CHAPTER -4

TURBINE REGULATORY CHARACTERISTICS AND

HYDRAULIC TRANSIENTS
4.1

TURBINE REGULATING CHARACTERISTICS

Turbine performance characteristics required to be provided for hydraulic transients during start up from
standstill to synchronizing, load changes and stopping the unit considerably impact design and cost of
hydro stations. These characteristics depend upon design of associated water passage from forebay to
tailrace and WR2 of the rotating masses of the unit. Head loss in penstock and pressure water system affects
direct power loss and optimized by determining economic diameter of penstock and design of bends etc.
Pressure and speed regulating characteristics of turbine are required to be provided according to
performance requirement of the hydro electric stations by optimizing pressure water system design and
generator inertia (GD2/WR2).
Simplified method based on Allevis elastic (non rigid) water column theory or using Parmakians
simplified methods have been mostly used as illustrated in this chapter. It is recommended that for mega
projects. Proven and applicable computer programmes for calculating pressure changes associated with
hydraulic transients for the steady state condition for synchronizing, for partial load changes and those
caused by full load changes caused by transmission line disruption. Hydraulic transients from human
errors, malfunctioning of equipment, accidents to water conductor systems and earthquakes are taken care
of in designing power plant. Indian grid standards (Annexure-1of Chapter 9) require that the frequency
shall not be allowed to go beyond the range 49.0 to 50.5 Hz, except during the transient period
accompanying tripping or connection of load.
Hydro power plants are being utilized for feeding large grid where precise frequency and voltage control
are required to be provided. Complex interrelated effects between the penstock system including surge
tank, turbine, governor, generator and power system requires mathematical simulation of the entire system
be performed for transient and dynamic stability, following a transient period accompanying tripping or
connection of load.
Capability of hydro units for speed or frequency regulation of the interconnected power system cause
hydraulic pressure transients in penstocks which may affect strength (wall thickness), diameter and
material. Penstock/pressure water system constitutes significant cost in hydro stations.
Means for controlling pressure and frequency control capability are as follows:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Provide additional flywheel effect

Regulate the opening and closing rate of wicket gates
Provide pressure regulatory valves or synchronous bye pass
Provide surge tank

Provision of calibrated rupture membrane in penstock which burst at pre- determined pressure and other
measures of protection and selection of a Pelton turbine instead of a Francis turbine may also be
considered.
4.2

Penstock Pressure Regulation

With normal operation i.e. with load accepted or rejected either slowly as the system requires or rapidly
during faults, pressure water system follow slow surge phenomena and depends upon the rate of closing the
guide vanes. The wicket gate closing time is always kept much greater than critical closure time (Tc) i.e. the
time of reflection of the pressure wave, this time, Tc =

2l
where l is the length of the pressure water
a

system from tailrace to forebay/ surge tank and a is the velocity of the sound in water (wave velocity).
111

Pressure water column inertia is expressed as starting up time (Tw) of water column,
Tw =

LV
gh

Where Tw = starting up time of the water column in seconds

LV = L1 V1 + L2 V2 + Ln Vn + Ld Vd
Ln = Length of penstock in which the velocity is uniform
Vn = Velocity in penstock section Ln at rated turbine capacity,
Ld= Draft tube developed length
Vd = Average velocity through the draft tube,
h = Rated head of the turbine
g = Gravitation constant (9.81 m/sec2)
During preliminary stage of planning simple and short methods of calculating the pressure regulation are
speed rise as given in following references are adopted.

Brown, J. Guthrie, Hydro-electric Engineering Practice, Volume 2.

Engineering Monograph No. 20, Selecting Hydraulic Reaction Turbines, United States Department of
the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation USA

Allievies formula for pressure variation in metric units is given by

H n
=
n n2 4
H
2
Where n =

LV
gHT

Tw
T

In case of uniform penstock dia

L - Length of penstock + the length if the spiral casing
H Head in meter
T Governor closing time in seconds
V Velocity in m./sec.
g = gravitation constant (9.81 m/sec2)
This formula is sufficiently accurate only of T >

4L
where a is the wave velocity.
a

Note Use plus for pressure rise and minus for pressure drop.
Pressure rise in percentage is also given by following empirical relationship.

H
L HP 54
= 2
H
D H 2 T
Where T, L & H are same as above;
D Diameter of penstock in meter
HP Rated metric Horsepower
Governor is the main controller and discussed in chapter 6.

112

4.3

Speed Regulation
The speed regulation or stability of a hydro-electric unit may be defined as its inherent property to ensure
that changes in external conditions as well as in the turbine and governing equipment result an a periodic or
rapidly damped, periodic return to the new steady state. Stability over the normal operating range with the
machine connected to the system and stability after disconnection can be considered independently. Most
hydro-electric stations are interconnected and as such their satiability is assisted. The more important
factors upon which the stability of interconnected units depends are the flywheel effect of the unit, the
hydraulic design of the water passages and speed and capacity of the unit. The GD2 should be sufficient to
insure prompt response to power demands and to restrict speed rise following loss of load. But generator
GD2 should be restricted to avoid excessive power swings. Additional GD2 built into the generator
increases the cost, size and weight of the machines and increasing GD2 more than 50 percent above normal
decreases the efficiency.
Flywheel effect is expressed as starting up time of the unit (Tm). This is the time in seconds for torque to
accelerate the rotating masses from 0 to rotational speed
Tm =

