Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 20121
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 20123
Kathmandu University
School of Engineering
Kathmandu University is an autonomous, not-for-profit, non-government institution dedicated to maintain high standards of academic excellence. It has envisioned becoming a world-class university devoted to bringing knowledge and technology to the service of mankind and is committed to develop leaders in professional areas through quality education.
KU has built a very good infrastructure and established a track record of academic excellence. At present, the university offers various undergraduate, graduate and post graduate programs in science, engineering, medicine, management, education, arts, pharmacy, environment, music, human &natural resources, information technology and biotechnology through six schools, namely School of Science, School of Engineering, School of Management, School of Engineering, School of Medical Sciences, School of Education and School of Arts. KU has produced more than ten thousand professionals in these areas through its constituent and affiliated programs. KU is proud to graduate almost 25% foreign students and inclusion of about 40% female students among graduates in the graduation of 2012.
School of Engineering at Kathmandu University was established in 1994 with the aim to produce quality engineers in the country. It started BE program in Mechanical, Computer and Electrical & Electronics Engineering from 1994 for the first time in the country. In 2007 new program in Geomatics Engineering was started in collaboration with Land Management Training Center, Ministry of Land Reforms and Management, Government of Nepal. KU completed Nepalese engineering education in 2009 by starting BE in Civil Engineering with specialization in Hydropower. Until 2010 SOE has graduated total of 1306 out of which 1226 in undergraduate level and 80 in graduate level.
School of Engineering of Kathmandu University is running its program within umbrella of the vision and mission of Kathmandu University together with six other schools.
School of Engineering compliments vision and mission of Kathmandu University. To be specific:“School of Engineering develops creative leaders equipped with the quality knowledge and skills to solve the complex engineering problems as well as innovative technologies and intellectual properties as a contribution to the society”
Undergraduate Program
• BE in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
(with specialization in Power-and-Control)
• BE Electrical and Electronic Engineering
(with specialization in Communication)
• BE in Mechanical Engineering
• BE in Computer Engineering
• BE in Geomatics Engineering
• BE in Civil Engineering (with specialization in Hydropower)
Graduate Program
• ME in Electrical Power Engineering
• ME in Communication Engineering
• ME in Mechanical Engineering
• ME in Computer Engineering
• Masters in Planning and Operation of Energy Systems
• MTech in Information Technology
• MS by Research
• PhD
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 4
Operation Management Committee (2011-2013)
Chairman Prof. Bhola Thapa, PhDDean, School of EngineeringProfessor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Member Secretary Mr. Biraj Singh ThapaAsst. Professor & Faculty-in-ChargeTurbine Testing LabDepartment of Mechanical Engineering
MemberMr. Bim Prasad Shrestha, PhDAssociate Professor &Head of Department Department of Mechanical Engineering
Member Mr. Kul Man GhisingManaging DirectorChilime Hydropower Company
Member Mr. Tri Ratna Bajracharya , PhDInstitute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University
The guidelines for the committee are:• Making annual budget for the lab and forward it to K.U.
• Delivering annual report and an unaudited annual account of the activities associated with the test rig.
• Ensuring that the test rig is maintained and developed according to international standards and advising
for larger investments that have to be made in order to maintain standard.
• Deciding what daily rates should be charged to different types of customers.
• Ensuring that the test rig has a balanced use between education and long term research on one hand and
commercial testing on the other hand.
