DESIGN OF A SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANT FOR GRID CONNECTED AND ISOLATED MODE OPERATION

Abstract

At present, mostly, energy requirement is met by fossil-fuels. Due to uncertain nature towards availability of fossil fuels, new and renewable sources of energy are gaining importance day by day. In India development of small hydro power has been taking place since a long time wherever encouraging factors are existed. Large small hydro potential is available in India. A number of projects are presently under construction in various states. At present most of the villages including remote .hilly areas especially in the North Eastern States have already been electrified with existing grid. However, power supply in these areas is very irregular due to power restriction, frequent load shedding from different load despatch centres and line fault due to land slides, fallen trees etc., as the lines have to pass. through thick jungles, high cliffs and deeps gorges. Thus it is not recommended to synchronize the generated power with weak and unstable grid. This study presents the design of a SHP plant which is to be run in isolated mode for supplying power to the areas which have already been electrified with grid. The work includes the hydro power potential assessment, design aspects of civil works and selection of electromechanical equipment. A model of power evacuation system has been developed for a SHP plant which is to be run in isolated mode.