CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO HYDRO POWER

1.1) HISTORY OF HYDRO POWER
Humans have been harnessing water to perform work for thousands of years. The
Greeks used water wheels for grinding wheat into flour more than 2000 years ago.
Besides grinding flour, the power of the water was used to saw wood and power textile
mills. For more than a century, the technology for using falling water to create
hydroelectricity has existed. The evolution of the modern hydropower turbine began in
the mid-1700s when a French hydraulic and military engineer, Bernard Forest de Blidor
wrote Architecture Hydraulique. In this four volume work, he described using a vertical-
axis versus a horizontalaxis machine. During the 1700s and 1800s, water turbine
development continued. In 1880, a brush arc light dynamo driven by a water turbine was
used to provide theatre and storefront lighting in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and in 1881, a
brush dynamo connected to a turbine in a flour mill provided street lighting at Niagara
Falls, New York. These two projects used direct-current technology. Alternating current
is used today. That breakthrough came when the electric generator was coupled to the
turbine, which resulted in the world's, and the United States', first hydroelectric plant
located in Appleton, Wiscons in 1882.

1.2) HYDROELECTRIC POWER / HYDROELECTRICITY

Hydro means "water". So, hydropower is "water power" and hydroelectric power is
electricity generated using water power. Potential energy (or the "stored" energy in a
reservoir) becomes kinetic (or moving energy). This is changed to mechanical energy in a
power plant, which is then turned into electrical energy. Hydroelectric power is a
renewable resource. In an impoundment facility (see below), water is stored behind a
dam in a reservoir. In the dam is a water intake. This is a narrow opening to a tunnel
called a penstock.

Water pressure (from the weight of the water and gravity) forces the water through the
penstock and onto the blades of a turbine. A turbine is similar to the blades of a child's pinwheel.
But instead of breath making the pinwheel turn, the moving water pushes the blades and turns
the turbine. The turbine spins because of the force of the water. The turbine is connected to an
electrical generator inside the powerhouse. The generator produces electricitythat travels over
long-distance power lines to homes and businesses. The entire process is called hydroelectricity.

1.3) TYPES OF HYDRO POWER PLANTS

There are three types of hydropower facilities:
 Impoundment
 Diversion
 Pumped storage.

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 Some hydropower plants use dams and some do not. The images below show both types of
hydropower plants. Many dams were built for other purposes and hydropower was added later.
In the United States, there are about 80,000 dams of which only 2,400 produce power. The other
dams are for recreation, stock/farm ponds, flood control, water supply, and irrigation.
Hydropower plants range in size from small systems for a home or village to large projects
producing electricity for utilities.

(a) Impoundment : The most common type of hydroelectric power plant is an impoundment
facility. An impoundment facility, typically a large hydropower system, uses a dam to store river
water in a reservoir. Water released from the reservoir flows through a turbine, spinning it, which
in turn activates a generator to produce electricity. The water may be released either to meet
changing electricity needs or to maintain a constant reservoir level

(b) Diversion: A diversion, sometimes called run-of-river, facility channels a portion of a

river through a canal or penstock. It may not require the use of a dam.

(c) Pumped Storage: When the demand for electricity is low, a pumped storage facility stores
energy by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. During periods of high
electrical demand, the water is released back to the lower reservoir to generate electricity.
Pumped storage hydro-electricity works on a very simple principle .Two reservoirs at different
altitudes are required. When the water is released, from the upper reservoir, energy is created by
the down flow which is directed through high-pressure shafts, linked to turbines. In turn, the
turbines power the generators to create electricity. Water is pumped back to the upper reservoir
by linking a pump shaft to the turbine shaft, using a motor to drive the pump.

The pump motors are powered by electricity from the National Grid the process usually takes
place overnight when national electricity demand is at its lowestA dynamic response Dinorwig's
six generating units can achieve maximum output, from zero, within 16 seconds. Pump storage
generation offers a critical back-up facility during periods of excessive demand on the national
grid system.

1.4) SIZES OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS

Facilities range in size from large power plants that supply many consumers with
electricity to small and micro plants that individuals operate for their own energy needs
or to sell power to utilities.