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 20125
Resource Persons at TTL
Faculties from Department of Mechanical Engineering
Research Assistants
Prof. Bhola Thapa, PhDDean, School of EngineeringProfessor, Department of Mechanical [email protected]
Sudip [email protected]
Nikhel [email protected]
Surendra [email protected]
Aatma Ram [email protected]
Mausam [email protected]
Dr. Hari Prasad Neopane, PhDAssociate ProfessorDepartment of Mechanical [email protected]
Mr. Biraj Singh ThapaAsst. Professor & Faculty-In-ChargeTurbine Testing LabDepartment of Mechanical [email protected]
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 6
PhD Candidates
Krishna Prasad [email protected]
Laxman [email protected]
MS by Research Students
Juben [email protected]
Amod [email protected]
ENPE Masters Thesis
Suman [email protected]
Bidhan Rajkarnikar [email protected]
Part Time Support Staff Part Time Working Student
Supriya Koirala (ENPE Masters Student)[email protected]
Bobby Basnet (BE Student)[email protected]
Interns
• Roshan Khadka
• Paritosh Lal Shrestha
• Nitish Shrestha
• Rojina Bade
• Ravi Koirala
• Gaurab Nakarmi
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 20127
RenewableNepal Project at TTLDevelopment of Hydraulic Turbines with new Design Philosophy as a foundation for Turbine Manufacturing in Nepal.
Project Start date: August 2010Project Duration: 3 YearsFundind Source: NORAD/RenewableNepalTotal Fund: 476,000 NOK
Visit for the Progress review of the RenewableNepal Project
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 8
Model Test of Francis Turbine at TTL
The cross section view of the Francis runner which is being fabricated at Nepal Hydro & Electric (NHE). The runner was designed as a part of RenewableNepal Project.
The test rig which will be installed at TTL to test the new design concepts of Francis runner for minimizing sediment erosion.
DESIGN PARAMETERS REFERENCE TURBINE MODEL TURBINE
Head (H) 201.5 m 43 m
Discharge (Q) 2.35 m3/s 0.2277m3/s
Power (P) 4 MW 92 kW
Speed of the Runner (N) 1000 RPM 1000 RPM
Speed Number (Ω) 0.32 0.32
Specific Speed (Ns) 78 78
Runner Dimensions
Inlet Diameter (D1) 0.864 m 0.397m
Outlet Diameter (D2) 0.544m 0.250m
Inlet Height ( H1) 0.092m 0.04232m
Labyrinth Seal (DL) 0.556m 0.256m
Scale Factor (Sf) 1 0.46
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 20129
Introduction of new technology – 3D Printing
Use of Rapid Prototyping Machine at TTL to make model of runner of the simplified Francis
Runner as a part of RenewableNepal Project.
This Rapid Prototyping Machine( 3D Printer) prints any sort of 3D model, stacking up layer
by layer of ABS material. It can print the models within in the size range of 250 mm x 290mm
x 320mm. It can work with an accuracy of 0.02mm. It can be especially used for producing
complicated models such as Francis runner blades, Pelton buckets, gears which are merely
impossible to create in other manual machines with such accuracy. It can also be used for
developing plastic models of different industrial products new to the existence for mass
production.
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 10
Spark Testing of Metal
Microstructure Specimens
Microstructure of Low Carbon Steel
Metallurgy Microscopy
Heat Treatment of SteelGrinding/Polishing Machine for preparation of microstructure specimen
Metallurgy Lab at TTLIdentification of material and its properties plays an important role in selection of suitable turbine material for manufacturing and maintenance. So, Turbine Testing Lab is also involved in conducting laboratory investigation of metallurgy of metals.
Heat Treatment of Steel
Microstructure Specimens
Microstructure of Low Carbon Steel
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 201211
Feasibility Study for Turbine Manufacturing andTesting Facility in Nepal
Duration of the Project Start Date: 15th June, 2012
End Date: 30th December, 2012
Total Duration: 8.5 Months
Total Project BudgetNOK: 500 000
Funding Agency : NORAD
Project Objectives• Conduct market study and survey in the Himalayan region to identify the prospects and
challenges for hydropower development.
• Assist ongoing RenewableNepal Project activities at Kathmandu University by supporting
model tests verification of new design concepts at Turbine Testing Lab.
• Create background for facilitating future investments on the new turbine manufacturer
and new hydropower projects in Nepal.