GD 2 n 2
(metric units)
3.6 105 P

Where GD2 = Product of weight of rotating parts and square of the diameter
n = rotational speed rpm
P = Turbine full gate capacity in metric horse power
4.4

Speed Rise
Sudden dropping of load from a unit through opening of the main breaker will cause a unit to achieve
considerable speed rise before the governor can close the gates to the speed-no-load position. The time
required to attain a given over speed is a function of the flywheel effect and penstock system. The values of
speed rise for full load rejection under governor control is considered an index of speed regulating
capability of the unit. Normally adopted range is from 30 to 60 percent, the former applies to isolated units,
where changes of frequency may be important when sections of distributed load are rejected by electrical
faults. Values from 35 to 60 percent are generally adopted for grid connected hydro station. Generally units
for which length of the penstock is less than five times the head can be made suitable for stable frequency
regulation of the interconnected system. Also units for which Tm (Tw)2 can be expected to have good
regulating capacity. This test should be applied over the entire head range. Plants in which more than one
turbine are served from one penstock should be analyzed to determine proper governor settings and
appropriate operating practices. Such plants may be unable to contribute to system transient speed
regulation but adverse effects upon the system may be avoided by specifying the number of units which
may be allowed to operate on free governor (unblocked) at any one time.
The turbine and generator are normally designed to withstand runaway speed, but at excessive speed severe
vibrations sometimes develop which may snap the shear pins of the gate mechanism. To minimize
vibration, a speed rise not to exceed 60% can be permitted in contrast to the 35 to 45% desired for
satisfactory regulation of independently operated units.
Pressure Rise and Speed rise Considerations as per IS: 12837.
This criteria is more important in high head machines as higher pressure rise affects the cost of penstock
substantially. Necessity of limiting pressure rise is accomplished by use of pressure relief valve in case of
Kaplan and Francis turbine with relatively, long water conductor system resulting in increased cost of
equipment and power house. Pelton turbine as a rule does not require this device on account of availability
of design feature of deflector. Pressure rise and speed rise can therefore be limited to very economical level
in case of Pelton turbine, without increase in cost of turbine. Permissible pressure rise and speed rise for
various turbines are given below.

113

Type of turbine
Pelton
Francis
Kaplan/bulb and Propeller
Deriaz

Pressure rise (%)

15 to 30
30 to 35
30 to 50
20 to 45

4.5

Considerations for Permissible Speed Rise on Full Load Rejection

4.5.1

Generator flywheel effect and Stability of Turbine Governor System

Speed rise (%)

20 to 45
35 to 55
30 to 65
35 to 65

Large modern hydro generators have smaller inertia constant and may face problems concerning stability of
turbine governing system. This is due to the behaviour of the turbine water, which because of its inertia
gives rise to water hammer in pressure pipes when control devices are operated. This is in general
characterized by the hydraulic acceleration time constants. In isolated operation, when frequency of the
whole system is determined by turbine governor the water hammer affects the speed governing and
instability appears as hunting or frequency swinging. For interconnected operation with a large system the
frequency is essentially held constant by the later. The water hammer then effects the power fed to the
system and stability problem only arises when the power is controlled in a closed loop, i.e., in case of those
hydro generators which take part in frequency regulation.
The stability of turbine governor gear is greatly affected by the ratio of the mechanical acceleration time
constant due to the hydraulic acceleration time constant of the water masses and by the gain of the
governor. A reduction of the above ratio has a destabilizing effect and necessitates a reduction of the
governor gain, which adversely affects frequency stabilization. Accordingly a minimum flywheel effect for
rotating parts of a hydro unit is necessary which can normally only be provided in the generator.
Alternatively mechanical acceleration time constant could be reduced by the provision of a pressure relief
valve or a surge tank, etc., but it is generally very costly. An empirical criterion for the speed regulating
ability of a hydro generating unit could be based on the speed rise of the unit which may take place on the
rejection of the entire rated load of the unit operating independently. For the power units operating in large
interconnected systems and which are required to regulate system frequency, the percentage speed rise
index as computed above should not exceed 45 percent. For smaller systems smaller speed rise be
provided.
4.5.2

Large Units (grid connected)

(a)
(b)

Frequency controlling hydro station

Non frequency controlling station
Design requirements of frequency controlling station are availability of water to meet fluctuating
requirements e.g. dam, balancing storage and speed regulating capability. Speed rise for full load rejection
of these units may vary from 35 to 45% depending size of the grid with respect to the unit. Speed rise on
full load rejection provided for
some of the frequency controlling stations are given below.
Sl
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Ganguwal/Kotla units of
Bhakra Nangal (1950)
Bhakra Power Plant (1958)
Dehar Power Plant (Beas
Satluj Link Project) 1975
Pacha SHP

Unit Size

Grid

24,000 kW

Northern Grid (small)

Speed rise on full

load rejection
33.5%

100,000 kW
165,000 kW

- do Northern Grid (large)

35%
41%

Isolated/weak grid

35%

1,500 kW

Frequency control generating unit governor characteristics will depend on grid characteristics as follows:
(a)
(b)

Sensitivity i.e. speed change to which governor will respond may be 0.01% or less for large grids
with thermal nuclear stations forming part of grid. This may be evaluated for the particular grid.
Permanent speed droop setting should be 0-5%.
114

(c)
(d)
(e)

4.6

Temporary speed droop, servomotor feed back time etc. should be suitable for grid. National grid
requirement are given in Annexure 1 of Chapter 9).
It is recommended that stability studies be carried to fix these settings parameters for frequency
controlling stations.
It is further important that efficiency operations of the units be ensured for this purpose frequency
control stations governors should be properly equipped to analyse efficiency loading of the units
and load on the units is made by changing speed level (speed at no load) for moment to moment
load changes by automatic means. This will need digital governors as in manual control power
stations load change on the units takes place by permanent speed droop settings and speed level is
adjusted manually.