(a) Large hydropower: Although definitions vary, the U.S. Department of Energy defines
large hydropower as facilities that have a capacity of more than 30 megawatts.
(b) Small hydropower: Although definitions vary, DOE defines small hydropower as
facilities that have a capacity of 100 kilowatts to 30 megawatts.
(c) Micro hydropower: A micro hydropower plant has a capacity of up to 100 kilowatts.
A small Or micro hydroelectric power system can produce enough electricity for a
home,farm, ranch, or village.

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1.5) LAYOUT OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
Hydroelectric power plants convert the hydraulic potential energy from water into
electrical energy. Such plants are suitable were water suitable head are available. The
layout covered in this article is just simple one and only cover the important parts of
hydroelectric plant. The different parts of a hydroelectric power plant are

(a) Dam: Dams are structures built over rivers to stop the water flow and form a
reservoir. The reservoir stores the water flowing down the river. This water is
diverted to turbines in power stations. The dams collect water during the rainy season
and stores it, thus allowing for a steady flow through the turbines throughout the year.
Dams are also used for controlling floods and irrigation. The dams should be water-
tight and should be able to withstand the pressure exerted by the water on it. There
are different types of dams such as arch dams, gravity dams and buttress dams. The
height of water in the dam is called head race.

(b) Spillway: A spillway as the name suggests could be called as a way for spilling of
water from dams. It is used to provide for the release of flood water from a dam. It is
used to prevent over toping of the dams which could result in damage or failure of
dams. Spillways could be controlled type or uncontrolled type. The uncontrolled
types start releasing water upon water rising above a particular level. But in case of
the controlled type, regulation of flow is possible.

(c) Penstock and Tunnel Penstocks: These are pipes which carry water from the reservoir
to the turbines inside power station. They are usually made of steel and are equipped
with gate systems. Water under high pressure flows through the penstock. A tunnel
serves the same purpose as a penstock. It is used when an obstruction is present
between the dam and power station such as a mountain.

(d) Surge Tank: Surge tanks are tanks connected to the water conductor system. It serves
the purpose of reducing water hammering in pipes which can cause damage to pipes.
The sudden surges of water in penstock is taken by the surge tank, and when the
water requirements increase, it supplies the collected water there by regulating water
flow and pressure inside the penstock.

Power Station Power station contains a turbine coupled to a generator. The water brought to
the power station rotates the vanes of the turbine producing torque and rotation of turbine shaft.
This rotational torque is transferred to the generator and is converted into electricity. The used
water is released through the tail race. The difference between headrace and tailrace is called
gross head and by subtracting the frictional losses we get the net head available to the turbine for
generation of electricity.

3
Fig.1.5

4
1.6)SELECTION OF SITE FOR A HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT

Some points that should be given importance while selecting a site for hydroelectric
power station given below: Availability of water Since the primary requirement for a
hydroelectric power station, is the availability of huge amount of water such plants
should be built at a place (eg.river,canal)where adequate water is available at good head.
Storage of water. There are wide variation in water supply from a river or canal during
the year. This makes its necessary to store water by constructing a dam in order to ensure
the generation of power supply throughout the year .The storage helps in equalizing the
flow of water so that excess quantity of water at a certain period of the year can be made
available during times of low flow in the river .This leads to the conclusion that site
selected for hydroelectric plant should provide adequate facilities for erecting a dam and
storage of water. Cost and type of land. The land for the construction of plant should be
available at reasonable price. Further the bearing capacity of the soil should be adequate
to withstand the installation of heavy equipment. Transportation facilities The site
selected for the hydroelectric power plant should be accessible by road and rail so that
necessary equipments and machinery could be easily transported . It is clear from the
above mentioned factors that ideal choice of site for such a plant is near a river in hilly
areas where dam can be conveniently built and large reservoirs can be obtained.