Total Capacity = 965.15MWTotal Units = 42
Turbine type distribution in major power projects under operation or installation
Unit size distribution in hydro powers under construction
Unit size distribution in surveyed hydro powers projects
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 12
Technical Survey: Feasibility Study for Turbine Manufacturing and Testing Facility in Nepal
Use of Trinocular Stereo Zoom microscope for mineral analysis
Use of Rotating Disc Apparatus (RDA) to estimate erosion potential of
sediment samples
Sieve Analysis Curves illustrating Particle Size Distribution at different Sampling sites of Sunkoshi Hydropower Plant
Use of Sieves and Sieve shaker to identify Particle Size
Distribution
Mineral analysis results for different sampling sites of Sunkoshi Hydropower Plant
It was found that Quartz, Feldspar, Muscovite and Biotite are the most common sediment mineral with little amount of Tourmaline and Garnet. Also it was observed that the mineral composition changes with shift in sampling site.
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 201213
Professor Karl Klingsheim, Managing Director and Erik Wold, Manager of Technology Transfer
Office (TTO) under Norwegian University of Science and Technology visited Turbine Testing
Lab from 5 to 9 of November 2012 for discussion on Business Incubation of NORAD project.
TTL will work in close cooperation with TTO to establish mutually agreeable framework
between potential partners for future investments.
Business Incubation
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 14
PhD Topic: Study on Sediment Characterization and its Impact on Hydraulic Turbine Material
Objectives:• Determine accurate way of characterizing sediment particles shape, size and mineral content with development and deployment of test facilities
• Determine direct impact of sediment parameters in turbine material surface
• Recommend new way of improvements in selecting site for hydropower
Laxman Poudel, PhD, Student Department of Mechanical EngineeringKathmandu UniversityDhulikhel, Kavre, [email protected] Mobile No: +977 9856023822
Progress: Completion Phase
Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa Dean, School of EngineeringKathmandu University
Associate Prof. Dr. Bim Prasad ShresthaHead of DepartmentDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSchool Of EngineeringKathmandu University
Supervisors
Research Overview
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 201215
Funding : EnPe Program, KU/NTNU
PhD Topic : Design and Fabrication of Francis Turbine for Large Sediment Load
Objective:To design and develop new Francis turbine with less erosion impact than traditional design.
Progress:CFD , FEM and FSI Simulation has been performed on R1 reference design.
Target:Optimization methodology along with CFD, FEM and FSI simulation to be performed on R2,R3,R4 and R5 reference design.
Krishna Prasad ShresthaPhD, Student Department of Mechanical EngineeringKathmandu UniversityDhulikhel, Kavre, NepalCorresponding address: [email protected] No: +977 9841266274
Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa School of EngineeringKathmandu University, Nepal
Deformation on runner (Vone Mess) Stress distribution on blade assembly
Stress distribution on runner Assembly
Prof. Dr. Ole Gunnar DahlhaugSchool Of EngineeringNTNU, Norway
Supervisors
Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) Simulation
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 16
Project Title: Failure Analysis of Root Cracks in Pelton Runner: A Case Study of Khimti Hydropower Plant
MS by Research CandidateAmod Panthee
DurationMay 2012 - May 2014
Project Fund (Himal Power Limited)NRs. 1 Million
Collaborating UniversityNorwegian University of Science and Technology
Prof. Bhola Thapa, PhDDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringKathmandu University
Assoc. Prof. Hari Prasad Neopane, PhDDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringKathmandu University
Progress:
Failure due to change in material properties during maintenance and reduction in fatigue
life due to erosion
Research Scope:
• Fatigue Analysis of Pelton Runner operated in sediment laden river (Khimti)
• Residual Stress Analysis of Pelton Runner during maintenance
Supervisor Co-supervisor
Signing of MOU between KU and HPL for research on failure of 12 MW
Pelton runner of Khimti HPP
3D surface model of Pelton bucket
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 201217
International cooperation
Kathmandu University - TTL and Korea Maritime University signed MoU on 19 February 2012. The MoU aims in furtherance of their mutual interest in the field of education and research and as a contribution to increase international co-operation.
