News and Events – Turbine Testing Lab

Workshop on Francis turbines and Centrifugal pumps on April 28, 2022

A one-day workshop on Francis turbines and Centrifugal pumps was conducted on April 28, 2022 at Himalaya Hotel, Kathmandu. The workshop was aimed to share the experiences of design, manufacturing, installation and testing works related to Francis turbines and pumps by Turbine Testing Lab through EnergizeNepal and HydroCen (FranSed) projects.

The workshop was attended by various industries of Nepal associated with hydropower. In the workshop, a Francis turbine design tool, Design Resource In Francis Turbine (TTL-DRIFT v1.0) developed by TTL was released as an open source design tool for the participants. The tool is expected to support industries for carrying out the design, fabrication, repair/maintenance and cost estimation of Francis turbines.

In the workshop, Professor Bhola Thapa, Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University shared his remarks on the history of turbine design works at TTL. Similarly, Professor Manish Pokharel, Dean of School of Engineering, KU and Professor Hari Prasad Neopane delivered remarks on the need of academic-industrial collaboration and the various projects being carried out at KU to fulfill these collaborations. Mr. Pratik Man Singh Pradhan, Vice President of Butwal Power Company Ltd. also shared his experiences about sedimentation issues and sediment erosion in turbines during the inaugural session. Dr. Sailesh Chitrakar, Faculty-In-Charge of TTL delivered a presentation on the ongoing activities of TTL in the sector of Francis turbines and pumps. Mr. Amul Ghimire, Mr. Dadiram Dahal and Mr. Nischal Pokharel, who are involved in various research works related to Francis turbines at TTL shared their Master’s works and use of TTL-DRIFT for the turbine design.

Several comments were received in the table and open discussion sessions, majorly from the industrial sector. Mr. Dewan Singh Thapa from Thapa Engineering Pvt. Ltd. shared his experiences of manufacturing Francis turbines and obstacles associated with that. Mr. Surendra Bhakta Mathema from Power tech Pvt. Ltd. spoke about the significance of the design tool for industries. Some other comments received from the discussion are listed below:
• The complications related to design and manufacturing of Francis turbines were identified as the main hurdle for the industries of Nepal. Whereas Pelton and cross-flow turbines are already developed for micro-hydro power plants, a plenty of technical challenges is ceasing the development of Francis turbines.
• The design tool (TTL-DRIFT) may also incorporate other components of the turbine, such as guide vanes, stay vanes, shafts, spiral casing, draft tube etc. These components could be included in the future versions of the tool.
• There are still some trust issues for the developers and policy makers in Nepal for awarding any manufacturing works to Nepalese industries.
• For manufacturing of the large scale turbines, a huge investment might be needed in the equipment. However, there could also be some scope for refurbishment of the existing micro hydropower plants if appropriate policies related to grid synchronization are developed. The role of NEA and AEPC could be crucial in those cases.
• Some of the other developments, such as valves, pipes, etc. might be more feasible for the industries of Nepal to start with. Academic-Industry collaboration in those sectors may be fruitful in the coming days.

IAHR-Asia 2021 conference on Nov 22-23

Turbine Testing Lab, Kathmandu University has successfully hosted IAHR-Asia 2021, the third International Symposium on Hydraulic Machinery and Systems from November 22-23 in a hybrid mode. The conference was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of the university Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa.

Seventy full papers were presented in two days of the conference whereas four invited and four featured presentations were also given by eminent personalities of the field. Presentations were broadcasted both in a physical mode and virtual mode in four group of sessions, each group consisting four parallel sub-sessions.During the opening ceremony of the conference, the 10th anniversary of Turbine Testing Lab was also celebrated releasing its 10th anniversary issue in the physical presence of Prof. Bhola Thapa, VC of the university; Prof. Dr. Subodh Sharma, Registrar of the university, and Prof. Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug and Prof. Petter Stoa from Norwegian University of Science and Technology and SINTEF respectively. Prof. Francois Avellan from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne; Prof. Young-Ho Lee from Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Prof. Zhengwei Wang from Tsinghua University, and Prof. Chisachi Kato from The University of Tokyo provided the keynote speech through online mode.