1.6) ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF HYDRO POWER PLANT

ADVANTAGES:

1. Renewable source of energy thereby saves scares fuel reserves.

2. Economical source of power.

3. Non-polluting and hence environment friendly.

4. Reliable energy source with approximately 90% availability.

5. Low generation cost compared with other energy sources.

6. Indigenous, inexhaustible, perpetual and renewable energy source.

7. Low operation and maintenance cost.

8. Possible to build power plant of high capacity.

9. Plant equipment is simple and has higher efficiency from about 95% to 98%.

10. Socio-economic benefits being located usually remote areas.

11. Fuel is not burned so there is minimal pollution.

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 12. Water to run the power plant is provided free by nature.

DISADVANTAGES:

1. Susceptible to vagaries of nature such as draught.

2. Longer construction period and high initial cost.

3. Loss of large land due to reservoir.

4. Non-availability of suitable sites for the construction of dam.

5. Displacement of large population from reservoir area and rehabilitation.

6. Environmental aspect reservoirs verses river ecology.

7. High cost of transmission system for remote sites.

8. They use up valuable and limited natural resources.

9. They can produce a lot of pollution.

10. Companies have to dig up the Earth or drills wells to get the coal oil and gas.

11. For nuclear power plants there are waste disposal problems.

KEY FACTS:

1. World-wide, about 20% of all electricity is generated by hydropower.

2. Hydropower is clean. It prevents the burning of billion gallons of oil or 120 million
tons of coal each year.

3. Hydropower does not produce greenhouse gasses or other air pollution.

4. Hydropower leaves behind no waste.

5. Hydropower is the most efficient way to generate electricity. Modern hydro turbines
can convert as much as 90% of the available energy into electricity. The best fossil fuel
plants are only about 50% efficient.

6. Water is a naturally recurring domestic product and is not subject to the whims of
foreign suppliers.

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7
 CHAPTER 2

SHILPARA HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT

2.1) INTRODUCTION

Shilpara is the second POWER PLANT THAT COMES UNDER THE Bansagar hydel
power plant bansagar-II IN THE DISTRICT REWA. It is developed in the canal that is made
under the Bansagar pariyojana.

Power house complex at Shilpara power house complex consist of fore bay,intake,penstock
power house,bypass and tail race channel. Two units of 15mw each are installed at the silpara
power house to generate at 80gw hours per year at waterhead.

The foundation level of power house is about 12m below ground level. Water is fed to the
turbine through 2 pen stocks of 6m dia each of about 55m length. The water from the power
house is discharge in ganga canal head works through a tail race channel 1.2km long.The power
house with an istalled capacity of 30MW has two generating sets and each having a capacity of
15MW designed, manufacturered and supplied by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited.

2.2) SHILPARA POWER HOUSE AT A GLANCE

Installed capacity Head Discharge Turbine RPM Generation voltage Transmission voltage

Hydro generator;-

Kilowatt;-5000

Power factor:-0.85(lag)

KVA=17647VAR

Volts;-11000

Ampere;-926

Voltage range:- 5%

Max. Cont. Rating :-17000kw

Excitation voltage:-125amp

Excitation current:-960amps

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Rpm:-166.7

Hertz:-50

Phase:-3
connection:-Star

Rotation;-clockwise

Hydro turbine:

Type:-Kalpan, Rated speed 166.7rpm Rated head ;-21.3rpm, Rated output;-17.85mw

Unit 1st

Commencement:- 28-08-2002

Unit 2nd

Commencement:- 01-09-2002

2.3) ELECTRICAL STRUCTURE OF SHILPARA POWER HOUSE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:

The electrical systems consists of following important parts. Phase water wheel alternator
There are 2 synchronous machine of 40 MVA capacities each. The main features are: Capacity
Type Power factor Speed Frequency Stator Rotor Rotation Excitation Poles Armature winding
resistance per phase Field winding resistance 40MVA Suspension 0.9 187.5/385 RPM 50Hz
11000v/2100A 174v/834A Clockwise Static(Thyristor convertor) 32 0.009 0.145

Line changing capacity at the rated 32Mvar voltage with 15% Of rated excitation.