Future Cooperation:• Capacity building in Nepal for initiating Francis turbine design and manufacturing up to 500 kW
• Capacity building in Nepal for upgrading Cross-flow turbine design and manufacturing up to 500 Kw
• Cooperation in establishing PIV lab at TTL for R&D related to sediment flow investigation
Visit by Experts from Norwegian University of Science and Technology and DynaVec on 10 October 2012
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 18
Best Paper Award to Kathmandu University
Abstract:
Demand of clean energy has increased opportunities of hydropower development globally.
Basins under Himalayas are considered of much likely for hydro electricity generation. The
feasible hydropower potential in Nepal alone is 43,000 MW, out of which only less than
700 MW has been harnessed till the date. It is apparent that Nepal holds the future market
for hydropower developments. In 2010 AD, the Government of Nepal has also announced
its intentions to develop 38,000 MW of hydropower in next 25 years. Prefeasibility studies
have shown that more than 70% of sites in Nepal would need Francis type of turbine for the
power generation.
This paper summaries the opportunities and the challenges of hydropower developments
in Nepal. The history of activities and the associated achievements in R&D of hydro turbine
and sediment erosion at KU will also be briefed. Success of a collaborative research with a
manufacturing industry to find the solution for erosion of ring in Francis runner will also be
presented. Features of TTL and scope of its utilization will also be discussed. Beside these,
the progress of the ambitious project at TTL on design optimization of Francis turbine for
effective reduction in sediment erosion will also be elaborated.
TTL Members with Members of Flow Informatics Lab, Korea Maritime University, Busan, Korea
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 201219
Visit by participants of training course on Condition Monitoring and Maintenance Planning of Francis Turbines/Part 2 - Nepal organized by International Centre of Hydropower (ICH) on 27 March 2012
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 20
Cooperation with Government Agency
Visit by personnel from Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) to Turbine Testing Lab
(TTL) on 7 November 2012. AEPC and TTL are working in close cooperation to establish
Cross Flow Turbine and Pelton Turbine Test rigs at TTL by July 2013. Testing standards and
testing procedures relevant to present context of Nepal will also be developed. It is expected
that the new test facilities and testing standards for micro hydro turbines in Nepal will help
to develop fair competition in market and will eventually increase turbine efficiency. This
project will also increase cooperation between university and manufacturers for capacity
building for upgrading micro hydro turbine design and manufacturing up to 999 kW. The
expected total project budget is approximately NRs 10 million.
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 201221
Cooperation with Private Sector
Information Sharing Program to Nepal Micro Hydro Development Association regarding “Feasibility Study of Turbine Manufacturing and Testing Facility in Nepal” held on 15 August 2012 .
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 22
Visit of High Level Delegates
His Highness Haakon, Royal Crown Prince of Norway Visited TTL on 23 November 2011, and complemented continuous support from Norway for Hydropower development in Nepal. Norway has been continuously supporting Kathmandu University in various sectors.
Visit by Prof. John C. Badoux, Former President of ÉcolePolytechniqueFédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland on 3rd March 2012
Nepalese Ambassador to Korea, HE Kaman Singh Lama visited TTL on 6 July 2012. He acknowledged the initiation taken by Kathmandu University for hydropower development in Nepal. He assured for coordination for support and cooperation from the Korean Government and Universities to TTL.
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 201223
Training and Retraining
Training on Project Management organized on 5 August 2012
A Five-day long Artengineering Workshop was concluded in Kathmandu University on 16 June 2012. School of Engineering - Turbine Testing Lab had organized this workshop in association with the Centre for Art and Design of School of Arts of Kathmandu University. 25 students from School of Engineering, 20 students from School of Arts, and 10 technicians from School of Engineering participated in this workshop. Mr. Tejesh Man Shakya, Mr. Kriti Man Shakya and Ms. Swosti Rajbhandari from Department of Art and Design, School of Arts were the instructor of this five day long program.
