Head of a Hydropower Plant

In an arid country like Afghanistan you first have to determine the volume of water available for use. (flow or rainfall data over a long period would be required).

With the volume available the dam can be designed. The height will the depend on the shape of the dam basin.

At this stage you will have a sustainable flow rate and maximum and lowest operational head available for the design of the plant.

The power output is proportional to the product of the flow and the head. (minus losses).

The motivation and design parameters of a full system usually occupy a thick report.

Where do you want us to start?

Must have done B.Tech/B.S in Hydraulics.

Must enjoy WATER

Must love Afghanistan,

Must be prepared to learn everything that goes to make up a Dam, HYDEL power Station.

I am pre[pared to teach him all -after selecting2,3,4 possible Head.

mm

mikemahant@hotmail.com

Instead of building a damn, Why not wall the existing river narrower to create a venturi effect,of deeper faster flowing water. Then instead of a high speed turbine, float a round tank (on arms so it can float up or down as the water level changes) with 6 to 10 inch paddles every two or so feet apart around it's circomfrance. As the drum rolls on/in the water,power can be taken off by a hydraulic pump and used to drive your generator up on dry land. Several of these could be constructed in the same channel without effecting the water flow. The drums/waterwheels need not turn fast as speed changes can be accomplished in the power house.

Please know the flow and much of water you have. Design the dam and also know how deep it is. Know the depth of the tail race and the flow or diischarge of each generator. If you know the discharge of the gen set then you can know the power output of the gen. Get the difference between the Head race and tailrace. thats the head.

You can use staff guages for measuring the headrace and tail race levels or transducers but using both is better and always compare the 2 readings with min differance. If you have a big error between the 2 then flash the transducers.