Transformer Main Transformer (2 Units) Connection Power rating HV side voltage LV side
voltage Line current(HV) Line current(LV) Star-Delta 42.5 MVA 139 KV 11 KV 176.5 A
2231A

Tap Positions HV Side (KV) 145.95 142.475 139.00 135.50 132.05 Tap Position 1 2 3 4 5
LV Side (KV) 11 11 11 11 11

Auxiliary Transformer (2Units) Power Rating Voltage at no load HV side Voltage at no load
LV side Current (HV side) Current (LV side) Switch yard Specifications of equipments in the
switch yard areEquipments Manufacturer Capacity : 800 KVA 11000 V 415 V 41.98 A 1113 A

9
 Generator Main Transformer Air Blast Circuit Breaker Isolator CT PT Coupling Capacitor
Wave TrapLighting Arrester

BHEL BHEL HBB HBB TELK/BHEL TELK/BHEL HBB HBB W.S36 MW 11/39 KV,42.5
MVA 1250 A 1250 A 800/400/200 A 132 110/500 MHZ 630/0.5 MH 30 KV/10 KA

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 CHAPTER 3

COMPONENTS OF POWER HOUSE

The power house is mainly in two tasks

(a) Generation of electricity

(b) Transmission of electricity

The components of power house are:

1. Generation Distribution
2. Transformers Feeders
3. Circuit breakers
4. Protection scheme
5. Excitation system
6. Water conducting system
7. Cooling system
8. Compressed air system
9. Servo oil system
10. Clean water supply system

3.1) WATER CONDUCTING SYSTEM

In water conducting system the process of water is described. The water conducting system
contain the following unit Power channel Intake and Pen stock Draft tube.

Power channel: It is the first stage of water conducting system. It is formed by diverting the
river in smaller part i.e. Canal/Power Channel (Neher). River Ganga is diverted by a barrage into
a power channel of 14.3 km length. It connects river and intake. Intake. It is the place where the
water is stored before entering it into penstock.

Pen stock: Here the intake water is supplied to the turbine. The process of energy conversion
began form here. The potential energy of water is converted into kinetic energy. The water is
passed under the effect of gravity from a high of 32.5 m (100 ft.) via a pipe of diameter 6 m (20
ft.). The pressure of pan stock is 3.5 kg/cm3 Draft tube. A draft tube is one important part of a
turbine, which is used to transform water into energy. A turbine draft tube is found within the
piping system of a turbine. These draft tubes are used in turbines that function in jets, dams, or
anywhere else where turbines help do difficult mechanical work. Turbines need to have a
minimum amount of water to propel them in order to produce enough energy. Early versions of
turbines, however, did not include draft tubes in their design. Without them, the pressure could
drop because of lack of water, and in turn, the entire turbine could fail to work and power could
be lost.

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3.2) TURBINE

A turbine is a rotary mechanical device that extracts energy from a fluid flow and converts it
into useful work. A turbine is a turbo machine with at least one moving part called a rotor
assembly, which is a shaft or drum with blades attached. Moving fluid acts on the blades so that
they move and impart rotational energy to the rotor. There are four type of hydro turbine named
as:

Pelton turbine, Francis turbine, Kaplan turbine, Turgo turbine and Cross-flow turbine (Banki-
Michell turbine or Ossberger turbine)

Kaplan turbine: These are used in SILPARA. The Kaplan turbine is invented by Prof. Viktor
Kaplan of Austria during 1913-1922 and a great development of early 20th century. The Kaplan
turbine has some specific properties as The Kaplan is of the propeller type, similar to an airplane
propeller. The difference between the Propeller and Kaplan turbines is that the Propeller turbine
has fixed runner blades while the Kaplan turbine has adjustable runner blades angles. It is a pure
axial flow turbine uses basic aero foil theory. The Kaplan’s blades are adjustable for pitch and
will handle a great variation of flow very efficiently. They are 90% or better in efficiency and are
used in place of the old (but great) Francis types is good in many of installations. They are very
expensive and are used principally in large installations. The Kaplan turbine, unlike all other
propeller turbines, the runner's blades were movable. The application of Kaplan turbines are
from a head of 2m to 40m. The advantage of the double regulated turbines is that they can be
used in a wider field. The double regulated Kaplan turbines can work between 15% and 100% of
the maximum design discharge.