Collaboration with school of arts will be continued in future where engineering and arts can be placed on a common platform.
Wax Pattern Preparation
Breaking of the Shell
Wax Pattern
Rubber Mold for a section of 1kW Francis Runner
Attaching gates to the pattern for mold
preparation
Francis blades in the form of leaves
Pouring of molten aluminum to the mold
Pelton Bucket placed on hand
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 24
Journal Papers
1. Biraj Singh Thapa, Bhola Thapa, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, “Current research in hydraulic
turbines for handling sediment” Journal of Energy (2012), Vol.47, Issue 1.
2. Biraj Singh Thapa, Bhola Thapa, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug,” Empirical modeling of sediment
erosion in Francis turbines”, Journal of Energy (2012), Vol.4, Issue.1,386-391.
3. Biraj Singh Thapa, Amod Panthee, Bhola Thapa,” Computational methods in research
of hydraulic turbines in challenging enviroments”, International journal of Advanced
Renewable Energy Research (2012), Vol.1, Issue. 2, 1-4.
4. Hari Prasad Neopane, Bhola Thapa and Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, “Particle velocity
measurement in swirl flow, Laboratory studies”, Kathmandu University Journal of
Science (February 2012), Engineering and Technology, Volume 8, No. I, Nepal.
5. Hari Prasad Neopane, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, Michel Cervantes, “The effect of sediment
characteristics for predicting erosion on Francis turbines blades”, The International
Journal on Hydropower & Dams (February 2012), Volume 19, Issue 1, Hydro & Dams in
Latin America, Francis Turbine Technology – Intake Gates.
6. Laxman Poudel, Bhola Thapa, Bhim Prasad Shrestha and Nabin Kumar Shrestha,
“Sediment Impact on Turbine Material: A Case study of Modi River, Nepal”, Kathmandu
University Journal of Sceince, Engineering and Technology Vol.8, No 1, February pp
88-96.
7. Laxman Poudel, Bhola Thapa, Bhim Prasad Shrestha and Nabin Kumar Shrestha,
“Impact of Sand On Hydraulic Turbine Material: A Case Study of Roshi Khola, Nepal”,
Hydro Nepal Journal of Water Energy and Environment Vol 10, January 2012 pp60-65,
ISSN 1998-5452.
8. Laxman Poudel, Bhola Thapa, Bhim Prasad Shrestha and Nabin Kumar Shrestha,
“Sediment Shape Characterization of Sand Particles, Using Digital Image Processing”,
International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology (IJERT), Paper Code
16704, Research India Publication.
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 201225
Conference Papers1. Krishna Prasad Shrestha, Bhola Thapa, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, Hari Prasad Neopane and Biraj
Singh Thapa, “Innovative Design of Francis Turbine for Sediment Laden Water”, International Conference on Technology & Innovation Management, Nepal, 10-12 October 2012
2. Biraj Singh Thapa, Mette Eltvik, Kristine Gjosoeter, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, Bhola Thapa,”Optimizing runner blade profile of Francis Turbine to minimize sediment erosion”, 26th IAHR Symposium on Hydraulic Machinery and Systems, China,19-23 August 2012.
3. Laxman Poudel, Bhola Thapa, Bim Prashad Shrestha, Biraj Singh Thapa, Krishna Prashad Shrestha, Nabin Kumar Shrestha,” Computational and experimental study of effects of sediment shape on erosion of hydraulic turbines”, 26th IAHR Symposium on Hydraulic Machinery and Systems, China,19-23 August 2012.
