Kathmandu University

School of Engineering
Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering
Dhulikhel, Kavre

Final Report on
Study for Rehabilitation of Mangaltar-Daauney Micro-Hydropower Project
(6.87 kW)

Submitted By:
Prateek Nepal (34)
Anish Pathak (42)
Prajwal Neupane (63)
Aashish Dahal (67)
Avinash Mishra (69)

Submitted to:
Prof. Dr. Ing. Ramesh Kumar Maskey
Department of Civil and Geomatics Engineering

Date of Submission: 4th January, 2015

Abstract
Daauney Khola Micro-Hydropower (6.87 kW) is a project situated at Mangaltar VDC-5, Kavre
as a hydro-power scheme of micro level for rural electrification. The scheme was chosen by a
group of fourth year students from the Department of Civil Engineering, Kathmandu University
for study. Field based observation and analysis of major problems existing in the sites were the
major key objectives of the project. This report presents such endeavor.
The project has been out of operation since the August of 2014. The headrace canal has been
buried in a landslide debris and transmission line towers have been in poor condition. Solutions
to improve the present conditions and restore power generation have been proposed in this
report.

Acknowledgement
The team would like to present its humble gratitude towards the H.O.D. of Civil and Geomatics
Engineering Dr. Prof. Ing. Ramesh Kumar Maskey for his support and provision of an
opportunity to conduct a field project. We would also like to thank our seniors for helping us
collect the necessary preliminary information about the site. The local helper from Daauney,
Mangaltar-5, Mr. Chandramani Parajuli holds an inseparable position in our gratitude.

Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
Acknowledgement...........................................................................................................................3
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................4
List of Figures..................................................................................................................................5
List of Tables...................................................................................................................................5
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background............................................................................................................................1
1.2 Objectives..............................................................................................................................1
2. Methodology................................................................................................................................2
3. Gantt Chart...................................................................................................................................2
4. Description of Daauney Khola MHP...........................................................................................2
4.1 Salient Features......................................................................................................................3
4.2 Hydrology..............................................................................................................................3
4.3 Scheme Layout......................................................................................................................5
4.4 Civil Components..................................................................................................................6
5. Observations................................................................................................................................8
6. Proposals for Mitigation and Improvement.................................................................................9
7. Design..........................................................................................................................................9
7.1 Headrace Canal......................................................................................................................9
7.1.1 Alternative 1: Rectangular Canal Lined With Stone Masonry.......................................9
7.1.2 Alternative 2: Earthen Canal Lined with Polyethylene Film........................................10
7.2 Headrace Pipe......................................................................................................................10
7.3 Transmission Line................................................................................................................12
8. Cost Estimation..........................................................................................................................12
8.1 Rate Analysis.......................................................................................................................12
8.2 Cost Estimate.......................................................................................................................12
8.3 Costs Summary....................................................................................................................13
9. Conclusion.................................................................................................................................13
10. References................................................................................................................................13

List of Figures
Figure 1 Cross Section of Daaune Khola (10 m upstream of weir).................................................4
Figure 2 Long Term Annual Hydrograph of Daauney Khola River................................................5
Figure 3 General Layout of Daauney Khola MHP..........................................................................6
Figure 4 Cross Section for Headrace Canal in Stone Masonry (dimensions in mm)......................9
Figure 5 Cross Section for Headrace Canal Lined with Polyehtylene (dimensions in mm).........10
Figure 6 Submergence Head for Headrace Pipe............................................................................11
Figure 7 Masonry Structure at Inlet of Headrace Pipe (dimensions in mm).................................11

List of Tables
Table 1Gantt Chart of Work Schedule.............................................................................................2
Table 2 Measurement of Cross Section of Daauney Khola.............................................................4
Table 3 Measurement of Flow Velocity by Float Method...............................................................4
Table 4MIP Monthly Average Discharge.........................................................................................5
Table 5 Varying Sections of Penstock Pipe Used............................................................................8
Table 6 Rate Analysis....................................................................................................................12
Table 7 Cost Estimate of Civil Works............................................................................................12