Non Frequency Control Station

Non frequency control grid connected stations having storage of water are equipped for efficiency
operation for moment to moment grid load changes by digital slow governors by transferring load from
frequency controlling stations which will take instant to instant load changes and transfer them to non
frequency control station where water is available. The station is equipped for automatic load frequency
control arrangement for optimum efficiency operation. It may be noted that in these stations the load
change will occur not for frequency control but for efficiency operation. In Pong Power Plants surge tank
had to be eliminated; very slow governor (large governor opening/closing time) and water saving type
pressure regulators were employed to reduce penstock stresses for on load rejection and for synchronizing
unit. The unit was non frequency controlling as critical regulation occurred during load on conditions.

4.7

Small Hydro (grid connected)

Small hydro if grid connected (with no isolated and or islanding provision) cannot take part in frequency
control. Accordingly these may be designed for up to 60% speed rise on full load rejection. In canal fall or
similar units, speed control is required only during synchronizing. Generator loading should be controlled
by level i.e. non speed control governors are used and loading on the units is controlled by upstream canal
water level by controlling gate limiters. These are called non speed control governors.

4.8

Small Hydro (isolated grid operation)

These are designed as frequency control units for the criteria that speed rise on full load rejection do not
exceed 35%.

4.9

Micro Hydro
Micro hydro up to 50 kW unit size are controlled by electronic load controllers instead of a traditional
governor. This avoids the need to change water flow through the turbine as the electrical load changes.
Water heater with variable resistance (dump load) is connected to the generator. As the electrical system
load required from the generating unit changes electronic controller changes the dump load. Generator
output and corresponding turbine flow remain constant. Micro hydro fitted with conventional water flow
governors are designed for 35% speed rise on full load rejection.

4.10

Performance Characteristics - Pressure Rise and Speed Rise Calculation

The penstock pressure rise and unit speed rise are calculated from the references given in Para 4.2 entitled
penstock pressure regulation. Preliminary economic studies are required to be carried out to determine
whether more than normal GD2, a larger penstock, a surge tank or a pressure regulator is required. Method
of calculating based on USBR design Monograph No. 20 for a typical power plant is given below.
Penstocks for the power plant were embedded for a maximum pressure rise of 28%. The entire power was
to be fed into the grid allowing a speed rise on full load rejection up to about 60%.

115

Method for Computing Penstock Pressure Rise and Speed Rise on full load rejection with assumed
data
Data
Tf
Pr
hr
n
GD2
L
A
Q
V
Ns
Tm
Tw

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

Servomotor minimum closing time, sec.

Turbine full gate capacity of hr, kW
Rated head, meter
Rotational speed: design, r/min.
Flywheel effect of revolving parts; kgm2
Equivalent length of water conduit, m
Penstock diameter
Full gate turbine discharge at rated head
velocity of water (Q/A)
Specific speed
Mechanical startup time
Water startup time

5 sec.
92.6 MW (Gen. terminals)
58.5 m
166.6 rpm
7.068 x 106 kgm2
130.7 m
5600 mm
183.1 m3/sec.
7.4 m/sec.
320 metric horse power unit

Pressure rise on full load rejection for closing Time (Allievies Formula)

H n
= n + n2 + 4
H 2
LV
Where n =
gHT

L - Length of penstock + the length if the spiral casing =

130.7 +16.9 = 146.6 m
H Head in m
T Governor closing time in seconds
V Velocity in m/sec.
g = 9.81 m/sec2
This formula is sufficiently accurate only of T >

4L
where a is the wave velocity.
a

Note Use plus for pressure rise and minus for pressure drop.
Minimum Governor closing time to be determined (4 to 8 sec)
n =

LV
1.89
146.6 7.4
=
=
9.81 58.5 T
T
gHT

For governor closing time of 5 sec.; n = 0.378

Pressure rise in penstocks

H
is as follows:
H

H 0.378
=
0.378 +
2
H

(0.378)2 + 4

= 0.456 = 45.6%

Speed rise on full load rejection for 5 sec. closing Time

(Based on USBR monograph no. 20)
TW = water start up time =

LV
= 1.89 sec
GH
116

Normal GD2 of generator and turbine (x) = 7068000 kgm2

WR2 in ft. pounds

(in ft lbs)

6 x GD2
6 x 7.068 x 106 kg. m2

Tm = Mechanical start up time =

= 4.24 x 107 lb. ft2

WR n
1.6 10 Pr (turbine full gate load )
2

4.24 10 7 (166.7 )
= 5.9 seconds
1.6 10 6 124084
2

= full closing time of servomotor assumed 0.25 sec. as dead time

= 5 sec. + 0.25 sec. = 5.25 sec.