4. Biraj Singh Thapa, Mette Eltvik, Kristine Gjosoeter, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, Bhola Thapa,” Optimizing runner blade profile of Francis Turbine to minimize sediment erosion”, 26th IAHR Symposium on Hydraulic Machinery and Systems ,China,19-23 August 2012.
5. Laxman Poudel, Bhola Thapa, Bim Prashad Shrestha, Biraj Singh Thapa, Krishna Prashad Shrestha, Nabin Kumar Shrestha, “Computational and experimental study of effects of sediment shape on erosion of hydraulic turbines”, 26th IAHR Symposium on Hydraulic Machinery and Systems ,China,19-23 August 2012.
6. Bhola Thapa, Biraj Singh Thapa, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, Krishna Prashad Shrestha, “Accelerated testing for resistance to sand erosion in hydraulic turbines”, Fourth International Conferece on water resources and Renewable Energy Development in Asia, Thailand, 26-27 March 2012.
7. Biraj Singh Thapa, Mette Eltvik, Kristine Gjosoeter, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, “Design optimization of Francis runner for sediment handling”, Fourth international conference on Water Resources and Renewable Energy Development in Asia, Thailand, 26-27 March 2012.
8. Mette Eltvik, Biraj Singh Thapa, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug,” Numerical analysis of effect of design parameters and sediment erosion on a Francis runner”, Fourth international conference on Water Resources and Renewable Energy Development in Asia, Thailand, 26-27 March 2012.
9. Biraj Singh Thapa, Kristine Gjosoeter, Mette Eltvik, Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, Bhola Thapa, “Effects of turbine design parameters on sediment erosion of Francis runner”, in Proc. of 2nd International Conference on the Developments in Renewable Energy Technology”, Bangladesh, 5-7 January 2012.
10. Hari Prasad Neopane, Surendra Sujakhu, Sanjay Shrestha, Khsitij Subedi, and Anil Basnet,”Study of Sediment erosion in Hydraulic Turbine Using Rotating Disc Apparatus (RDA)”, Second International Conference on the Developments in Renewable Energy Technology (ICDRET 2012) Conference proceedings,Bangladesh,5-7 January 2012.
11. Rajkarnikar B., Pyakurel P., and Neopane Hari P., “Present Status and Technical Challenges of Micro Hydropower Plants in Nepal”, Second International Conference on the Developments in Renewable Energy Technology (ICDRET 2012) Conference proceedings,Bangladesh,5-7 January 2012.
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 26
Financial ContributionsTotal USD 1.3 Million
NORAD
KU
Local HP Institute
Support in 2012• SN Power Nepal
• Nepal Investment Bank Limited
• IDS Energy Pvt. Ltd. Nepal
Contributing Agencies During Construction Phase (2010-2011)
• University Grant Commission
• NTNU/DynaVec
• Himal Power Limited
• Nepal Hydro & Electric Limited
• Munna & Acharya Constr. Co. P. Ltd.
• Chilime Hydropower company Limited
• Nepal Electricity Authority
• Sanima Hydropower Co. Ltd
• Nepal Eakrat Co. Pvt. Ltd
• Nepal Micro Hydro Association
• Centre for Energy Studies, IOE, TU
• People, Energy & Envn. Dev. Association
• Hydro Lab P. Ltd
• Butwal Power Company
• Hydro Consult P. Ltd
Total USD 1.3 Million
Kathmandu University | First Anniversary Issue - 2012 28
Performance Testing ofHydraulic Machines
Development of New Turbines
Education and Training
Applied Research to Solve Problems of Hydropower Industry
Specifications:
30 m Natural Head
150 m Pump Head
500 l/s Maximum Flow
300 kW Maximum Testing Capacity
300 m3 Lower Reservoir
100 m3 Upper Reservoir
5000 kg EOT Crane Capacity
Contact us for:
Turbine Testing LabKathmandu UniversitySchool Of Engineering
P.O.Box-6250Phone: +977-011-661399,661511
Fax: [email protected]