Author(s): M. K. Verma; M. Z. Qamar; A. P. Meshram; Neena Isaac

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Sediment bypassing tunnel; Suspended sediment

Abstract: The size and quantum of silt has a major impact on the operation of hydropower projects in terms of siltation of reservoirs and serious damage to the equipment. Damages to turbine and under water parts due to abrasive action of silt carried by rivers, especially the steep sloping Himalayan rivers, result in frequent shutdowns of power stations with consequent loss in power generation and this has been causing a serious concern. The prevention of medium and coarse fraction of suspended sediment entering into the power intake of run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects is thus of paramount importance. Hence various measures to deal with such sediment problems in run-of-river schemes have to be employed at investigation and design stage for new upcoming projects and also for existing projects at operation and maintenance stage. This paper intends to highlight the various existing methods and recent developments for elimination/reduction of silt content from the reservoir as well as the water conductor system. The concept of bypassing tunnel for managing the suspended sediment in hydro power projects is emerging as a new technique and is discussed in this paper with the help of model studies for Nathpa Jhakri H. E. Project, which has substantiated the importance of this technique.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-6009-1_32

Year: 2022