ECET 3811 Hydroelectric Power (3 Semester Hours)
I. Course Overview: Hydroelectric power is a form of hydropower which exploits the movement of water to generate electricity. Hydroelectricity is a well-established technology, which has been producing power reliably and at competitive prices for about a century and now accounts for about 20% of the world’s electricity supply and over 65%
of the total electricity from renewable sources. It is therefore an important source of electricity and demands the attention of any aspiring energy engineer
.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the growing field of hydroelectricity. A detail description of the basic components of a hydropower plant and how it operates are presented in the course. Students will explore the Physics of hydrology; hydropower generation and turbine hydrodynamics. Important concepts in the construction and operation of hydropower plants such as head, flow-rate and cross-flow are investigated.Also described in the course are the various types of turbines including Francis, Kaplan, Pelton, and Turgo, as well as the important system components such as generators, governors, penstocks, spillways, valves, gates, and trash racks. Both large-scale and small hydroelectric systems are investigated. This course also discusses the economics of hydroelectricity and environmental considerations.
II. Expected Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the Hydroelectric Power course, a student should be able to:
1. Discuss the historical uses of hydro power.
2. Analyze hydraulic processes using the principles of fluid dynamics.
3. Describe the basic components of a hydroelectric system.
4. Describe the operation of grid-tied and independent hydroelectric generators.
5. Discuss the financial aspects of hydro-power.
Specific learning objectives for each instruction unit are discussed in the unit/module syllabus.
III. General Information for Students
Textbook The primary textbook for this course is “Micro-Hydro Design Manual:
A Guide to Small-Scale Water Power Schemes” by Adam Harvey and Andy Brown, Practical Action Press, second edition. This is a required text book.
Reference materials are listed in the pertinent module syllabi. Students are advised to see the department’s student hand book and the university catalogue for applicable rules and regulations as the classes for this course will be conducted strictly according to those rules and regulations. Other rules of conduct may be announced by the instructor.
Prerequisites Proficiency in collage algebra and electric circuit analysis is required. Accordingly, the prerequisites for this course are MATH 1111 and ECET 3101K.
IV. Instructional Units/Modules This course is designed to introduce students to the growing field of hydropower systems. A full description of each of the following units of instruction covered in the course is given in the module syllabus:
• Unit 1. – Introduction to Hydropower
• Unit 2. – Hydrology and site survey
• Unit 3. – Turbines
• Unit 4. - Drive systems
• Unit 5. – Electrical Power Generation Systems
• Unit 6. - Financial evaluation and environmental impact
V. Evaluation of Learning Outcome A variety of instruments and methods will be used to assess the pertinent task analyses or competencies the student has acquired. These include a test at the completion of each instruction module; a final comprehensive examination to measure the ability of the student to retain and synthesize information from the various modules for an integrated body of knowledge; and a term paper to evaluate the students ability to derive ideas from what was learnt and to formulate concept based on knowledge gained from the course. Specific instruments for evaluating the effectiveness of the instructional activities and strategies for each unit are listed in the module syllabi.
VI.
Table 1. Course Specific Matrix
# Section of Task Analysis
Instruction Unit Level of Training/
priority
% Course time
Allotted Time (Weeks)
Location and/or Facilities
Materials and Supplies
Resources/ references
1 Micro-hydro system design
hydroelectric power introduction
Moderate 6.25 1 Lecture room,
Computer and MATLAB
Inversin, Allen: Micro- hydropower source book 2 site survey;
Site preparation
Hydrology and site survey
Moderate 12.5 2 Lecture room, Laboratory
Computer ; MATLAB;
Thermometer;
Conductivity meter; Bucket
Pearce E A, Smith C G: The world weather guide
3 System Design, maintenance and preparation
Turbines High 12.5 2 Lecture
room, Laboratory
Film canister;
Construction paper; Pinwheel
Victorov, G V: Guidelines for the application of small hydraulic turbines.
4 Drive Systems maintenance
Types of drive systems
High 12.5 2 Lecture
room, Laboratory
Computer and MATLAB
Quayle, J P: Kempe’s engineers year book. Morgan-Grampian Book Publishing Co. Ltd.
5 Power Systems operation and maintenance
Electrical Power Generation System
Very High 12.5 2 Lecture room, Laboratory
Transformer, Single Phase Induction Motor, Synchronous Alternator, Synchronous Motor.
Meier, U: Electrical components of hydropower installations.
6 Environmental impact study
Financial evaluation and environmental impact
High 12.5 2 Lecture
room
Computer and MATLAB
Gulliver J S, and Arndt RE:
Hydropower engineering handbook
Total 100 16
Instruction Unit One – Introduction to Hydropower
Introduction Hydroelectric power stems from the process of using water's energy as it flows from higher to lower elevation, rotating hydraulic turbines to create electricity. Hydroelectric and coal-fired power plants produce electricity in a similar way. In both cases a power source is used to turn a propeller-like piece called a turbine, which then turns a metal shaft in an electric generator, which produces electricity.
