UNIT 4

Q. What is instrumentation in power house? How instrumentation and control is achieved in case of
powerhouse?

Instrumentation in a powerhouse refers to the set of devices and systems used to measure, monitor, and
control various parameters like pressure, temperature, flow, speed, voltage, and current to ensure safe, efficient,
and reliable operation of the power generation equipment.

How Instrumentation and Control Are Achieved in a Powerhouse: 1. Sensors and Transmitters: Devices like
pressure sensors, flow meters, temperature sensors, speed sensors, voltage and current transformers collect
data from different parts of the powerhouse equipment. 2. Control Panels and Controllers: Data from sensors
is sent to control panels where operators monitor and control operations. Automated controllers (like PLCs –
Programmable Logic Controllers) execute commands based on sensor input, such as opening/closing valves,
adjusting gate positions, or starting/stopping machines. 3. SCADA Systems: Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) systems integrate instrumentation data and control functions, allowing remote monitoring
and control from a central control room. 4. Protective Relays and Alarms: These devices protect equipment by
triggering alarms or shutting down systems in case of faults such as over-speed, over-voltage, or overheating. 5.
Feedback Mechanisms: Control loops (like PID controllers) use feedback from measurements to maintain
parameters (speed, voltage, flow) at desired levels automatically.

Q. Explain underground powerhouse and types of layouts of underground powerhouse with neat sketches.

Underground powerhouse is a type of hydroelectric

power station that is constructed by excavating its
main components like the machine
hall, penstocks, and tailrace within a rock
formation. There are two main layouts: axial and
radial, which are discussed below with sketches.

1. Axial Layout: In an axial layout, the main

powerhouse (machine hall) is positioned along the
axis of the diversion tunnel or intake tunnel. The
turbines and generators are arranged linearly along
this axis. Advantages: 1. Shortest route for
penstocks: The axial arrangement minimizes the
length of the penstocks, which are pipes delivering water to the turbines. 2. Cost-effective: This layout is
generally more cost-effective as it reduces the length of tunnels and other underground structures.

2. Radial Layout: In a radial layout, the main powerhouse is typically arranged with the turbines and generators
positioned radially around a central point or core. Advantages: 1. Flexibility in layout: This layout allows for
more flexibility in designing the powerhouse and accommodating different turbine types or configurations. 2.
Suitable for large powerhouses: Radial layouts are often used for larger powerhouses where a single tunnel or
intake may not be suitable.
 UNIT 4
Q. Discuss different methods of designing penstock. What is meant by economical diameter.

A penstock is a large pipe that conveys water under pressure from the reservoir or forebay to the turbine in a
hydroelectric power plant. Proper design of a penstock is essential to minimize energy losses, ensure structural
safety, and reduce costs.

Methods of Designing Penstock: 1. Trial and Error Method: Select an initial diameter and calculate the velocity,
head loss, and cost. Adjust the diameter and repeat calculations until the total cost (pipe cost + power loss cost)
is minimized. This method requires iterative calculations and is commonly used for practical designs. 2. Using
Empirical Formulas: Some empirical relations relate diameter, discharge, velocity, and head loss. For example,
selecting velocity between 2 to 5 m/s based on experience, then calculating diameter from flow rate. 3.
Economical Diameter Method: Aims to find the diameter that minimizes the total cost, including both the cost
of constructing the penstock and the cost of energy lost due to friction. Balances between smaller diameter (low
construction cost but high friction losses) and larger diameter (high construction cost but low losses). 4.
Hydraulic Gradient and Pressure Considerations: Design based on allowable pressure to avoid pipe failure.
Diameter is selected to maintain pressure within safe limits. 5. Graphical or Nomogram Method: Uses graphs or
nomograms relating flow rate, head loss, diameter, and velocity for quick diameter selection.

The Economical Diameter of a penstock is the diameter at which the total cost of the penstock system is
minimum. The total cost includes: Cost of the pipe: Larger diameter means more material and higher
construction cost. Cost of energy loss: Smaller diameter causes higher friction losses, which means more power
loss and higher operational cost. At the economical diameter, the sum of capital cost and running cost (due to
head loss and power loss) is minimized, ensuring cost-effective design and operation over the plant’s life.

Q. Explain the three main divisions of power house structure with neat sketch.

The main divisions of a power house structure are the substructure, intermediate structure, and
superstructure. The substructure supports the power house and is typically located below ground level. The
intermediate structure houses the turbines and generators, while the superstructure is the part visible above
ground level.

