HISTORY OF HYDROPOWER

Humans have been harnessing water to perform work for thousands of

years. The Greeks used water wheels for grinding wheat into flour more than
2,000 years ago. Besides grinding flour, the power of the water was used to saw
wood and power textile mills and manufacturing plants.

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 horizontal-axis 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, Wisconsin,
in 1882.

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 electricity that travels
over long-distance power lines to homes and businesses. The entire process is
called hydroelectricity.

TYPES OF HYDROPOWER PLANTS

There are three types of hydropower facilities: impoundment, diversion,
and pumped storage. 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.

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.

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.

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 downflow 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.

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.

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.

Small hydropower
Although definitions vary, DOE defines small hydropower as facilities
that have a capacity of 100 kilowatts to 30 megawatts.

Microhydropower
A microhydropower plant has a capacity of up to 100 kilowatts. A small
or microhydroelectric power system can produce enough electricity for a home,
farm, ranch, or village.

TURBINES INSTALLATION

LAYOUT OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS

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

hydroelectric power plant are

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

(3) Penstock and Tunnel

Penstocks 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.

(4) 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 thereby
regulating water flow and pressure inside the penstock.

(5) 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 transfered to the
generator and is converted into electricity. The used water is released through
the tail race. The difference between head race and tail race is called gross head
and by subtracting the frictional losses we get the net head available to the
turbine for generation of electricity.

NATIONAL HYDROELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION

NHPC Limited (Formerly National Hydroelectric Power Corporation),
A Govt. of India Enterprise, was incorporated in the year 1975 with an
authorised capital of Rs. 2000 million and with an objective to plan, promote
and organize an integrated and efficient development of hydroelectric power in
all aspects. Later on NHPC expanded its objects to include other sources of
energy like Geothermal, Tidal, Wind etc.
Market Value
At present, NHPC is a schedule 'A' Enterprise of the Govt. of India with
an authorized share capital of Rs. 1,50,000 Million . With an investment base
of over Rs. 2,20,000 million Approx. In 2009-2010 NHPC made a profit after tax
of Rs2090 crores . A increase of 94% than the previous year profit of 1050
crores. NHPC is among the top ten companies in India in terms of investment.
Department of Public Enterprise, Govt. of India recently conferred prestigious
Miniratna status to NHPC.
Initially, on incorporation, NHPC took over the execution of Salal Stage-I,
Bairasiul and Loktak Hydro-electric Projects from Central Hydroelectric
Projects Control Board. Since then, it has executed 13 projects with an
installed capacity of 5175 MW on ownership basis including projects taken up

in joint venture. NHPC has also executed 5 projects with an installed capacity
of 89.35 MW on turnkey basis. Two of these projects have been commissioned
in neighbouring countries i.e. Nepal and Bhutan.
On-going Work
Presently NHPC is engaged in the construction of 11 projects aggregating
to a total installed capacity of 4622 MW . NHPC has planned to add 5322 MW
during 11th Plan period. 10 projects of 9981 MW are awaiting clearances/Govt.
approval for their implementation. Detailed Projects report or Feasibility Report
are being prepared for 7 projects of 5755 MW.
Since its inception in 1975, NHPC has grown to become one of the largest
organizations in the field of hydro power development in the country. With its
present capabilities, NHPC can undertake all activities from concept to
commissioning of hydroelectric projects.
This is a list of major hydroelectric power plants in India.
GENERATOR
UNITS

CAPACITY (MW)

APGenco

6 150, 7 110

1,670
965

STATIOM

COMMUNITY

OPERATOR

Srisailam Dam

Andhra Pradesh

Nagarjunasagar

Andhra Pradesh

APGenco

1 X 110, 7 X 100.8,
5 X 30

Sardar Sarovar
Baspa-II

Gujarat
Himachal Pradesh

SSNNL
JHPL

6X200, 5X140
3 X 100

1,450
300

Nathpa Jhakri
Bhakra Dam

Himachal Pradesh
Punjab

SJVNL
BBMB

6 X 250
5 X 108, 5 X 157

1,500
1,325

Dehar
Baira Suil

Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh

BBMB
NHPC

6 X 165
3 X 60

990
180

Chamera-I
Chamera-II

Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh

NHPC
NHPC

3 X 180
3 X 100

540
300

Pong
Uri Hydroelectric
Dam
Dulhasti

Himachal Pradesh

BBMB

6 x 66

396

Jammu & Kashmir

NHPC

4 X 120

480

Jammu & Kashmir

NHPC

3 X 130

390

Salal

Jammu & Kashmir

NHPC

6 X 115

690

Sardar Sarovar[5]