The IAHR consists of 3 academic sessions covering its 16 technical committees, the IAHR-AWG (Asia Working Group) belongs to the Hydraulics Committee (IAHR Hydraulics), one of the 6 Water Conservancy Machinery Committees, and the Systems Committee (Committee on Hydraulic Machinery and Systems). The international conference, held every two years, has the utmost influence in the field of hydraulic machinery.

Application call for Internships at Turbine Testing Laboratory (TTL)

TTL invites interested candidates from all the 4^th year undergraduate students of Department of Mechanical Engineering for the following internship positions.

Number of available positions : 7
Duration : Three months
Location : Turbine Testing Lab, KU
Topics:
- Performance investigation of Pump as Turbine (1)
- Experiments in Rotating Disc Apparatus and development of erosion model (1)
- Experiments of erosion in cross-flow turbines (2)
- Performance up-scaling of locally manufactured Turgo turbines (1)
- Case study of erosion in a Pelton turbine (1)
- Energy modeling (Current energy trend in Nepal, future prospects and possible scenarios) (1)

Application procedure:

Candidates have to email following documents (as a single pdf file) in the name of Faculty-in-Charge of TTL at ttl@ku.edu.np within 15/09/2021.

Cover Letter
CV
Research statement mentioning interest in preferred title
Relevant academic and experience certificates
Recommendation letter from the internship coordinator at DoME

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview.

Download Full Notice (Here)

Call for papers and presentation for CRHT-X International Symposium (31st March 2020)

Turbine Testing Lab is organizing a one day International Symposium on “Current Research in Hydropower Technologies, CRHT-X” which is the Tenth series in itself. The scope of symposium is focused on research or research orientated academic activities related to hydropower systems. The main objective of this symposium is to bring researchers, students and professionals working in hydropower sector to a common platform to share their research experiences and also develop networking for future endeavors.

THE CONFERENCE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO WEB-BASED FORM

THE DATE OF RELEASE HAS BEEN POSTPONED FROM 31ST MARCH

Abstract/Paper Submission

Download Abstract Template (here )
Download Full Paper Template (here )

Please send abstract/ full paper to crht.ttl@ku.edu.np

Key Dates

Abstract submission: 01 January 2020
Notification of acceptance: 10 January 2020
Full paper submission: 01 March 2020
Event: 31 March 2020

Pre-registration by 01 January 2020. Download forms from the link below.

Presenter’s form (here)
Participant’s form (not presenting) (here)

Venue: Kathmandu, Nepal

Prospects and Opportunites of hydropower projects in Kavre district- Article published in special issue of FNCCI Kavre Chapter-2012.

Draft for special issue FNCCI_Kavre Chapter _TTL_2012 Download

TTL organized a training on “Advancement in Turbine and Hydropower Technology

Turbine Testing Lab organized one day training on “Advancement in turbine and hydropower technology (ATHT) on 21^stMarch, 2018 in Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel. ATHT is a one day training program emphasized for a closed group of staffs and students working in the field of research and development of hydropower and hydro-turbines. The objective of this training program is to learn the experiences and knowledge of the experts working in the related field and later on, disseminate the ideas to a larger group. The problems discussed in this program focused on identifying and mitigating the challenges of sediments in the power plants of Indian Sub-Continent.

The program was followed by CRHT VIII on previous day conducted in KU. This training program contained training sessions. The first session was lectured by Mr. Simen Vogt Svendsen, Maintenance Manager of Theun-Hinboun, Laos and the topic of the lecture was “Making turbines and waterways great again”. The second session was lectured by Mr. Ugyen Rinzin from Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd, Bhutan on the topic “Impact of sediment on underwater components”. The final session was lectured by Prof. Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug from Norwegian University of Science and Technology on the topic “Model testing of hydro turbines”.