Turbine contains four type of baring:

1. Thrust guide baring

2. Upper guide bearing

3. Lower guide bearing

4. Turbine bearing

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3.3) GENERATOR:

In electricity generation, an electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to

electrical energy. A generator forces electric charge (usually carried by electrons) to flow
through an external electrical circuit. It is analogous to a water pump, which causes water to flow
(but does not create water). The source of mechanical energy water falling through a turbine or
waterwheel. The two main parts of a generator or motor can be described in either mechanical or
electrical terms. Mechanical Rotor: The rotating part of an electrical machine Stator: The
stationary part of an electrical machine

Electrical Armature: The power-producing component of an electrical machine. In a

generator, alternator, or dynamo the armature windings generate the electric current. The
armature can be on either the rotor or the stator.

Field: The magnetic field component of an electrical machine. The magnetic field of the
dynamo or alternator can be provided by either electromagnets or permanent magnets mounted
on either the rotor or the stator.

Because power transferred into the field circuit is much less than in the armature circuit, AC
generators nearly always have the field winding on the rotor and the stator as the armature
winding. Only a small amount of field current must be transferred to the moving rotor, using slip
rings. Direct current machines (dynamos) require a commutator on the rotating shaft to convert
the alternating produced by the armature to direct current, so the armature winding is on the rotor
of the machine. Excitation Generators require direct current to energize its magnetic field. The
DC field current is obtained from a separate source called an exciter. Either rotating or static-
type exciters are used for AC power generation systems. There are two types of rotating exciters:
brush and brushless. The primary difference between brush and brushless exciters is the method
used to transfer the DC exciting current to the generator fields. Static excitation for the generator
fields is provided in several forms including field-flash voltage from storage batteries and
voltage from a system of solid-state components. DC generators are either separately excited or
self-excited. Excitation systems in current use include direct-connected or gear-connected shaft-
driven DC generators, belt-driven or separate prime mover or motor-driven DC generators, and
DC supplied through static rectifiers.

The brush-type exciter can be mounted on the same shaft as the AC generator armature or
can be housed separately from, but adjacent to, the generator. When it is housed separately, the
exciter is rotated by the AC generator through a drive belt. The distinguishing feature of the
brush-type generator is that stationary brushes are used to transfer the DC exciting current to the
rotating generator field. Current transfer is made via rotating slip rings (collector rings) that are
in contact with the brushes. A rotating-rectifier exciter is one example of brushless field
excitation. In rotating-rectifier exciters, the brushes and slip rings are replaced by a rotating,
solid-state rectifier assembly. The exciter armature, generator rotating assembly, and rectifier
assembly are mounted on a common shaft. The rectifier assembly rotates with, but is insulated
from, the generator shaft as well as from each winding. Static exciters contain no moving parts.

13
A portion of the AC from each phase of generator output is fed back to the field windings, as DC
excitations, through a system of transformers, rectifiers, and reactors. An external source of DC
is necessary for initial excitation of the field windings. On engine driven generators, the initial
excitation may be obtained from the storage batteries used to start the engine or from control
voltage at the switchgear.

Fig.3.3

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3.4) TRANSFORMER:

A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through
inductively coupled conductors the transformer's coils. A varying current in the first or primary
winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core and thus a varying magnetic
field through these secondary winding. This varying magnetic field induces a varying
electromotive force (EMF), or "voltage", in the secondary winding. This effect is called
inductive coupling. If a load is connected to the secondary, current will flow in the secondary
winding, and electrical energy will be transferred from the primary circuit through the
transformer to the load. In an ideal transformer, the induced voltage in the secondary winding
(Vs) is in proportion to the primary voltage (Vp) and is given by the ratio of the number of turns
in the secondary (Ns) to the number of turns in the primary (Np) as follows:

By appropriate selection of the ratio of turns, a transformer thus enables an alternating

current (AC) voltage to be "stepped up" by making Ns greater than Np, or "stepped down" by
making Ns less than Np. The windings are coils wound around a ferromagnetic core, air-core
transformers being a notable exception.