400

10 X 103.5, 2X27.5,
4 X 60

Sharavathi

Karnataka

KPCL

Kalinadi

Karnataka

KPCL

Linganamakki Dam

Karnataka

Idukki
Bansagar Dam

Kerala
Madhya Pradesh

Bargi Dam
Madikheda Dam

Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh

Omkareshwar
Indira Sagar

Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh

NHPC
NHPC

8 X 65
8 X 125

520
1,000

Loktak
Khuga Dam

Manipur
Manipur

NHPC

3 X 35

105

Koyna
Mulshi Dam

Maharashtra
Maharashtra

MahaGenco

18 X 106.67

1,920
150

Jayakwadi Dam
Kolkewadi Dam

Maharashtra
Maharashtra

Rangeet
Teesta-V

Sikkim
Sikkim

Tanakpur
Dhauliganga-I

Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand

NHPC
NHPC

3 X 40
4 X 70

120
280

Loharinag

Uttarakhand

NTPC

4 X 150

600

2X50, 2x135, 4X150, 3X50,

3X40

1,469
1,225
55

KSEB

6 X 130

780
425
105
60

12
NHPC
NHPC

3 X 20
3 X 170

60
510

THE FOLLOWING HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER PLANTS WERE VISITED

DURING THE EDUCATIONAL TOUR .

1. NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM ON 29TH NOVEMBER, 2010

2. SRISAILAM HYDRO POWER PLANT ON 30TH NOVEMBER, 2010

1.

NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM

FACTS AND FIGURES

Official name
Location
Coordinates

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Nalgonda District, Andhra
Pradesh, India
1636N 7920E / 16.6N 79.333E

Construction began 1956

Opening date

1960

Construction cost

1300 crore rupees

DAM AND SPILLWAYS

Length

1,450 metres (4,757 ft)

Height

124 metres (407 ft) from river level

Impounds

Krishna River

RESERVOIR
Creates

Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir

Capacity

11,472 million cubic metres

Catchment area

215000 km (83012 sq mi)

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the world's largest masonry dam built across
Krishna River in Nagarjuna Sagar,Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh, India.
It is downstream to the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir with a capacity of up to
11,472 million cubic metres which is the world's largest man-made lake with a
concrete wall of that measures 6 ft (1.8 m). thick. The dam is 490 ft (150 m).
tall and 16 km long with 26 gates which are 42 ft (13 m). wide and 45 ft (14 m).
tall.It is one of the earliest irrigation and hydro-electric projects in India. The
dam provides irrigation water to the Nalgonda District, Prakasam District,
Khammam District and Guntur District.

HISTORY
The proposal to construct a dam to use the excess waters of the Krishna
river was put forward by the British rulers in 1903. Siddeswaram, Hyderabad

and Pulichintala were identified as the suitable locations for the reservoirs. The
perseverance of the Raja of Muktyala paved way for the site identification,
design and construction of the dam.

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION

The dam water was released by the then Prime Minister's daughter,
Indira Gandhi in 1967.[5] The construction of the dam submerged an ancient
Buddhist settlement, Nagarjunakonda, which was the capital of the Ikshvaku
dynasty in the 1st and 2nd centuries, the successors of the Satavahanas in the
Eastern Deccan. Excavations here had yielded 30 Buddhist monasteries, as
well as art works and inscriptions of great historical importance. In advance of
the reservoir's flooding, monuments were dug up and relocated. Some were
moved to Nagarjuna's Hill, now an island in the middle of the reservoir. Others
were moved to the mainland.

EFFECT OF THE PROJECT

Nagarjuna Left Canal

The project benefited farmers in the districts of Guntur, Prakasam,

Krishna, Nalgonda and Khammam. The right canal (a.k.a Jawahar canal) is
203 km long and irrigates 1.113 million acres (4,500 km) of land. The left
canal (a.k.a Lalbahadur Shastri canal) is 295 km long and irrigates 0.32
million acres (800 km) of land in Nalgonda and Khammam districts of
Telangana region. The project transformed the economy of above districts. 52
villages were submersed in water and 24000 people were affected. The
relocation of the people was completed by 2007.[4]
POWER GENERATION
The hydroelectric plant has a power generation capacity of 815.6 MW
with 8 units (1x110 MW+7x100.8 MW). First unit was commissioned on 7
March 1978 and 8th unit on 24 December 1985. The right canal plant has a
power generation capacity of 90 MW with 3 units of 30 MW each. The left canal
plant has a power generation capacity of 60 MW with 2 units of 30 MW each.[7]
The dam is constructed on the border of Guntur and Nalgonda districts. The
dam also provides drinking water to the Nalgonda town.

2. SRISAILAM HYDRO POWER PLANT

FACTS & FIGURES

Location

Srisailam,

India

160513N 785350E

Coordinates

/ 16.08694N 78.89722E

Construction began

1960

Opening date

1981

DAM AND SPILLWAYS

Length

512 m (1,680 ft)

Height

241 m (791 ft)

Impounds

River Krishna

Reservoir
Creates

Srisailam Reservoir

Catchment area

206,040 km2 (79,550 sq mi)

Surface area

800 km2 (310 sq mi)

POWER STATION CAPACITY

Turbines
Installed capacity

6 150MW (left bank)

7 110MW (right bank)
1,670 MW

The Srisailam Dam is a dam constructed across the Krishna River at

Srisailam in the Kurnool district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India and is
the 2nd largest capacity hydroelectric project in the country.