1. Substructure: This is the foundation of the power house, supporting all other structures and equipment. It's
often below ground level and may include elements like the draft tube, which helps to reduce energy loss when
water leaves the turbine. 2. Intermediate Structure: This section houses the main components of the power
generation process, including the turbines and generators. It's designed to withstand the forces generated by
these machines and transmit loads to the substructure. 3. Superstructure: This is the part of the power house
that is above ground level, including the control room, service bays, and other facilities. It may also include the
intake structures and penstocks that carry water to the turbines.
 UNIT 4
Q. Draw typical layout of power house and explain in brief.

1. Penstock Inlet: The large pipe (penstock) carries water from

the reservoir to the turbine. Water enters the powerhouse
through this inlet at high pressure. 2. Turbine Floor: The
lowest level in the powerhouse where turbines are installed.
Converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy by the
rotating runner. 3. Draft Tube Outlet: Attached to the turbine
exit, it directs water smoothly out to the tailrace, recovering
pressure and minimizing energy loss. 4. Generator Floor:
Situated above the turbine floor, housing generators directly
coupled to turbines. Converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy. 5. Crane Gallery: The topmost level housing
overhead cranes used for lifting heavy equipment during
installation and maintenance.

Q. Define Power house. Explain any four electrical equipment for the power house.

A Powerhouse is a building or structure in a hydroelectric power plant that houses the main equipment for
electricity generation. It contains turbines, generators, control panels, and auxiliary electrical equipment
required to convert hydraulic energy into electrical energy and control the power generation process safely and
efficiently.

Four Important Electrical Equipment in a Powerhouse 1. Generator: Converts mechanical energy from the
turbine into electrical energy. Consists of a rotor and stator; the rotor is driven by the turbine, producing
alternating current (AC) in the stator windings. 2. Exciter: Provides the necessary DC supply to the generator’s
rotor winding to create a magnetic field. Controls the output voltage of the generator by adjusting the field
current. 3. Step-up Transformer: Increases the voltage of generated electricity to a higher level suitable for
transmission over long distances. Minimizes power loss during transmission by reducing current. 4. Control
Panel: Centralized system for monitoring and controlling generator operation and other electrical equipment.
Includes meters, relays, switches, and protection devices to ensure safe and efficient functioning.

Q. Explain Water Intake Structure and state its functions.

Water Intake Structure is a crucial component of a hydroelectric power system or irrigation system. It is the
structure built at the source of water (river, reservoir, or canal) to divert water into the headrace channel,
penstock, or canal while preventing debris, sediment, and unwanted materials from entering the system.

Functions of Water Intake Structure: 1. Water Diversion: To divert and channel the required quantity of water
from the natural source into the power plant or irrigation system. 2. Debris Exclusion: To prevent floating debris
like leaves, branches, and trash from entering the system, which could damage turbines or clog canals. 3.
Sediment Control: To reduce the entry of sediments and silt into the system, ensuring smoother operation and
less wear on machinery. 4. Flow Regulation: To maintain steady water flow and control water velocity entering
the system, minimizing turbulence. 5. Safety: To protect the hydraulic machinery by ensuring that only clean
water with minimal air entrainment enters the turbines or canals.
 UNIT 4
Q. Types of Intake Structure.

1. Bank Intake: A bank intake is constructed on the side or bank of a river or canal. It diverts water directly from
the natural watercourse near the shore where the water is usually deep enough to meet the required flow. This
type of intake is relatively easy to construct and maintain since it is accessible from the land. It often includes
trash racks to prevent debris from entering the system. Bank intakes are preferred where the bank has adequate
water depth and the flow is stable. 2. Middle Channel Intake (In-Stream Intake): The middle channel intake is
located away from the banks, usually in the middle of the river or canal where water depth is greater. Because
the intake is not on the shore, special guide walls or training walls are constructed to direct the flow towards the
intake structure. This type is suitable for rivers where the banks are shallow or unsuitable for construction. It
requires more complex engineering to ensure stability and proper flow diversion but offers better water
availability. 3. Off-Take Intake An off-take intake is a structure built to divert water from a main canal or river
into a secondary canal, channel, or power system. This intake includes gates to regulate the amount of water
entering and screens or trash racks to block floating debris. Off-take intakes are widely used in irrigation projects
and hydroelectric plants to control water distribution effectively and ensure safe operation of downstream
equipment. 4. Reservoir Intake: A reservoir intake is used when water is diverted from a dam or reservoir. It
typically consists of intake towers or shafts located at varying depths in the reservoir to allow withdrawal of
water from different levels. This enables control over water quality, temperature, and sediment content, as water
quality can vary at different depths. Reservoir intakes are critical in large hydropower projects for regulating flow
and protecting turbines. 5. Submerged Intake: A submerged intake is located below the water surface and often
below the sediment layer. This positioning helps reduce the number of floating debris, surface scum, and
suspended sediments entering the system. Submerged intakes are advantageous in maintaining cleaner water
for turbines or irrigation, although they require careful design to avoid clogging and allow easy maintenance. 6.
Free Surface Intake: A free surface intake is an open intake structure where water flows freely into the system
at the water surface level. It is commonly used in low-head situations such as canals or small rivers where the
water velocity and flow conditions are gentle. These intakes are simple in design and construction but may
require more frequent cleaning due to floating debris and surface contaminants.