TK

Tk 5.25
= 0.89
=
Tm
5 .9
Determine SR from fig. 4.1 using ns &

TK
Tm

Where,
SR is speed rise in percent of rotational speed, nr for full gate load rejection to zero, excluding
effect of water hammer.
SR

34%

TW = 1.89 sec., Tf = 5 sec.

k =

TW 1.89
= 0.378
=
Tf
5

S1R = SR (1 + K), speed rise in percent of rotational speed nr for full gate load rejection to zero, including
effect of water hammer.

T
S R = K (1 + k ) = 34 x (1 + 0.378) = 46.7%
TM
Speed rise on full load rejection for a governor closing of 5 sec.
Calculate similarly for governor closing time of up to 8 sec.
Pressure rise and speed rise on full load rejection for different governor closing times was as follows:
Sl. No.

Gov. closing time

Pressure rise

1.
2.
3.
4.

4
5
6
7.5

59%
45.6%
36.8%
28.5%

Speed rise
41.6%
46.7%
48.3%
55.4%

Minimum Governor closing time of 8 seconds was recommended to keep pressure rise in embedded
penstocks below 28.5%. The units are interconnected with grid and entire power was to be injected in the
grid. 60 65% speed rise in such cases is allowed.

117

Fig. 4.1 Turbine Performance

(Based on USBR Design Monograph no. 20)

118

4.11

Mega and Large Units - Turbine Governing, Speed and Pressure Regulation, Relief Valves,
Frequency Control Economic Considerations
Regulating characteristics, speed rise (penstock pressure rise) of hydroelectric plants are discussed in 4.10.
Basis for determination when surge tanks (or pressure relief valves) will be required on turbine penstock
installations are discussed with special reference to Bhakra Beas Complex (Para 5.1-Overview).

4.11.1

Bhkra Left Bank Frequency Controlling Station

Variable head Bhakra Left Bank Power Plant commissioned in 1959-60 comprises 5 units of 90 MW each
and was the first mega power project of the country. Each unit was fed by 4.572 m dia. (15 ft.) penstock.
Relevant Data
5 sets of 150,000 BHP (Gen. 90,000 kW+ 15% overload)
Rated head

Rated flow

Speed
WR2 (flywheel effect) normal for each unit

400 ft. (121.9 m)

3610 cusecs for full

gate opening at rated head
166.7 rpm
63 x 106 lbs ft2

Length of penstock
(individual)

750 ft.

Penstock diameter

15 ft.

Specific speed of runner - 36 (fps units)

The maximum demand of the power system to which the plant was interconnected at that time had
maximum demand of about 1000 MW and minimum demand of about 500 MW. Speed rise on full load
rejection as an index of regulating ability of the unit was fixed as 35% on full rejection. These units being
fed from the storage dam ideally suited for regulating system frequency or peak load operation. Governor
closing time of the mechanical governor was fixed from following considerations.
i)
ii)
iii)

Speed rise on full load rejection not to exceed 35% for satisfactory operation as the frequency
control station of the system.
The generating units are rated to give a normally continuous output of 125,000 HP by the turbine
and overload rating of generators required 150,000 HP turbine output. Maximum pressure in
penstock and speed rise on full load rejection to be determined for overload rating.
Retardation of governor closing time above rated head was not considered desirable.

A minimum governor closing time of four seconds was found to be suitable for this purpose. Speed rise and
pressure rise for rated head and above is given below.
i)

Head on turbine (h)

ii)

Gate opening for an

output 150,000 HP
Actual governor closing
time (equivalent closing
time of guide vanes)

iii)

Approx. figure as per

Hitachi (turbine supplier)
3.7 x % gate opening
100

Overall closing time 4

seconds including 0.3
sec. as dead time
119

121.9 m
(400 FT.)
100%

146 m
(480 FT.)
72%

156 m
(512 FT.)
65%

3.7 sec.

2.66 sec.

2.4 sec.

REMARKS
150,000 HP is
over load rating
Assuming time of
closure from any
part gate opening as
directly proportional
to the time of
closure from full
gate opening

iv)
v)
vi)

Pressure rise in
penstock ( H )
Maxm head on the
turbine including water
hammer
Speed rise SR

38%

36%

34%

168.25 m
(552 ft).

198.1 m
(650 ft.)

208.8 m
(685 ft.)

35%

27%

25%

SAFE

Penstock designed for 35% penstock pressure rise on full load rejection at maximum head. 4 second governor time
for load on or off was provided.
4.11.2