The program was represented by participants from academia (KU, IOE & IIT, Roorkee) and authorities & industries (NEA, NMHDA, PEEDA, NYS & Chainlink Engineering) working in the field of hydropower in Nepal and India. The program was co-ordinated by Dr. Hari Pd. Neopane, HoD, DoME, KU.

Photos from the event

Mr. Tom Solberg, MD, ICH addressing the program

Dr. Hari Pd. Neopane, HoD, DoME, KU co-ordinator of the event addressing the program

Mr. Simen Vogt Svendsen from Theun- Hinboun Power Company, Laos addressing the event

Mr. Ugyen Rinzin from Druk Green Power Corporation, Bhutan presenting his findings

Prof. Ole G. Dahlhaug, NTNU lecturing in the event

Participants listening the lectures in the program

Participants listening the lectures in the program

Dr. Bhola Thapa giving the certificate of appreciation to one of the resource person

Dr. Bhola Thapa giving the certificate of appreciation to the sponsor of the event

Group photo session after the event

International Symposium on Hydraulic Machines-VIII’ 18 organized at Kathmandu University

International symposium on “Current Research in Hydraulic Turbines” was held for the eighth time on 20^th March, 2018 as CRHT-VIII after the successful completion of the previous seven events in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Other renewable energy source was included as additional topics for the symposium.

It was a one-day program which was held at CV Raman Auditorium, Senate Hall, Mini Auditorium and Executive Dining Hall. The event was scheduled under three parallel sessions led by respective chairs. Topic of the papers/presentations was divided into 6 broad thematic areas:

Modeling and Simulation in Hydroturbines (5 presentations)
Simulation & Experimental Techniques in Hydropower (5 presentations)
Sediment erosion & cavitation in hydraulic turbines (5 presentations)
Renewable Energy, Devices, and Energy Measurement & Efficiency (4 presentations)
Pumps, FSI in pipe & Net Metering (3 presentations)
Reversible pump turbines (RPT) & Hill chart for Francis turbine (4 presentations)

The event started with the welcome speech by Dr. Hari Prasad Neopane, Assoc. Prof. and HOD at DOME, followed by a featured presentation of Member Secretary-TTL, Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa. Mr. Tom Solberg, MD of ICH, Norway gave the key note speech about the activities of ICH. Prof. Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha, Vice Chancellor at Kathmandu University delivered the inaugural speech about the importance of research in academic sector through a video message. Dr. Damber Bahadur Nepali, Dean of School of Engineering, and Prof. Bhola Thapa, Registrar of Kathmandu University gave remarks about the event. It was followed by featured presentations of Simen Vogt Svendsen, Maintenance Manager of Theun-Hinboun Power Company, Laos, Ishwar Man Deshar, Plant Manager of Himal Power Ltd., Nepal, Prof. Young Do Choi, Professor of Mokpo University, S. Korea, Ugyen Rinzin, Scientific Officer at Druk Green Power Cooperation, Bhutan, Prof. Bhupendra K. Gandhi, Professor of IIT Roorkee, India and Prof. Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, NTNU, Norway respectively.

In this symposium, the technical session was represented by six Universities in three parallel sessions. The first session was divided into two themes. The first theme was focused on modeling and simulation in hydro-turbines, whereas the second theme was focused on Renewable Energy, Devices, and Energy Measurements and Efficiency. This session was chaired by Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa and Dr. Guo Zhiwei. The second session had a theme of Simulation and Experimental Techniques in Hydropower, as well as Pumps, FSI in pipe and Net Metering. This session was chaired by Prof. Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug and Dr. Hari Prasad Neopane. The third session was focused on Sediment erosion and Cavitation in hydraulic turbines, as well as Reversible pump turbines and Hill Chart for Francis turbines. This session was chaired by Prof. B.K. Gandhi and Prof. Young Do Choi.

