standards / manuals / guidelines for small hydro development - AHEC

2.1.2 Lake/Storage/PondThe operation of lake based plant means keeping the level such that during rainyseason the over flow chances are minimum. In case of diversion type plants it isessential to keep the gates during flood conditions open to avoid flooding and lowerthem only when rain is low or over. In such plant it is essential to check that there isno leakage from the gates or stop log gates. If operator notes that the leakage is more,he should pass on his observation to higher authorities to ensure corrective measuresin the interest of having more generation.2.1.3 Run of River Type PlantsAvailability of water is more important factor in operation of hydro power plants. It istherefore, essential to generate continuously to its full capacity during monsoonseason. Failure of a machine during monsoon can cause a substantial generation loss.All operation staff must, therefore, be very vigilant during this period. In lean seasondiversion barrage gates/diversion weir gates are checked for leakage, correctivemeasures are taken as soon as possible so that there may not be any generation loss onthis account.2.1.4 Power Channel/Duct/CanalThe operation of open channel/duct is critical to water operation and efficiency ofplant. Depending upon the length, condition of lining, head on head regulator, timerequired discharge to reach forebay and to the machine. As per this discharge guidevane opening is calculated. Any time delay or change in opening will affect waterreaching the TG unit causing change in generation. The time taken by water to reachthe turbine will depend on many factors and only experience will make the operatorperfect.2.1.5 ForebayForebay is a essential part of any water conductor system with open channel. It servesthe purpose of connecting penstocks with gates and acts as tank. It takes care of smallvariation in generation, water supply and acts as desilting basin. The operation offorebay is important during picking up load and at the time of tripping of machines.Actual over flow, through bye pass, is always recorded to calculate water wastedduring over flow, specially during lean season.2.2 OPERATION OF POWER STATIONThe operation of power station requires that its staff is trained and well versed with allnecessary technical as well as basic trouble shooting knowledge. As a briefdescription to bring out some details of operating a SHP, the following checks are tobe made before starting of machine:-• Shut down clearance• Water restriction, if any• Permission for ALDCAHEC/MNRE/SHP Standards/ E&M Works – Guidelines for Operation and Maintenance of Small Hydropower Station 3