While a coal-fired power plant uses steam to turn the turbine blades; a hydroelectric plant uses falling water to turn the turbine. This introductory unit of instruction is an overview of the theory and the various components behind power production form a hydropower plant. The costs-benefits of this form of energy production are discussed and its relative advantage over other energy sources such coal fired plants are pointed out in this unit of instruction. Also presented is an overview of the hydropower system designing scheme with special emphasis on micro-hydro scheme.
Required Entry Behavior: Students are expected to be familiar with the concepts of gravity, force, power and energy conservation.
Behavioral Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
• Name the essential components of hydropower plant.
• Describe the principles of operation of a hydropower system.
• Give a physical interpretation of power equations.
• Perform a comparative analysis of the energy cost of hydropower versus other schemes.
Equipment and Supplies: Simulation software (MATLAB); Desktop computer.
Learning Activities and Strategies This unit consists mainly of classroom activities. The following is a tentative plan for covering the instructional materials for achieving unit objectives:
• Micro-hydropower 30 minutes
• The components of scheme 30 minutes
• Power from water 30 minutes
• Designing a scheme 60 minutes
• Plant factor and cost benefit 30 minutes
Total time 180 minutes (one week)
Unit Evaluation Hour Test.
Reference Materials Inversin, Allen : Micro-hydropower source book . NRECA Foundation, Washington DC.
Instruction Unit Two – Hydrology and Site Survey
Introduction The theoritical foundation of hydroelecity is to build a dam on a large river that has a large drop in elevation. The dam stores lots of water behind it in the reservoir. Gravity causes it to fall on a turbine propeller, which is turned by the moving water. The shaft from the turbine goes up into the generator, which produces the power. The study of hydrology is therefore essential to the understanding of the basic principles of hydroelectricity. Equally important is the understanding of the site at which the dam would be built in order to maximize system efficiency at low cost. This unit is dedicated to a brief review of hydrology and the process of site survey. Flow prediction by area-rainfall method, Flow prediction by correlation method, Head measurement, Flow measurement, and Geology study are discussed in this module.
Required Entry Behavior Students are expected to be able to calculate the area of an irregular surface.
Behavioral Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
• Describe the hydrologic cycle.
• Discuss the flow correlation method.
• Compare measurements with hydrograph.
• Demonstrate an understanding of a geological study.
Equipment and Supplies : Simulation software (MATLAB); Desktop computer; Nylon hose; Height markers; Prepared record sheet;
Thermometer; Conductivity meter; Integrator; Pure table salt; Bucket
Learning Activities and Strategies This unit consists of classroom and laboratory activities. The classroom presentations will be punctuated with laboratory exercises. The following is a tentative plan for covering the materials for achieving unit objectives:
• Introduction to Hydrology 30 minutes
• Flow prediction by area-rainfall method 30 minutes
• Flow prediction by correlation method 30 minutes
• Head Measurement 60 minutes
• Site measurement flow and geological study 30 minutes
Total time 180 minutes (one week)
Laboratory Activities
• Head measurement using the water-filled tube method.
• Site flow measurement using the salt gulp method.
Unit Evaluation Hour Test.
Reference Materials Pearce E A, Smith C G: The world weather guide.
Instruction Unit Three –Turbines
Introduction A water turbine used in hydropower systems is a rotary engine that converts the potential energy of the water fall to kinertic (rotational) energy used to turn the shaft. In its simplest form, a turbine has one moving part, a rotor assembly, which is a shaft with blades attached. Moving fluid acts on the blades so that they rotate and impart energy to the rotor. The turbine is a important component of the hydroelectric system. It drives the generator which converts the mechanical energy to electric energy. Understanding turbines is therefore essential to understanding hydropower. The various types of turbine are discussed in this unit of instruction. Also discussed in the unit are the factors that influence the choice of a turbine for a particular hydropower project. The efficiency –speed characteristics and the power-speed characteristics of turbines are also examined.
Required Entry Behavior Students are expected to be familiar with hydrology and the concepts of power and efficiency.
Behavioral Objectives: Upon the completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
• Describe the operation of a water turbine and its application in hydroelectricity.
• Distinguish between groups of impulse and reaction turbines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of different turbines.
Equipment and Supplies : Simulation software (MATLAB); Desktop computer, film canister, construction paper.
Learning Activities and Strategies This unit consists of classroom and laboratory activities. The classroom presentations will be punctuated with laboratory exercises. The following is a tentative plan for covering the materials for achieving unit objectives:
• Introduction of turbines 30 minutes
• Impulse turbine 60 minutes
• Pelton turbines and Turgo turbines 60 minutes
• Crossflow and Reaction turbines 60 minutes
• Francis and Kaplan turbines 60 minutes
• Draught tubes 30 minutes
• Reverse pumps 60 minutes
Total time 360 minutes (two weeks)
Laboratory Activities: Construction of a water turbine model using film canisters and construction paper Unit Evaluation Hour Test.
Reference Materials Victorov, G V: Guidelines for the application of small hydraulic turbines.