1. Introduction
1.1 Background
In Nepal, hydropower projects with installed capacity of up to 100 kW are termed as Micro
Hydropower projects. The average annual precipitation is about 1500 mm, 80% of which is
received during the monsoon season i.e. mid-June to mid-October. The long unchallenged
hydropower potential estimate of 83 GW (out of which 42 GW being estimated as economically
feasible), as performed by Dr. Hari Man Shrestha has yet not been practically achieved.
However, efforts for remote rural electrification of up to 100 kW have been prioritized for
meeting the electricity requirements.
In rural areas of Nepal, Micro Hydropower projects are mostly linked with the traditional
watermills and irrigation. These projects can be considered as the most efficient alternative
source of energy. The overall efficiency of such plants depends on individual components of civil
works and electro-mechanical equipments and major social factors. Generally a flat 50% overall
efficiency is adopted while designing such MHP, irrespective of its size.
The Dauney Khola MHP is a project situated at Mangaltar VDC-5, Kavre as a hydro-power
scheme of micro level for rural electrification. With an intention to deliver practical and field
based experience of the problems that have to be tackled in Hydropower projects, a provision of
academic project is included in the fourth year first semester of Civil Department, Kathmandu
University. A group of five students was formed to conduct the project on Daauney Khola MHP,
for evaluating the present conditions of the project and observe alternatives for improvement or
rehabilitation of the same.
The report is prepared based on the knowledge and literature reviews undergone while
conducting the project in Daauney MHP. The scope of our project is as follows:

To assimilate the existing situation of hydropower project and propose any relevant
alternatives for improving its conditions, if necessary.
To learn about practical limitations and possibilities of existing power project through
literature review, consultation and field review.

1.2 Objectives
The primary objectives of this project are as follows:

Observe and study the present condition of the project

Propose necessary alternatives or solutions to the existing problems in the project area

This project is also intended to extend our knowledge regarding civil components of such
hydropower schemes, socio-economical aspects of the project and practical hurdles to be faced in
such projects.

2. Methodology
Methodologies followed to achieve the intended goals are as follows:

Literature review: Relevant literatures of Micro hydropower guidelines, standards and

text books were reviewed. Google maps and information from REMREC office,
Dhulikhel was also used to access the location and necessary hydrological data of the
projects.
Consultation: Suggestions and advice of our seniors and department faculties, regarding
visit to the site, procedures and relevant alternatives for the project were sought when
needed.
Site Visit and public communication: Forming a cordial relation with the local people of
the project area was an essential part of the project to gain access to the power house and
understand the existing problems and possible solutions. Site visits, preferably during
Fridays, were performed.
Design: Based on our survey and requirements designing of structures for improving the
condition of the project were done.

3. Gantt Chart
Table 1Gantt Chart of Work Schedule

Desk Study
Reconnaissance
Faculty Consultation
Field Visit and
interaction
with the locals
Discussion on
upgradation
alternatives
Design works
Economic analysis and
cost estimation
Report preparation
Month

Septemb
er

Octob
er

Novemb
er

Decemb
er

Januar
y

4. Description of Daauney Khola MHP

Daauney Micro Hydropower plant (MHP) lies in the Central Development region of Nepal at
Daauney, Mangaltar-5, Kavre. The project is registered under District water resource committee
and was established in the year 2064 B.S. The project is locally popular as Shree Daauney
Khola Teshro Laghu Jal Bidhyut Aayojana. The installed capacity of the plant is 6.87 KW and
at the present, it benefits about 74 households of the area.
2

Travel route: It is a fair bus travel of about two and a half hours if one travels from Banepa Bus
Park in a bus to Nepalthok. The travel route sequentially passes from Dhulikhel towards
Chaukot, Patalikhet, Bhakundey and Magaltar.