The dam was constructed in a deep gorge in the Nallamala Hills, 300 m
(980 ft) above sea level. It is 512 m (1,680 ft) long, 240.79 m (790.0 ft) high and
has 12 radial crest gates. It has a huge reservoir of 800 km2 (310 sq mi). The
left bank hydroelectric power station generates 6 150 MW of power and right
bank generates 7 110 MW of power. the dam also surrounded by thick forests
and beautiful sceneries.
The Srisailam project began in 1960, initially as a power project, across
the Krishna, near Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. After several delays, the main
dam was finally completed twenty years later in 1981. In the meantime the
project was converted into a multipurpose facility with a generating capacity of
770 MW by its second stage which was expected to be completed in 1987. The
dam is to provide water for an estimated 2,000 km2 (770 sq mi) with its
catchment area of 206,040 km2 (79,552 sq mi) and water spread of 1,595 km2
(616 sq mi). Under the right branch canal 790 km2 (310 sq mi) in Kurnool and
Cuddapah districts will have assured irrigation. From the initial modest
estimate of Rs.384.7 million for a power project the total cost of the
multipurpose project was estimated to cross Rs.10 billion in its enlarged form.
The 143 m (469 ft) high and 512 m (1,680 ft) wide dam has alone cost Rs.4.04
billion together with the installation of four generating sets of 110 MW each.

The right branch canal is estimated to cost Rs.4.49 billion and the initial
investment of Rs.1.4 billion has been provided by the World Bank. The
projected cost-benefit ratio of the project has been worked out at 1:1.91 at 10%
interest on capital outlay.On 2 October 2009, SriSailam dam experienced a
record inflow which threatened the dam.

Srisailam Hydel Power Project Important Dates

Project Status: Completed
Project Type/Scale: New Unit
Industry: Electricity Generation - Hydel Based
Investment/Estimated Cost: Rs. 2,500.00 Crores / USD 625.00 Million
Monday, September 01, 1986 Planning Commission approval received
Wednesday, May 31, 1995

Initial commissioning date

Tuesday, December 31, 1996

Expenses incurred till 1 (Rs. 1,123.63 Crores)

Wednesday, February 28, 2001 Expenses incurred till 1 (Rs. 2,300.00 Crores)
Friday, April 27, 2001

First unit commissioned

Monday, October 29, 2001

Second Unit Commissioned

Sunday, April 21, 2002

Third Unit Commissioned

Friday, November 29, 2002

Fourth Unit Commissioned

Friday, March 28, 2003

First unit commissioned

Thursday, July 31, 2003

Sixth unit completion by

Thursday, September 04, 2003 Sixth Unit Commissioned

Tuesday, September 30, 2003 Completed
Friday, October 31, 2003

Completion by

Future Project :- Srisailam Mini Dam

Company: Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corpn. Ltd.
Ownership: State Govt. - Commercial Enterprises

Project Location: 14.5 kms down main Srisailam dam,Srisailam, Kurnool

district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Project Status: Active Project Type/Scale: New Unit

Industry: Storage & Distribution
Investment/Estimated Cost: Rs. 100.00 Crores / USD 25.00 Million
Date of announcement
Thursday, January 01, 2004
Saturday, July 31, 2004

Initial commissioning date

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF HYDROPOWER

Hydropower offers advantages over other energy sources but faces
unique environmental challenges.

ADVANTAGES
Hydropower is a fueled by water, so it's a clean fuel source. Hydropower doesn't
pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural
gas.
Hydropower is a domestic source of energy.
Hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, thus it's a
renewable power source.
Hydropower is generally available as needed; engineers can control the flow of
water through the turbines to produce electricity on demand.
Hydropower plants provide benefits in addition to clean electricity.
Impoundment hydropower creates reservoirs that offer a variety of recreational
opportunities, notably fishing, swimming, and boating. Most hydropower
installations are required to provide some public access to the reservoir to allow
the public to take advantage of these opportunities. Other benefits may include
water supply and flood control.
DISADVANTAGES
Fish populations can be impacted if fish cannot migrate upstream past
impoundment dams to spawning grounds or if they cannot migrate
downstream to the ocean. Upstream fish passage can be aided using fish
ladders or elevators, or by trapping and hauling the fish upstream by truck.

Downstream fish passage is aided by diverting fish from turbine intakes using
screens or racks or even underwater lights and sounds, and by maintaining a
minimum spill flow past the turbine.

Hydropower can impact water quality and flow. Hydropower plants can
cause low dissolved oxygen levels in the water, a problem that is harmful to
riparian (riverbank) habitats and is addressed using various aeration
techniques, which oxygenate the water. Maintaining minimum flows of water
downstream of a hydropower installation is also critical for the survival of
riparian habitats.

Hydropower plants can be impacted by drought. When water is not

available, the hydropower plants can't produce electricity.

New hydropower facilities impact the local environment and may compete
with other uses for the land. Those alternative uses may be more highly valued
than electricity generation. Humans, flora, and fauna may lose their natural
habitat. Local cultures and historical sites may be impinged upon. Some older
hydropower facilities may have historic value, so renovations of these facilities
must also be sensitive to such preservation concerns and to impacts on plant
and animal life.