25:1 to 0.5:1

The above slopes are for channel up to depth of flow 6 m (IS 10430: 2000)
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4. Limiting Velocities

S.No. Type of Lining Limiting Velocities

i) Stone-pitched lining 1.5 m/s
ii) Burnt clay tile or brick lining 1.8 m/s

iii) Cement concrete lining 2.7 m/s

(IS 10430: 2000)

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5. Radii of the Curves

Usually 3 to 7 times the water surface width is provided subject to minimum

(IS 10430: 2000)

Discharge (m3/s) Rmin (m)

>280 900
200-280 750
140-200 600
70-140 450
40-70 300
10-40 200
3-10 150
0.3-3 100
<0.3 50

If the above radius is not provided, suitable super elevation is to be provided

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6. Super elevation in Curves

Change in water surface elevation across the width

V2 R o
H  ln
2g R i

Ro and Ri are outer and inner radii of the curve; V is the average velocity
across the width

7. Energy loss in Curves

V2
EL  K
2g
 hq   g g 
K  24    2.5 2 
 c  
R C C 

h = depth flow; C= Chezy’s coefficient; q = Deviation angle

Rc = Centreline radius
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8. Free Board

Decided on the basis of surge analysis

As per IS 7916: 1992

Maximum upsurge for abrupt closure h max  h v  2h v h

2

h V2
Maximum upsurge for gradual closure hmax  v V h / g ; hv 
2 2g

h= effective depth = Area of flow/Top width

V = Average velocity
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9. Geometric Functions for Channel Elements
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10.Most Economical Section
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11. ROUNDED CORNERS SECTIONS

Area of flow, A = BY+Y2 (q+cotq)

Perimeter, P = B+2Y(q+cotq)
Top width, T = B+2Y cosecq
Hydraulic radius, R = A /P
Manning’s equation for the mean Velocity in S.I. units,
1 2 / 3 1/ 2
V R S
n

q
q q
q
q
q q
q

Y Y

B
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12. BY PASSING ARRANGEMENT UNDER SUDDEN VALVE CLOSURE

Balancing reservoir
Escape Regulator if power channel is long

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13. UNDER-DRAINAGE BEHIND LINING

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14. SEDIMENT CONTROL (Desilting tank)