Q. Write a short note on Trash Rack

A Trash Rack is a protective device installed at the entrance of a water intake structure, such as at the head of a
penstock, canal, or intake channel. Its primary purpose is to prevent debris, such as leaves, branches, floating
logs, trash, and other unwanted materials from entering the hydraulic system and causing damage or blockage.

Features of Trash Rack: Made of steel bars or rods arranged vertically, horizontally, or diagonally with
appropriate spacing to allow water flow but block large debris. The spacing between bars is chosen based on
the size of debris to be filtered out and flow requirements. Regular cleaning and maintenance are required to
ensure efficient operation and prevent clogging. Sometimes equipped with mechanical cleaning devices like
rakes or scrapers to remove collected debris automatically.

Importance: Protects turbines and other hydraulic machinery from damage. Prevents clogging of penstocks and
reduces maintenance efforts. Helps maintain smooth and efficient flow of water.
 UNIT 4
Q. A short note on plant instrumentation and plant control.

Plant Instrumentation refers to the set of devices and systems used in a power plant (like a hydroelectric
powerhouse) to measure, monitor, and record important parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow rate,
speed, voltage, and current. These instruments provide real-time data about the operating conditions of
turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems, helping operators ensure safe and efficient plant operation.

Plant Control involves the use of this instrumentation data to regulate and manage the plant’s equipment
automatically or manually. It includes control systems like governors for turbine speed, voltage regulators for
generator output, and safety mechanisms that can start, stop, or adjust machinery based on operational
conditions. Advanced plants use automatic control systems and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition) for remote monitoring and precise control.

Q. Enlist different methods of transformer Cooling and explain anyone.

1. Oil Natural Air Natural (ONAN) 2. Oil Natural Air Forced (ONAF) 3. Oil Forced Air Forced (OFAF) 4. Oil Forced
Water Forced (OFWF) 5. Air Natural (AN) or Dry Type Cooling 6. Air Forced (AF) or Dry Type Cooling

Oil Natural Air Natural (ONAN) Cooling: This is the simplest and most common cooling method used for
transformers. The transformer windings and core are immersed in insulating oil, which absorbs the heat
generated. The hot oil naturally rises to the top of the tank and flows through radiators or cooling fins mounted
outside the tank. As the oil flows through the radiators, it releases heat to the surrounding air by natural
convection. The cooled oil then circulates back to the transformer core and windings by natural convection,
creating a continuous cooling cycle without any pumps or fans. This method is quiet, reliable, and requires
minimal maintenance but is limited to transformers of moderate rating due to its lower cooling capacity.

Q. Write a short note on generator cooling.

Generator cooling is essential to remove the heat produced in a generator during the conversion of mechanical
energy into electrical energy. If not properly cooled, excessive heat can damage insulation, reduce efficiency,
and shorten the lifespan of the generator.

Common Methods of Generator Cooling: 1. Air Cooling: Used in small and medium-sized generators. Air is
circulated either naturally or by fans to absorb and remove heat. Two types: Open-air cooling (ambient air) and
Closed-circuit air cooling (recirculated air with heat exchangers). 2. Hydrogen Cooling: Used in large generators.
Hydrogen gas is circulated to cool the generator because it has better heat transfer properties than air and low
density (reduces windage loss). Requires a completely sealed system to prevent hydrogen leakage and ensure
safety. 3. Water Cooling: Applied in very large generators. Water is circulated through hollow conductors or
cooling jackets in the stator windings. Offers highly efficient heat removal and is often used in combination with
hydrogen cooling.