4.1 Salient Features

Source

Daauney Khola and Pinthalipakhamul

Location

Mangaltar VDC, Kavrepalanchowk

Design Discharge

20 lps

Gross Head

70 m

Overall efficiency (as stated by manufacturers)

50%

Installed capacity

6.87 kW

Diversion structure

Temporary weir (Gabion Boxes)

Intake type

Orifice Type, Side intake

Total Canal length

1379m

Total beneficiary households

proposed: 69 currently: 74

Turbine

Pelton

Generator

Induction type, 10 kW, 3-phase, 380 volts

Total project cost

Rs. 2334663.54

Cost per kW

Rs. 339834.58

4.2 Hydrology
The main source of water for the scheme is Daauney Khola and Pinthalipakha Mul. The scheme
was designed using MIP method for flow prediction. As per the guidelines set by AEPC/ESAP,
only 85% of the minimum acceptable flow should be considered. The design discharge at the
turbine is taken as 20 lps for which the discharge in the river exceeds the required flow of 24.94
lps for 11 months. During our visit to the river site on 26th December, 2014 the flow
measurement of stream performed by simple area-velocity and float method was found to be 61
lps. The following parameters were taken in consideration for flow measurement.
Correction factor for discharge

= 0.85

Flow Distance

= 5.00 m

MIP Region

= Region 3

Table 2 Measurement of Cross Section of Daauney Khola

Position
0
1
2
3
4
Area of stream

Width (cm)
45
45
45
45

River Cross Section

Depth (cm)
0
7
11
8
0

Area (m2)
0.016
0.041
0.043
0.018
0.117

Figure 1 Cross Section of Daaune Khola (10 m upstream of weir)

Table 3 Measurement of Flow Velocity by Float Method

1
2
3
Average Time (sec)

Time Measurement
Area 1
Area 2
0.016 m2
0.041 m2
8.2
7.9
8.4
7.7
8.2
8.0
8.3
7.9

Velocity (m/s)
Discharge (m3/s)
Total Discharge (m3/s)
Corrected Discharge

0.60
0.010
0.072
0.061 m3/s

Readings

0.64
0.026

Area 3
0.043 m2
8.1
8.0
8.2
8.1

Area 4
0.018 m2
8.6
8.4
8.5
8.5

0.62
0.026

0.59
0.011

Table 4MIP Monthly Average Discharge

Month

Region 3
Coefficients

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2.71
1.88
1.38
1.00
1.88
3.13
13.54
25.00
20.83
10.42
5.00
3.75

Measured
Flow, l/s

61

Corrected
Flow for
mid-month,
l/s

67.91

Midmonthly
Flow in
River, l/s
49.07
34.04
24.99
18.11
34.04
56.68
245.18
452.70
377.19
188.69
90.54
67.91

Flow
towards
turbine, l/s
24.94
24.94
24.94
16.30
24.94
24.94
24.94
24.94
24.94
24.94
24.94
24.94

Average Annual Hydrograph of Daune Khola

500.00
450.00
400.00
350.00
300.00
250.00
200.00
150.00
100.00
50.00
0.00

MIP Monthly Flow

Design Discharge 24.94 l/s

Figure 2 Long Term Average Annual Hydrograph of Daauney Khola River

4.3 Scheme Layout

The intake lies on the left bank of Daauney Khola. Water enters through the intake structure,
which is immediately followed by a gravel trap. A forebay is placed at a chainage of 1379 meters

from the intake. A flushing arrangement is provided in forebay tank for flushing of sediment
deposited.
A fine trash rack is placed at the forebay to stop debris from entering the penstock. The water is
then conveyed via HDPE penstock to powerhouse to generate electricity. The powerhouse is
placed at suitable location from high flood water level. The water is then let off to the river again
via tailrace canal. The water from the tailrace can be used to irrigate fields near the powerhouse
site.

