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A day before the power plant visit, I was so excited because I haven͛t been to Kawasan Falls yet
and I haven͛t also seen actual turbines which are water driven. In our fluid machinery subject,
different types of water driven turbines were discussed and we learned on how to compute the
varied problems on hydroelectric power plant. Before, I used to imagine and tried to picture
out the types of plant including its accessories which include turbine, penstock, and reservoir or
dam. In my own opinion, it is best that I will be able to see the actual system for me to really
understand its functions.

We arrived in Kawasan about 11:00am. The

hydroelectic power plant is quite far from the
highway. It is approximately 1 kilometer away. My
bags were so heavy but it didn͛t matter though
because I was really thrilled to see the plant. Upon
arrival, we were met by the workers there. He
explained to us the process and answered all our
questions and queries. He told us that the turbine
that they are using is the francis turbine. I learned
in school that this type of turbine is a reaction type.
A reaction type turbine is usually used for low
pressure head. There are 3 units of francis turbine and only 2 are running because the third
turbine is under repair.

During the question and answer forum, I asked on how far is the reservoir which is the main
source of water. He then said that it is about 1 kilometer away. He added that from the
reservoir, the water is flowing down at a high pessure to the hydroelectric power plant by
means of gravity. I was amazed gazing at the turbines at work. My classmates took pictures of
it. I was also busy taking down notes about the specifications of turbine and generators. And
below are the technical data (mechanical) of the plant:

Type of Turbine: Francis

Net Head: 67.7 m

Penstock Diameter: 800 mm

Discharge Velocity: 0.67 m3/s (per unit)

Turbine Eff. nT: 80-85%

Length of Draftube: 2.75 m

I have also learned that the Philippine National Grid is the one responsible in getting the power
produced by the plant and allocate it to different cooperatives such as the VECO. The
cooperatives are the ones responsible in distributing it to the consumers like us.

After the power plant visit, we went directly to the falls to relax and enjoy. The second falls
where we stayed is about 1 kilometer away from the power plant. The first falls is very near to
the plant. We had our lunch and my classmates went on to swim. Others were just sitting
around.

My classmates and I have also agreed to go to the dam or reservoir. When we reached there,
we took several pictures. I have seen that the water is very shallow inside the dam that is why
the turbines can͛t produce high power rating. I was able to relate it with what the tour guide
told us that during rainy season, the turbines in the power plant is going to exceed its rated
capacity.

After taking pictures, we went back to the second falls. We rested for a while and went ahead
of the others. We went straight home to our respective provinces for the christmas vacation.

The plant visit was a worthwhile experience. We learned a lot of things and we were able to
combine pleasure with it.