Hydraulic Transient Analysis for Penstock of Rajwakti Small Hydro Power Plant

Abstract

The term hydraulic transient describes the effect of unsteady flow of fluid in pipeline. It is attend by the rise and fall of pressure from the steady state condition. Therefore it is necessary to analyze hydraulic transient in pipeline for economical design and safety purpose. The governing equations for hydraulic transient are equation of continuity and momentum. Its control is of great importance in hydraulic installations, water supply systems, aircraft, and fuel system e.t.c. In the present study an attempt has been made to analyze hydraulic transient in an existing penstock of small hydropower plant of Rajwakti, in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. The HAMMER software has been used. Transient caused due to various operation condition of turbine has been considered. It is concluded from the results obtained that the most vulnerable location for sever transient pressure is near to the turbine end. When the valve of turbine closes suddenly the head rise more rapidly than the other operating condition. As the closure time increases the maximum transient pressure decreases. Material having low modulus of elasticity shows better control on hydraulic transient pressure.