Figure 3 General Layout of Daauney Khola MHP

4.4 Components
4.4.1 Diversion Weir
A diversion weir is required at the intake only if adequate flow cannot be diverted towards the
intake during low flow season. This helps to check the water flow and small storage is provided
while diverting desired amount of water to intake. Gabion boxes are provided to divert the water
6

towards the intake. The length of the gabion weir is 2.7 meters and its crest is 0.5 meters from
the river bed.
4.4.2 Intake
A rectangular orifice type, side intake has been constructed in the plant. A wing wall is extended
to both sides of the intake to protect from flood. A trash rack is placed at the opening of the
orifice to protect debris from entering the headrace canal. The intake structure is made up of
stone cement masonry.
The orifice at intake helps in regulating the flow in the canal. The complete checking of water is
sometimes necessary in case of maintenance of canal as well as other structures. A wooded stop
log is installed at the entrance of canal at orifice in intake. This gate is lifted manually and slides
in the slots at the wall of the canal. The size of stop-log is 900 mm X 1000 mm.
A coarse trash rack of 900mm x 1200mm is placed at the intake with spacing of 50 mm for
vertical bars.
4.4.3 Headrace
There is a trapezoidal shaped earthen headrace canal. Its top width is 90 cm, bottom width is 70
cm and height is 30 cm. The total length of the headrace canal is 1379 m. The canal length is
very long and is in a landslide prone area. The design bed slope of the headrace canal was 1 in 50
as stated in the DPR.
4.4.4 Forebay
The design report shows that the forebay is at a chainage of 1+379 m from the intake. It is a
forebay cum desilting basin. Specifications of forebay:

Width of basin

109 m

Total length

3.6 m

Height

0.9 m

Slopes at tapered entry

1:2 vertically and 1:5 horizontally

Slope of settling length

1:50

A fine trash rack is placed before the penstock pipe at the end of forebay. The spacing between
bars of trash rack is 29 mm.
A flushing cone is incorporated in the structure for spilling excess water and to flush out debris
during cleaning process. A flushing pipe of 140 mm diameter has been provided.
The forebay is constructed in stone masonry. The floor is provided with PCC and the inner
surface has been plastered.
4.4.5 Penstock
7

A HDPE penstock is used for conveyance of water from forebay to the powerhouse. As per the
data obtained from DPR of Daune Khola, the total length of penstock is 115 m and the external
diameter of penstock is 125 mm. To optimize the cost, the thickness of penstock has been varied
along its length. A vent pipe of internal diameter 16 mm is provided at the starting of the
penstock pipe. The profile of the penstock is mostly straight and two bends have been provided
to follow the ground profile. The thickness of penstock has been varied along its length to
optimize the cost.
Table 5 Varying Sections of Penstock Pipe Used

Head Range

Type

0~11.61
11.61~43.81
43.81~70.00

HDPE
HDPE
HDPE

Diameter
(mm)
OD 125
OD 125
OD 125

Thickness
(mm)
3.9
8.9
14.1

Rating
(kgf/cm2)
2.5
6.0
10.0

Length (m)
24
63
28

4.4.6 Turbine
A Pelton type turbine is used for this scheme. The detailed project report states that the turbine
operates under a gross head of 70 m. The net head is 65.07 m. The turbine was designed for the
rotation of 750 rpm.
4.4.7 Generator
According to the detailed project report, an induction type generator of capacity 10 kW, 3 phase,
50 Hz is installed with the rated speed of 1500 rpm.
4.4.8 Tailrace
The water from the powerhouse can be conveyed to the culvert of the highway and then to Roshi
Khola via an open canal at a distance of 10 m from the powerhouse. The canal is an earthen
canal with the top width of 76 cm, bottom width of 30 cm and depth of 26 cm.

5. Observations
Based on the site visits and communication with the local people we observed the following
points relevant to our purpose of rehabilitating the scheme.