Large hydro Bhakra Right Bank Power Plant with frequency controlling, capability, increase in unit
size on already embedded penstock by providing extra flywheel effect
Bhakra Right Bank Power Plant was also planned for installation of 5 units of 90 MW each (same as
Bhakra Left Bank Power Plant). Five No. of penstock were laid accordingly. Before construction of the
plant, a new scheme Bhakra Beas Satluj Link project was envisaged. This project was intended to divert
river Beas water into River Satluj upstream of Bhakra Dam. Increased supply of water and need for
additional peaking capacity at Bhakra necessitated increase in capacity and size of the generating units to
120 MW at Bhakra Right Bank (Bhakra Left Bank was already constructed). Penstock pipes were already
embedded for 90 MW unit size. The power plant was to be interconnected with Northern Regional grid and
would be largest unit size in the then grid. It was decided that the power house will be designed as a
frequency controlling station. For this purpose, the criteria of keeping speed rise on full load rejection of
35% as the index was decided to be maintained. It was further decided that the maximum stresses in the
penstock will not increase 34% at maximum head under governor control. This was achieved by increasing
the governor closing time of the power plant units of 120 MW to 6 seconds and increasing generator
flywheel effect above normal. Salient data of the water conductor system was the same as for Bhakra Left
Bank
Data
Rated capacity of the unit was increased from 90 MW to 120 MW and Governor closing time was fixed six
seconds so that stresses in the already embedded penstock do not increase original design value (4.11.1).
The turbine designer fixed the rated speed at 187.5 rpm.
To keep speed rise on sudden throwing off of load at 35% at rated head and maximum stresses in penstock
not to exceed 34% on maximum head was calculated as 6 seconds.
Required minimum flywheel effect of rotating parts of unit was calculated as follows:
GD2 = 16.1 x 106 kg m2 (WR2 = 95 x 106 lb. ft.2) for satisfactory speed
regulation (for a speed rise of 35%).
The normal flywheel effect of a hydro-electric unit was computed from the following empirical formulae
(USBR Engineering monograph no. 20-1954):

(i)

Generators

kVA

WR = 379,000 x
3/ 2
(r. p.m )

5/ 4

lb. ft 2

(1)

where kVA = Generator rating in kVA.

Normal flywheel effect of modern generator is less and may be taken as

kVA
356,000 x
3/ 2
(r. p.m )

5/3

lb. ft 2
120

(ii)

Turbine
WR2 = 23800 x

h. p.

(r. p.m )5 / 4

lb. ft 2

(2)

Where h.p. = Turbine rating at rated head (full gate)

= 170,000 h.p.
Normal GD2 OF GENERATOR AND TURBINE
= Eq. (1) + Eq. (2)
WR2 = 63 x 106 lb. ft2 (GD2 = 10.67 x 106 kg. m2)
It is obvious that about 45 50% additional flywheel effect will have to provide in the unit for satisfactory
regulating characteristics of the unit for the same speed of the unit.
Effect of Extra Flywheel
Extra loading besides affecting the cost, size, weight and efficiency of the unit, may also have a bearing on the
stability of the unit as unstable unit, then either unit size may have to be modified or else the need of pressure relief
valve studied.
Power Swing
Power swing is a periodic transfer of load between machines but not affecting the system as a whole. These swings
are in step with the draft tube surges and have a frequency equal to one-third of the revolution per minute of the unit.
They may build up to an amplitude that will cause the main breaker to trip and take the unit off the line.
Experience has shown that power swings be expected if the maximum regulating constant (kd) increases the limit
(USBR Designed Standards).

kVA
Maximum kd = 5,400,000
(r.p.m.)3 / 2

1/ 4

Where kd, the regulating constant, is

kd =

Total WR 2 x (r.p.m.) 2
Design h.p.

(4)

Where total WR2 = turbine WR2 (normal) + generator WR2 (normal) + loading (additional generator WR2 above
normal
Evidently from (4) above kd is increased if WR2 increases when actual WR2 installed is in excess of the power
swing limit, the severity may be sharply reduced through the use of a small amount of air admitted to the draft tube
and fins or guides in the draft tube just below the runner to reduce whirl and surges. For the example referred to
above:

Maximum kd

134,000

= 5,40,000 x
(187.5)3 / 2

1/ 4

14.5 x 106

95 x10 6 x (187.5)
=
170,000

Actual kd

= 12.1 x 106
Thus it is expected that with a flywheel effect of GD2-16.1 x 106 (WR2-95x106 lb ft2), stable operation would be
there and there would be no undesirable power swings.

121

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

4.11.3

It may be conclude as follows:

Speed rise of not more than 35 percent on sudden load rejection is required for controlling stations in weak
grids/small grids.
Governor time (overall) from full gate to no load at normal speed when increased so as to restrict stresses in
penstocks may result in increasing the flywheel effect of the revolving parts of the machine (generator) for
frequency controlling stations.
The extra loading thus provided so as to increase the flywheel effect may affect the stability of the unit
which should be studied.
Pong Power Plant (6 x 60 MW) on Beas Dam Elimination of surge tank
Rated head 64 m (210 ft); maximum head 95.5 m (310 ft); minimum head 46 m (156 ft); rated discharge
157.64 m3/s (5600 cusecs); velocity at rated head 4.7 m/sec. (15.6 ft/sec); penstock diversion tunnels
were converted into pressure tunnel and bifurcated to feed two units with following characteristics.
Portion of
tunnel/penstock
Length m (ft)
Diameter m (ft)
Thickness m (ft)

1
Concrete
Common header for 2 units
288.7 (947 ft.)
9.1 (30 ft.)
60 (2.5 ft.)

2
Steel

335.8 (1103 ft.)

7.3 (24 ft.)
40 (0.133 ft.)