Transformers range in size from a thumbnail-sized coupling transformer hidden inside a

stage microphone to huge units weighing hundreds of tons used to interconnect portions of
power grids. All operate on the same basic principles, although the range of designs is wide.
While new technologies have eliminated the need for transformers in some electronic circuits,
transformers are still found in nearly all electronic devices designed for household ("mains")
voltage. Transformers are essential for high-voltage electric power transmission, which makes
long-distance transmission economically practical.

Energy losses: An ideal transformer would have no energy losses, and would be 100%
efficient. In practical transformers, energy is dissipated in the windings, core, and surrounding
structures. Larger transformers are generally more efficient, and those rated for electricity
distribution usually perform better than 98%..Experimental transformers using superconducting
windings achieve efficiencies of 99.85%. The increase in efficiency can save considerable
energy, and hence money, in a large heavily loaded transformer; the trade-off is in the additional
initial and running cost of the superconducting design. Losses in transformers (excluding
associated circuitry) vary with load current, and may be expressed as "no-load" or "full-load"
loss. Winding resistance dominates load losses, whereas hysteresis and eddy currents losses
contribute to over 99% of the no-load loss. The no-load loss can be significant, so that even an
idle transformer constitutes a drain on the electrical supply and a running cost. Designing
transformers for lower loss requires a larger core, good-quality silicon steel, or even amorphous
steel for the core and thicker wire, increasing initial cost so that there is a trade between initial
costs and running cost. Transformer losses are divided into losses in the windings, termed copper
loss, and those in the magnetic circuit, termed iron loss. Losses in the transformer arise from:

Winding resistance, Hysteresis losses, Eddy currents, Magnetostriction, Mechanical losses, Stray
losses.

15
Fig.3.4

16
 CHAPTER 4

MAINTENANCE OF HYDRO POWER PLANT

4.1) WATER SEAL AND AIR SEAL

Check the position of water leakage around the water seal and check that there is no leakage.
Excessive splashing and water level do not rise in top cover. Note water pressure of water
sealing/under sealing.

Fig.4.1

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4.2) TURBINE GUIDE BEARING

Check the oil level (stand still machine/running machine). Note the temperature of bearing
and check that the temperature of oil and guide bearing pads are within limits. Note the
maximum and minimum temperature of the previous day. Check for any oil leakage from the
bearing housing and check that oil is flowing above the bearing pads. Guide Apparatus. Check
any leakage from AC servomotor and its piping. Oil Leakage Unit Check any leakage from pipe
line joints.

Check its satisfactory running on `Auto.

Fig.4.2(a)

Fig.4.2(b)

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4.3) TOP COVER DRAIN SYSTEM

Main supply of `ON for DPM. Vibration noise in the pump motor. Any leakage from the
water piping. Working and water pressure of the ejector.

4.4) CENTRALIZED GREASE LUBRICATION SYSTEM

Oil Header Check from Perspex sheet manhole any splashing of oil from top and bottom
bush. Check any oil leakage from the joints. Note the pressure difference of opening and closing
side of runner. Check for any leakage from grease pipes, unions and nipples. Check grease
container and fill grease, if required.

Oil Pressure System Check if there is any abnormal sound in the running of the motor and pump
unit of OPU. Check the oil level in pressure accumulator. Check any oil leakage from oil piping
and its valve. Check for overheating of motor. Note the timing of OPU pumps running.

Fig.4.4

19
4.5) MECHANICAL CABINET OF GOVERNOR

Pressure in transducer.

Check any oil leakage from joints of piping.Check for any leakage in draft tube manholes, spiral
casing manhole, expansion joint. Check the working of both vacuum breaking valve and see that
there is no abnormality in the springs, seats etc.