Instruction Unit Four – Drive Systems
Introduction The hydroelectric system machinery consists essentially of a number of transducers which ultimately converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. This machinery thus consists of moving components equipped with drive systems. The drive system comprise the generator shaft, turbine shaft, the bearings which support these shafts, pulleys, gearboxes, belts and other components. The function of the drive system is to transmit power from the turbine to the generator. To become competent in the design, maintenance and operation of the system, one must understand the construction and function of the drive systems. This unit of instruction presents a quantitative and qualitative description of various types of drive systems. Direct coupled drives, Belt drives, Belt drive calculations, Bearings, Shaft sizing, Deflection of shafts, Achieving alignments, Plinths and frames, and balancing are discussed in this unit of instruction.
Required Entry Behavior: Students are expected to be familiar with Turbines and generators and the concepts of power and efficiency.
Behavioral Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
• Describe the function of drive systems.
• Perform the belt drive calculations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of bearings, shaft sizing and balancing.
•
Equipment and Supplies : Simulation software (MATLAB); Desktop computer;
Learning Activities and Strategies This unit consists mainly of classroom activities. . The following is a tentative plan for covering the instructional materials for achieving unit objectives:
• Introduction of drive systems 30 minutes
• Belt drive calculations 60 minutes
• Bearings 60 minutes
• Shaft sizing 60 minutes
• Deflection of shafts 60 minutes
• Plinth and frames 30 minutes
• Safety and guards 60 minutes
Total time 360 minutes (two weeks)
Unit Evaluation Hour Test.
Reference Materials Quayle, J P: Kempe’s engineers year book. Morgan-Grampian Book Publishing Co. Ltd..
Instruction Unit Five – Electrical Power
Introduction Electricity is a convenient means of transporting energy. With the help of transducers electric energy is converted to useful energy such as light or heat at the delivery end. Even though machinery in many mills is driven directly by the water turbine to deliver mechanical energy, the predominant mode of operation of hydro- power is still to use turbines to drive generators thereby producing electricity. This has many advantages, the most important of which is perhaps the convenience of transformation cited above. Other advantages include the fact that electrical equipment are readily available; and the control of electrical equipment is so easy and effective. This unit is a discussion of the final link of the hydroelectric system. The fundamentals of the electric generator are examined. Choosing the supply systems, AC systems, Synchronous generators, Switchgear and protection and Transmission lines are also discussed in this unit of instruction.
Required Entry Behavior Students are expected to be familiar with basic electricity, and electric circuit analysis.
Behavioral Objectives: Upon the completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
• Analyze 3-phase star and delta connections.
• Describe the operation of synchronous generators.
• Discuss the fundamental principles of induction generator.
• Describe the essential features and functions of generator controllers and transmission lines.
Equipment and Supplies: Transformers, synchronous motor, synchronous alternator and generator.
Learning Activities and Strategies This unit consists of classroom and laboratory activities. The classroom presentations will be punctuated with laboratory exercises. The following is a tentative plan for covering the instructional materials for achieving unit objectives:
• Basic electricity 30 minutes
• Choosing the supply system 60 minutes
• AC systems 60 minutes
• Synchronous generators 60 minutes
• Induction generators 60 minutes
• Switchgear and protection 30 minutes
• Transmission lines 60 minutes
Total time 360 minutes (two weeks)
Laboratory Activities
• Transformer basics (V-I relationships, polarity testing, voltage regulation)
• Single-phase induction motor performance (starting and running torque, power factor)
• Synchronous alternator performance (synchronizing, regulation, power factor ctrl)
• Single phase generator and turbine sizing using MATLAB.
Unit Evaluation Hour Test, lab reorts.
Reference Materials Meier, U: Electrical components of hydropower installations
Instruction Unit Six – Financial Evaluation
Introduction A micro-hydro scheme is expensive. It is also a risk because most of the cost must be met at the start of the project. The investor will need to be convinced that such a major investment is safe. It is essential for the designer to understand the financial viable result in order to be able to explain to the investor the financial advantage of hydro-power. This unit is a presentation on the economic analysis of the hydropower system.
The concepts of time-value of money, the annuity equation, unit energy cost and net income, net present value, simple and discounted payback periods, and cash flow analysis are discussed in this unit of instruction.
Required Entry Behavior Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of engineering economy.
Behavioral Objectives: Upon completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of comparative indicators, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the simple and discounted payback periods.
Equipment and Supplies : Simulation software (MATLAB); Desktop computer;
Learning Activities and Strategies This unit consists of classroom activities only. The following is a tentative plan for covering the instructional materials for achieving unit objectives:
• Introduction to financial evaluation 30 minutes
• The time and value of money 60 minutes
• The annuity equation 60 minutes
• Unit energy cost and net income 60 minutes
• Net present value (NPV) 60 minutes
• Internal rate of return (IRR) 30 minutes
• Cash flow analysis 60 minutes
Total time 360 minutes (two weeks)
Unit Evaluation Hour Test.
Reference Materials Gulliver J S, and Arndt RE: Hydropower engineering handbook