3
Steel (Branch)
51.8 (170 ft.)
5.18 (17 ft.)
33 (0.108 ft.)

Mean velocity at rated head 4.7 m/sec. (15.6ft/sec) Length of the penstock L and rated head ratio is

676 2220
= 10.5. This is more than 5 A power units for stable speed regulation will normally

64 210
require a surge tank or pressure relieve valve for stable system frequency control. It was considered during
planning stage that provision of surge shaft is not feasible due to economic and other considerations.
Further pressure relieve valve of water wasting type can not be employed. Accordingly it was decided to
make it a non frequency control station with provision of water saving type pressure regulator for
synchronizing and for containing stresses in the penstock under normal condition. Studies carried out
manually and are summarized in table 4.2 & table 4.1. Water hammer studies for pressure rise in penstock
for governor closing times of 6 to 10 seconds for full load throw off for various conditions i.e. normal,
emergency and abnormal as defined in table 4.2 without pressure relief valves and with pressure relief
valves of 50% and 100% are given in table 4.2. Speed rise on full load rejection studies are summarized in
table 4.1. Studies for governor closing time less than 6 seconds were not carried out.
After more detailed analysis and considerations for safety of water conductor system by supplier of
equipment (BHEL), it was decided to install 100% pressure relief valves with following main
characteristics.
Type
: cylindrical balanced type
Discharge capacity at rated head : full discharge
Method of operation: oil operated servomotors coupled to governor servomotor
Time of opening
: same as guide vane opening
Maximum pressure rise
: 23%
Governor opening time: It may be noted that water saving type pressure regulator were installed.
Governor opening time was fixed 12 seconds. Critical regulation occurs during load on conditions and
122

accordingly operation of the powerhouse was restricted as per Para 4.6. Generator flywheel effect GD2 =
8.45 x 106 kg m2 (WR2 50 x 105 lbs ft2+) was provided. Maximum gross head on turbine is123.8 m.
TABLE -4.1: PONG POWER PLANT
Speed Rise on 100% Load Rejection At rated Head of 210 ft.
Sl.
No.

Operating Conditions

1.

Speed rise
permissible
%

Normal Operation
(i) One unit on a common
penstock working
(ii) Both units on a common
penstock working
Emergency operation
(One Pressure Regulator fail)
(i) Both Units working
Abnormal operation
(Both Pressure Regulator fail)
(i) Both Units working

2.
3.

Notes:

Speed Rise %
Without
50% capacity
100% capacity
Regulator
Regulator
Regulator
6 sec 8 sec 10 sec 6 sec 8 sec 10 sec 6 sec 8 sec 10 sec

451

47

56

63

38

47

56

32

41

50

602

60

68

75

47

56

63

602

50

59

67

47

56

63

Runaway

60

68

75

60

68

75

1. Speed rise are with maximum GD2 of 8.45 x 106 kg. m2 (WR2 of 50 x 106 lbs ft2)
2. (1) Used as an index of speed regulating capability of the units
3. (2) Used from mechanical safety considerations
TABLE -4. 2: PONG POWER PLANT
Water Hammer (Pressure rise) Maximum operating head = 94.5 m (310 ft.)

Sl.
No
.

Operating
Condition
s

1.
1.

2.
Normal

2.

Emergency

3.

Abnormal

4.

Extreme

Max. Head attained including Water Hammer Heads

W/o R*
3.
186.5 m
( 612 )
222.5 m
(730)
271.2 m
(890)
509.0 m
(1670)

6 sec.
50% R
4.
126.5 m
( 415 )
198.1 m
(650)
271.2 m
(890)
509.0 m
(1670)

100% R
5.
116.13 m
( 381 )
182.9 m
(600)
271.2m
(890)
509.0 m
(1670)

W/o R*
6.
153.6 m
( 502 )
185.9 m
(610
225.8 m
(741)
509.0 m
(1670)

8 sec.
50% R
7.
115.2 m
( 378 )
170.7 m
(560)
225.5
(740)
509.0 m
(1670)

100% R
8.
116.1 m
( 381 )
160.3 m
(526)
225.8 m
(741)
509.0 m
(1670)

W/o R*
9.
135.3 m
444 )
164.8 m
(541)
198.1 m
(650)
509.0 m
(1670)
*

10 sec.
50% R
10.
140.34 m
( 362 )
153.9 m
(505)
198.1 m
(650)
509.0 m
(1670)

100% R
11.
116.1 m
( 381 )
146.3
(480)
198.1 m
(650)
509.0 m
(1670)

R means pressure regulation

Notes:
1.
2.
(i)
(ii)

Water Hammer was calculated for full load rejection on both units simultaneously.
Operating condition were assumed as below:
Normal operation: when all equipment works in the manner for which it is designed & adjusted.
Emergency operation: following maladjustment & malfunctioning of equipment occurs on one of
the units.
a.
Governor time remains un retarded
b.
Cushioning stroke fails i.e. gate closure from 2L/a position.
c.
Pressure relief valve if provided is in-operative
d.
Gate traversing is taken in min. time for which the governor is designed.
123

(iii)
(iv)

Abnormal Operation: Malfunctioning of equipment as described under emergency and occurs on

both the units on a common penstock.
Extreme Operation: there is a rapid closure of the gates and full velocity in the penstock comes to
zero within the critical interval. Calculation made at rated head of (64.1 m) 210 ft
a)
b)

Gate opening time

Minimum speed change
governor will respond

c)

Gate closing time in conjunction with

pressure relief valves

to

which

10 second (max. 12 seconds)

Governor will respond to normal speed
changes; however response will be inhibited
by adjustable band
3.2 seconds rate of closure excluding
damping

Electro Hydraulic Governor was provided.