The headrace canal is buried in landslide debris at around 500 meters from the intake site.
The general hill slope in this region is steep and this area is prone to landslides and
erosions. The water entry into the canal has been stopped by closing the orifice at the
intake. The portion of the canal that is buried in the debris is around 20 meters long.
The portion of the headrace canal at around 400 meters to 800 meters from the intake site
lies in landslide prone area as the ground is steep in this place.
Three of the transmission line towers have fallen and the wires are sagging. The
transmission wires were easily within the reach of a person standing on the ground at
some places.
8

The local personnel claimed that only 3.5 kW of power was being produced while the
project was in operation. The local people are distressed at the lack of power source at
present and are willing to invest in the rehabilitation of the hydropower scheme.

6. Proposals for Mitigation and Improvement

The earthen headrace canal is prone to seepage problems. Construction of a stone

masonry canal is proposed from intake to the distance of 400 meters and between the
distances of 800 meters to 1379 meters.
Between the distances of 400 meters and 800 meters from the intake, use of HDPE pipe
for headrace is proposed for avoiding problems from landslides and erosions.
The transmission line towers need to be replaced and proper ground clearance for the
wire needs to be reestablished.
The decreased power generation could be a result of excessive leakages at joints and
turbine casings. The equipment at the powerhouse need to be checked for consistency and
all leakages should be identified.

7. Design
7.1 Headrace Canal
7.1.1 Alternative 1: Rectangular Canal Lined With Stone Masonry
A lined headrace canal is proposed to replace the existing earthen canal so that the problem of
seepage loss can be avoided. A rectangular lined canal has been designed for micro-hydropower
scheme. The bed slope of the canal is proposed to be kept 1 in 50 considering the bed slope of
the existing canal. The width of the canal is taken as 300 mm considering the width of the
existing canal to reduce the cost of excavation. The canal is to be lined with stone masonry in 1:6
cement sand mortar. The section of the canal designed as per ITDG guidelines for design of
micro-hydro projects in Nepal is as shown below.

Figure 4 Cross Section for Headrace Canal in Stone Masonry (dimensions in mm)

7.1.2 Alternative 2: Earthen Canal Lined with Polyethylene Film

Thin synthetic membranes can be used effectively to reduce excessive seepage in earthen canals.
Polyethylene films, apart from being easily available, has various other advantages. Such films
can reduce the seepage to zero in all types of soils and they provide a very dependable seal. The
relative cost of polyethylene is very low compared to Polyvinyl Chloride and Butyl Rubber
sheets, which makes it an attractive option. The existing earthen canal has been redesigned with
an accommodation for polyethylene sheets as seepage control measure.
The bed slope of the canal is proposed to be 1 in 50 considering the bed slope of the existing
canal. The width of the canal has been chosen with consideration of the dimensions of the
existing canal to reduce the cost of excavation. The following is the section of the headrace canal
designed according to Indian Standard code for design of Polyethylene lined canals (IS 9696:
1995). A 4.8 m wide and 0.2 mm thick strip of polyethylene should be used along the length of
the excavated trench in the existing canal. The polyethylene sheets shall line around 979 meters
length of the canal.

Figure 5 Cross Section for Headrace Canal Lined with Polyehtylene (dimensions in mm)

7.2 Headrace Pipe

A 2.5 kgf/cm sq. HDPE pipe of 140 mm external diameter and thickness of 4.3 mm is proposed
for use between chainage of 400 meters and 800 meters from the intake. The pipe should be
submerged sufficiently at the inlet to provide the required head to overcome the head loss in the
pipe. A masonry transition structure should also be built at inlet and outlet of the pipe for smooth
transition into the canal.

10

Figure 6 Submergence Head for Headrace Pipe (source: Guidelines for design of MHP, ITDG)

The velocity, v, in the pipe for design discharge of 24.9 lps is 1.8 m/s which is acceptable. For
2
v
1.5
this, a submergence of
2 g = 25 cm must be maintained at the inlet of pipe. The difference
in the level of pipe at the inlet and outlet is 15 meters. The total head loss due to friction and
fitting losses is less than the available head drop so the headrace pipe should carry the discharge
as per design.
A mild steel fine trash rack should be placed at the entry into the headrace pipe. Mild steel flats
(5 mm x 40 mm) at a spacing of 30 cm are recommended to be used for fine trash rack at the
inlet of headrace canal.
The profile at the inlet of headrace canal is shown in figure below.