The closing session contained a featured presentation from Prof. Arun Kumar, Professor of IIT Roorkee, India. Dr. Hari Pd. Neopane provided the summary of the sessions giving best wishes to all the researchers. Prof. Bhola Thapa finally gave the closing speech with vote of thanks to all the participants, presenters, organizers, volunteers and sponsors.

The event was coordinated by Mr. Nirmal Acharya, Research Associate at TTL. Ms. Kritika Bhandari, Mr. Nikshan Poudel and Ms. Samita Rimal, students from DoME emceed the program.

Photos from CRHT-VIII’18 Symposium

Official program flex of the symposium

Participants standing for the National Anthem inside CV Raman Auditorium

Mr. Tom Solberg, MD, ICH addressing the symposium

Prof. Dr. Ram Kantha Makaju, VC-KU delivering the inagural video message

Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa, Registrar-KU with his remarks about the event

Dr. Damber Bahadur Nepali, Dean- SoE-KU addressing the event

Prof. Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, NTNU with his keynote speech during the program

Dr. Hari Pd. Neopane, HoD, DoME-KU addressing the event

Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa, Faculty Member,TTL-KU with his featured presentation

Technical session in the Senate Hall

Technical session in the Exective Dining Hall

Presenter in the Mini Auditorium during the technical session

Session Chairs and MC in one of the parallel session

Group photo after the completion of feature presentation session

Dr. Neopane and research fellows from TTL participated in a Workshop at IIT Roorkee, India

Dr. Hari Prasad Neopane, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering together with his research fellows (Mr. Ram Lama, PhD candidate and Mr. Dadi Ram Dahal, M.S. by Research candidate at TTL) represented Kathmandu University in “Workshop on Hydro abrasive erosion in hydro plants” at IIT Roorkee. The event was organized by Alternate Hydro Energy Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, from 23-24 February, 2018 at Roorkee, India.

Dr. Neopane delivered two presentations on “Steps involved in optimization studies for hydro abrasive erosion “and “Financial and economic analysis of hydro-abrasive erosion”. He has also co-chaired one of the sessions in the workshop.

The details of the program can be found at:https://www.iitr.ac.in/departments/AH/pages/Activities+Conference__Seminars__Workshops.html

Co-operation between SOE- KU and ChesCo

Kathmandu University-School of Engineering and Chilime Engineering and Services Company Ltd. (ChesCo) signed an MoU on 18^th January, 2018. In the agreement signing program, ChesCo was represented by the CEO of this company, Dr. Prashant Mandal and KU-SOE, by the Dean, Prof. Bhupendra Bimal Chhetri. The program was attended by the representatives from Department of Mechanical Engineering, Turbine Testing Lab and Technical Training Center.

The MoU is aimed towards collaboration for services related to electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical issues of hydro power sector.

The post MoU discussion focused on planning of activities under the scope of the MoU. It is agreed to conduct an interaction program between work groups representing both institutions, identity and execute a pilot project on repair and maintenance of a hydro power plant in Nepal, and develop relevant training packages. Both intuitions agreed to carry a long term vision to develop a consulting unit to provide professional services on operation and maintenance of hydro power sector. The program was co-ordinated by Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa, Assis. Prof., DoME, KU.

MoU signing program at Mini- Auditorium, KU

Prof. Chhetri and Dr. Mandal signing the MoU documents

Prof. Chhetri and Dr. Mandal exchanging the MoU document files

Dr. Mandal visiting TTL floor along with his associate facilitated by Dr. Thapa

TTL participation in Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Program

Mr. Nirmal Acharya, Research Associate at TTL/Visiting faculty at DoME completed his Staff Mobility Program funded by Erasmus+ Merging Voices project from 20-25^th November at University of Algarve, Penha & Gambelas Campus, Faro, Portugal. During his stay at University of Algarve, Mr. Acharya presented about “Current researches and future prospects at Turbine Testing Lab- Kathmandu University, Nepal” and tried to explore research projects collaboration between the two universities. He visited the several labs in the university for institutional linkage for future collboration and facilities & resources exchange.

Mr. Acharya with the faculities and students from University of Algarve after his presentation