4.11.4

Dehar Power Plant With Frequency Controlling Capability, Provision of Surge Shaft Tank And
Balancing Reservoir
174 MVA, 300 rpm 0.95 p.f. semi umbrella type vertical water wheel generators coupled to Francis
turbines were selected for installation in the 1000 MW dehar hydropower plant of the Beas Sutlaj link
Project. A longitudinal section of the project is shown in figure 4.2.
Dehar power plant was the largest hydro project at the time of installation and constituted a significant
plant capacity in the integrated system to which the power house was to be interconnected. Salient data of
the project is given below.
Unit size and No.
Design head
No. of penstock
Diameter of penstock header
Diameter of penstock branch

: Six units each 165 MW at 0.95 pf

: 320 m
:3
: 4.88 m
: 3.35 m

Surge Shaft Differential Type

Diameter of main shaft
Diameter of riser shaft
Height

: 22.86 m
: 7.62 m
: 125.3 m

It was decided to make a frequency control power station by providing balancing storage and a differential
type surge tank. A maximum speed rise and full load rejection as an index of frequency control capability
in the grid was fixed not to exceed 45% (as the grid had become fairly large). The penstock pressure rise
for economic considerations was fixed 35% on the basis of both the units tripping on a common penstock
header. Load on and load off in about eight seconds was considered satisfactory from system regulation
consideration.
Hydraulic pressure water system connecting the balancing storage with the power unit consisting of water
intake, pressure tunnel, differential surge tank and penstock is shown in Figure 4.2.
Limiting the maximum pressure rise in the penstocks to 35 percent the estimated maximum speed rise of
the unit upon rejection of full load worked out to about 45 percent with a governor closing time of 9.1
seconds at rated head of 282 m (925 ft) with the normal flywheel effect of the rotating parts of the
generator (i.e., fixed on temperature rise considerations only). In the first stage of operation (4 units) the
speed rise was found to be not more than 43 percent. It was accordingly considered that normal flywheel
effect is adequate for regulating frequency of the system.

124

Fig. 4.2: Longitudinal Section from intake to Dehar Plant

(Design Data)
4.12

Small Hydro Projects

Small hydro projects are designed for 35% speed rise in case isolated operation is envisaged. Cost is the
major consideration in designing the powerhouses. Canal fall schemes are generally designed for injecting
the entire power into the grid and accordingly designed for 60% speed rise on full rejection and cannot
provide frequency control of the interconnected power system. Micro hydrohydro is generally designed for
isolated operation. In small hydro projects extra flywheel required is not built into the generator but provided
as a separate flywheel. Some typical examples are given.

4.12.1

1750 kW power unit to be designed for isolated operation (35% speed rise)
Data

Length of Penstock (L)

Penstock Dia
(D)
Penstock thickness
Rated unit output
(full gate)

=
=
=
=

153.5 m
1.289 m
0.00889 m = 8.89 mm
1750 kW (including 10% over load capacity)
(1750 x 1.34 = 2345 HP units)

Rated Head (h)

(Full gate)

46.634 m

Maximum pressure rise

in penstock from
economic consideration

30%

First Step: - Fix closing time for 30% speed rise

Assuming governor closing time of 4 seconds
Rated Discharge (Qr)

=
=
=

P
hr 9.804 0.8
1750
46.63 9.804 0.8
4.78 cusecs
125

Velocity of water (Vr)

Governor closing time (assumed)

Q/A

4.78
4.78
=
2
0.7854 1.661521
/ 4 (1.289)

3.662 m/sec.

4 second

Guide vane closing time assuming (t0)

(0.25 sec. as dead time)

Gravitational Constant (g) =

9.81 m/sec2

Water starting up time (Tw)

(A cross sectional area of penstock)

4 + 0.25 = 4.25 second

LV
gH
153.5 3.66
9.81 46.63

=
=

1.228 second

Pressure rise on full load rejection using Alliivies formula

H
H

Tw
2
Tw + Tw + 4
2
LV
1.2287
Where Tw
=
=
= 0.2894 = 0.29
gHT
4.25
=

L
H
T
V
g

H
H

Speed Rise and WR2

=
=
=
=
=
=
=

Length of penstock + Length of Spiral Casing = 153.5

Head in meter
=
46.63
Governor closing time 4 seconds
Velocity in meter/second = 3.66 m/s
9.81 m/s2

0.29
0.29 + 0.292 + 4
2

33.50%

Normal WR2 of Gen. & Turbine 42000 lb/ft2 (GD2 = 7 Tm2)

7 103 7502
GD 2 n 2
=
= 6.25 seconds
Mechanical starting up time Tm =
3.6 10 5 Pr
3.6 105 1750
Closing time of servo motor Tf = 4 seconds (full closing time of servomotor)

Tk
4
=
= 0.645
Tm 6.2
Specific speed nsr =

n P 750 1750 31374.751

=
=
= 257.48 = 258 (m units)
h5 / 4
46.635 / 4
121.48

Speed rise Sr = 26.5% (from figure 4.1)

126

Tw = 1.23
k=
S'R

Tw 1.23
=
= 0.3075
Tf
4
= (26.6) (1 + 0.3075)
= 34.779 = 34.78%

4.12.2 Rajwakti Small Hydro-Electric Project Provision of Spilling Type Surge Tank for Economic
Pressure Water System
A run of the river project in cascade with downstream projects. Entire power is to be fed in the grid at 66
kV. Isolated operation was not envisaged. Entire tail race water was proposed to be provided for
downstream projects in cascade. Frequency regulating capability was not required. Due to site limitations
of locating forebay the penstock length was unusually long i.e. 980 m for head of about 47 m which was
affecting the viability of the project. Further it was not possible to provide escape of water from the forebay
on full load rejection for downstream project. The problem was solved by providing spilling type surge
tank near the powerhouse. It is shown in figure 4.3(a) and figure 4.3(b). The spilling type surge tank and
the penstock system are shown in figure 4.4. Relevant data of the powerhouse and spilling type surge tank
is given below. A water level sensing system was installed in forebay to control the spilling level in the
surge tank.
Design head
Penstock (L)
Penstock dia. (D)