Fig.4.5

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 CHAPTER 5

PROTECTION SCHEME
The protection scheme of a power house is studied in two parts: Protection from internal faults
and from external faults

5.1) PROTECTION FROM INTERNAL FAULTS

Internal faults are those faults which occur within the circuit due so some special causes like
short circuit, overheating, etc. to protect the circuit with these fault a typical circuitry of relay
and metering devices is used. Details of the relay used on generator side protection with code Sr.
no. Relay code 1 59 2 3 87 G.T. 21 Name of relay overvoltage type relays overall differential
relay back impedance relay

46

negative phase sequence relay

5 6 7 8 9 10

40 99 27 60 64 50

loss of excitation Pole slipping relay Under voltage relay Auxiliary relay Earth fault relay Over
current relay

5.2) PROTECTION WITH EXTERNAL FAULTS

External faults are those faults which occur in the circuit by virtue of any external means one
of the major cause is the lightening stroke. To protect with this fault lighting arresters are used on
the line.

5.2.1) Lightning Arrester

A lightning arrester is a device used on systems to protect the insulation and conductors of
the system from the damaging effects of lightning. The typical lightning arrester has a high
voltage terminal and a ground terminal. When a lightning surge (or switching surge, which is
very similar) travels along the power line to the arrester, the current from the surge is diverted
through the arrestor, in most cases to earth.

Smaller versions of lightning arresters, also called surge protectors, are devices that are
connected between each electrical conductor in system and the Earth. These prevent the flow of
the normal power or signal currents to ground, but provide a path over which high-voltage
lightning current flows, bypassing the connected equipment.

21
 Their purpose is to limit the rise in voltage when a communications or power line is struck by
lightning or is near to a lightning strike. If protection fails or is absent, Lightning that strikes the
electrical system introduces thousands of kilovolts that may damage the transmission lines, and
can also cause severe damage to transformers and other electrical or electronic devices.
Lightning-produced extreme voltage spikes in incoming power lines can damage electrical home
appliances.

5.2.2) Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an

electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to detect a
fault condition and, by interrupting continuity, to immediately discontinue electrical flow. Unlike
a fuse, which operates once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either
manually or automatically) to resume normal operation. Circuit breakers are made in varying
sizes, from small devices that protect an individual household appliance up to large switchgear
designed to protect high voltage circuits feeding an entire city.

Operation of a circuit breaker:

A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an

electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to detect a
fault condition and, by interrupting continuity, to immediately discontinue electrical flow. Unlike
a fuse, which operates once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either
manually or automatically) to resume normal operation. Circuit breakers are made in varying
sizes, from small devices that protect an individual household appliance up to large switchgear
designed to protect high voltage circuits feeding an entire city. Operation The circuit breaker
must detect a fault condition; in low-voltage circuit breakers this is usually done within the
breaker enclosure. Circuit breakers for large currents or high voltages are usually arranged with
pilot devices to sense a fault current and to operate the trip opening mechanism. The trip
solenoid that releases the latch is usually energized by a separate battery, although some high-
voltage circuit breakers are self-contained with current transformers, protection relays, and an
internal control power source.

Once a fault is detected, contacts within the circuit breaker must open to interrupt the circuit;
some mechanically-stored energy (using something such as springs or compressed air) contained
within the breaker is used to separate the contacts, although some of the energy required may be
obtained from the fault current itself. Small circuit breakers may be manually operated; larger
units have solenoids to trip the mechanism, and electric motors to restore energy to the springs.

22
Fig.5.2.2

23
 CONCLUSION
Hydropower is the cheapest way to generate electricity today. No other energy source,
renewable or non-renewable, can match it. Producing electricity from hydropower is cheapest
because once a dam has been built and the equipment installed, the energy source-flowing water
is free. Although Hydropower does present a few environmental problems the inherent technical,
economic and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power make it an important contributor to
the future world energy. This training proved an opportunity for encounter with such huge
machines like hydrogenerator, transformers etc. The architecture of Hydropower plant way
various units are linked and the way working of whole plant is controlled make the students
realize that Engineering is not just structural description but greater part is planning and
management. It provides an opportunity to learn tech. Used at proper place and time can save a
lot of labour. However, training has proved to be satisfactory. It has allowed us an opportunity to
get an exposure of the practical implementation of theoretical fundamentals.

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