11

Figure 7 Masonry Structure at Inlet of Headrace Pipe (dimensions in mm)

7.3 Transmission Line

The original alignment of the transmission line towers has been disrupted and so new towers
need to be installed along a similar route uphill from the powerhouse. Hardwood straight wooden
poles are suitable for the transmission line pole. Adopt posts with diameter 125 mm, height 6 m
with minimum ground clearance of 4.5 m maintained for wires. A spacing of 30 m between poles
the poles should be maintained.

8. Cost Estimation
8.1 Rate Analysis
Table 6 Rate Analysis

S.N.

Description of Work

Unit

Quantit
y

Rate

Total

1
Labour

Earthwork Excavation
Unskilled
Rate per m3

MD

0.7

350

245
245

2
Labour

Earth Filling
Unskilled
Rate per m3

MD

0.5

350

175
175

Sand Filling
12

Labour
Materia
l

Unskilled
Sand

MD
m3

0.7
1.1

350
1710

Rate per m3
4
Labour
Materia
l

Stone Masonry
Skilled
Unskilled
Stone
Cement
Sand
Rate per m3

245
1881
2126

MD
MD
m3

1
2
1.2

1500
700
990

1500
1400
1188

bags
m3

1.8
0.36

700
1710

1260
615.6
5963.6

8.2 Cost Estimate

Table 7 Cost Estimate of Civil Works

S.N.

Description of Work

1
i

Headrace Canal in Stone Masonry

Excavation

Quantit
y

Unit

Rate

31.62

m3

245.00

Amount, NRs.

7,746.90
ii

Stone Masonry

411.2

m3

5963.6
0

2,452,232.32

Total of 1
2,459,979.22
2
i

Headrace Canal in Polyethylene

Lining
Excavation

971.43

m3

245.00
238,000.35

ii

Sand Filling

46.2

m3

iii

Polyethylene Sheets

4699.2

m2

2126.0
0
25.00

iv

Earth Filling

662.66

m3

175.00

98,221.20
117,480.00
115,965.50

Total of 2
569,667.05
3
i

Headrace Pipe (HDPE)

Excavation

19.04

m3

245
4,664.80

ii

Backfilling

12.89

m3

175
13

2,255.75
iii

HDPE Pipe 140mm OD/2.5 kgf/cm2

400

445.80
178,320.00

Total of 2
185,240.55
Total of 1-3
2,645,219.77
Total of 2-3
754,907.60

8.3 Costs Summary

The cost of construction of the headrace canal in stone masonry is more expensive than that for
the polyethylene lined canal. So, construction of polyethylene lined canal is recommended for
the renovation of the canal structure. The cost of construction of a new earthen canal and
installation of HDPE headrace pipe is estimated to be NRs. 754,907.60.

9. Conclusion
The renovation of the Daaune Khola MHP is desired highly by the local people. The local are
ready to invest in the rehabilitation of this project as lack of electricity has made difficult their
daily livelihood. Rehabilitation would also support the development of two agro mills and wood
mill that are in the Daune Village. This is very important for the overall economic development
of the village. Considering the benefits of renovation, it is highly recommended that the project
be rehabilitated and power supply renewed in the Dauney Village.

10. References
Civil Works Guidelines for Micro-Hydropower in Nepal, ITDG
Lining of Canals with Polyethylene Film - Code of Practice, IS 9698, 1995
Micro-Hydropower Design Aids Manual, Pushpa Chitrakar, 2004
Wages and Construction Materials Rate, District Development Committee, Kavre, 2014
Detail Project Report: Daauney Khola Micro-Hydropower Project, Rural and Alternative
Energy Pvt. Ltd., 2008

14