=
=
=

46.65 m
980 m
2.2 m common penstock header bifurcated near
power house for each unit

Turbines
Specific speed
Rated output
Rotating speed

=
=
=
=

Horizontal axis, Francis

218
1975 kW
600 rpm

Generator
Surge Line
Diameter
Length
Input height
Output height
Design flow

2250 kVA, 3.3kV, 0.9 pf, 600 rpm (Synchronous)

=
=
=
=
=

2.2 m
100 m
933.9 + 2.2 m
983.115 m
10 m3/sec.

Surge tank
Bottom level
Top level
Width
Length

=
=
=
=

983.115 m
979.45 m
6.5 m
11.5 m

Spilling Pipes
No. of spilling pipes
Bottom level
Top level
Design flow

=
=
=
=

2
975.45 m
6.5 m
0.70 m3/sec

The pipe line from forebay to the surge tank was designed for static head.
Solution
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Spilling type surge shaft was provided

Penstock header designed as pipe
Spilling level was controlled by level control in forebay
Spilling water from surge tank near the powerhouse was channelised into tailrace for downstream
powerhouse in cascade
127

Forebay

Spilling Type
Surge Shaft

Pipe

Unit-1

Unit-2

Figure 4.3 (a) : Proposed Arrangement

WATER
ESCAPE
TO DIVERSION &
POWER CHANNEL
FOREBAY
SURGE TANK
EXPANSION
LINE

PENSTOCK
PIPE

PIPE LINE LENGTH - 980 M

PIPE DIA - 2.2 M
DISCHARGE - 10 CUMECS
SURGE TANK
SPILLING CAPACITY

BUTTERFLY
VALVES

BUTTERFLY
VALVE

70% OF 10
CUMECS

GENERATOR

TO UNIT-2
FRANCIS
TURBINE
DRAFT
SPILLING
PIPES

TAILRACE

STILLING

Figure 4.3(b): Rajwakti SHP Spilling Type Surge Tank (Source: Alternate Hydro Energy Centre))

Fig.: 4.4: Spilling type surge tank and penstock system (Source: Alternate Hydro Energy Centre)
128

4.12.2

Pacha Small Hydropower Project Designed for Isolated Operation

Layout of the project is shown in figure 4.5.

4.12.2.1 Data
Type of Turbine
: Horizontal Francis
Guaranteed rated output at rated head
: 1571 kW
Rated head
:
Rated speed
: 750 rpm
Specific speed
: 243.7 m-kW
Length of penstock
: 138.9 m
Individual penstock for each unit
Penstock diameter
:
Max. Pressure rise for economic penstock
: 30%
Momentary rise in speed on full load rejection
: 35%
Pressure rise and speed rise studies were made for 600 rpm and 750 rpm generators (table 4.3 & table 4.4).
750 rpm generators were selected from economic considerations.

Fig. 4.5: Layout of Pacha Small Hydro Project

(Source: Alternate Hydro Energy Centre)
129

Table 4.3
Speed 750 rpm
S.
Speed rise
No.
1.
35%

Pressure rise

Guide vane closing time

Required GD2

30%

7.2 sec.

11.05 T-m2

2.

35%

50%

4.7 sec.

8.4 T-m2

3.

40%

45%

5.1 sec.

7.35 T-m2

Pressure rise

Guide vane closing time

Required GD2

30%

7.2 sec.

17.30 T-m2

Table 4.4
Speed 600 rpm
S.
Speed rise
No.
1.
35%

4.13

2.

35%

50%

4.7 sec.

13.15 T-m2

3.

40%

45%

5.1 sec.

11.50 T-m2

List of Computer Programmes on Hydraulic transients.

References
1.

Hydro Electric Engineering practice by J. Guthrie brown (Book)

2.

Engineering Monograph No. 20 1976 -Selecting Hydraulic Reaction Turbine United State
Department of Interior; Bureau of Reclamation; USA

3.

ASME -1949, Rober Lowy Speed Regulation Characteristics for Hydraulic Turbine

4.

John Parmakian 1957 Paper No. 1216 Journal of Power division of ASME vol. 83.

5.

O. D. Thapar & S. M. Kumar A problem of speed regulation in hydro electric units Power engineer
1962 Vol. 12 pp. 31-34.

6.

Thapar O. D.; V. K. Verma; R. C. chauahan 1980 Bhakra Left Bank Power House Governor - Study
of Behavior Engineering report No. WRD Electrical -07- WRDTC IIT Roorkee

7.

Thapar O. D. 1975 Characteristics of Large Hydro Generator of Dehar Power Plant Proceeding
Second World Congress International Water Resources Association, New Delhi December 1975
Volume 1.

8.

Alternate Hydro Energy centre Guidelines for Selection of Turbine and Governing System for
Small Hydro Electric Project 2012.

130