Kathmandu University

Development of sediment friendly cross-flow hydro turbine:

International R&D project between Nepal and Republic of Korea

Nirmal Acharyaa, Oblique Shresthaa, Bhola Thapab, Hari Pd. Neopaneb, Young- Ho Leec
aTurbine

Testing Lab, Kathmandu University (KU), Dhulikhel, Nepal

of Mechanical Engineering, KU, Dhulikhel, Nepal
cDivision of Mechanical and Energy System Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University
(KMOU), Busan, South Korea
bDepartment

March 23, 2015

Contents

Background
Project Purpose

Project Description
TTL & KMOU Activities

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Kathmandu University

Project title & Background

Development of sand erosion proof 20 kW micro-hydro cross- flow turbine & its
site demonstration in Nepal
Funding Agency:
KETEP (Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation &

Planning)

Korean national funding agency dedicated for innovative energys research &
development.
At the forefront of realizing the vision Low Carbon, Green Growth
Works with the Korean government to plan and implement effective national R&D
programs that support domestic as well as international researchers, universities,
and private companies to bring innovative energy technology to life.

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Motivation for the project

Fig: Damaged CFT runner of Daram khola MHP (Kandebas, Baglung, Nepal)

MHP sector in Nepal: matured technically and substantially over past 40 years.
Extensive research & design accomplished during this course of time- [T1 model (1976)
T-15 model CFT].
Yet lacks R&D in the field of effect of sediments on MH turbines.
Efficiency plus sediment consideration design approach might be useful for overall
efficiencies of MHPs.

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Partners
Leading Company:
Donggu Infra Co. Ltd., Busan, Republic of Korea

Research Partners:
Flow Informatics Lab, Korea Maritime and Ocean University,
Busan, Republic of Korea

Turbine Testing Lab, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal

KETEP has awarded a grant of 1,218,181 USD [Korean Won (KRW) 1,340 million (1 USD=
1,100 KRW as per 29/12/2014)] to KMOU, Donggu Infra Co. Ltd., and TTL (KU) for the
implementation of the project.

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Kathmandu University

Project Purpose & Project Period

Design, install and test 20 kW sediment friendly cross- flow hydro turbine- helps to
enhance the performance of micro- hydropower plants in Nepal.

Aims for the international collaboration in micro- hydropower sector which will strengthen
the research and technology transfer.

Boost up TTL towards becoming a center of excellence for research activities regarding
turbines and hydropowers in Nepal.

Project Period:
Feb 2014- September 2017

Project Duration:
32 months

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Signing Program
Agreement letter was signed on 17th March 2015 among Donggu Infra Co. Ltd., TTL
(KU) and KMOU at KMOU premises, Busan, Korea.

Signed by Yong- Moon KIM (President, on behalf of Donggu), Hari Pd. Neopane (HoD,
MED, on behalf of TTL, KU) and Young- Ho LEE (Prof., on behalf of KMOU)
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Project Description
RDA literature,
design and
drawing

Delivery of the 5 kW
runner at TTL (KU),
installation and
performance analysis

Design of 20 kW CFT with

reference to 5 kW considering
scale up effect (considering
blade material as well)

Fabrication and
Experiment (Korea
& Nepal) of RDA
(considering coating
as well)

Fabrication of 5 kW
dedicated test set up
and performance
analysis at KMOU

Fabrication of 20 kW
CFT

CFD analysis of 5 kW KMOU

cross-flow turbine (CFT)
considering sediment effect
and comparison of it with T15
model available in Nepal

Design optimization for the

better efficiency and
sediment handling quality
and adaptation of the better
design
Site installation and
testing of 20 kW CFT
in Nepal MHP site

Project completion & Final

report submission

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Kathmandu University

TTL activities
Overall project has been divided into 3 phases;

Phase I
RDA design with CFD analysis and detail drawing.
Fabrication and testing of RDA at TTL, KU.
Detail design and drawing of sediment friendly (optimized) 5 kW CFT.

Phase II
Laboratory setup design and testing of 5 kW cross- flow turbine (runner
provided from Korea).
Scale up design of 20 kW turbine, drawing and CFD works of the same.
Site survey for the 20 kW turbine.

Phase III
Installation of the 20 kW turbine.
Testing and commissioning of the same.
Final report submission & closing of the project.

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KMOU activities
CFD and FSI analysis of 5 kW Cross-flow hydro turbine with single phase
working fluid (water).
Experimental performance analysis of 5 kW Cross-flow hydro turbine.
Comparison of experimental and CFD results for 5 kW Cross-flow hydro
turbine.

CFD analysis of 20 kW Cross-flow hydro turbine with two phase working

fluids (water & sediment).
FSI analysis of 20 kW Cross-flow hydro turbine with two phase working fluids
(water & sediment).

Design review and all the fabrication works will be done by Donggu Infra. Co.

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10

Kathmandu University

Thank you for your attention!

nirmal.acharya@ku.edu.np

Contact :
Turbine Testing Lab
ttl@ku.edu.np
www.ku.edu.np
Kathmandu University,
P.O. Box : 6250
Phone : +977-011-661399