A Feasibility Review of Hydro Power Proj on Chashma Jhelum Link Canal

Abstract

Hydroelectric power is generated by using potential and kinetic energy of water. Now- a-days, small hydropower plant is getting more attention due to its ability to provide cheap and firm energy to rural areas with or without transmitting to national grid. Small hydro projects are usually developed as run-off-river schemes on rivers and irrigation canals. Pakistan has one of the largest canal irrigation system of the World. 591 sites, with total potential of 649 MW, have been identified at canal falls by Hydro Planning Organization (HPO). This is “run-off-river” project at a canal fall. In order to accomplish the project, data was collected both from WAPDA and PID. Historical Flow data was analysed to cater for the effects of GTC on the available flows. FDC was drawn and designed flow of 250 cumecs was selected. Designed capacity was further optimized and rationalized by power and energy calculations. Rating curves were drawn for Headrace &Tailrace, and elevation levels were estimated. Gross head (14.25m) and then net head (13.5m) was calculated from estimated elevation levels. Three Bulb Turbines was selected according to turbine selection criteria charts and rationalized on the basis of power and energy calculations. Energy Simulation was run using software TURBNPRO 3. The maximum capacity of the plant was estimated as 32 MW. Total annual energy produced was 167.57 GWH. Hydropower plant consists of headrace, fall structure, weir, spillway, trash racks, turbine, governor, generator, draft tube and tailrace. Design of all the system components is a lengthy and cumbersome job, therefore, only the hydraulic structures were designed in this project. Design of powerhouse, electric components and distribution structures are beyond the scope of this project.