Short term course on

Hydropower plant converts the energy of water in the streams and rivers into electricity. The volume of water flow and the utilized head determine the quantity of electricity generated. The greater the flow and head, more the electricity produced. Hydropower on a small scale or micro-hydro is one of the most cost-effective energy technologies to be considered for rural electrification in less developed countries. Usually hydro-turbines are optimized for an operating point defined by speed, head and discharge. At fixed speed operation, limited deviations from head and discharge are allowed. But to improve the efficiency of operation of hydro turbines with part loads and with varying heads, variable speed operation of hydro turbine and generator offers an attractive solution. However, with variable speed operation, it is required to adapt the generator output voltage and frequency to match with the grid standards. In this regard the power electronic technology plays a vital role to match the characteristics of these generations units and the requirements of grid connections, including frequency, voltage, control of active and reactive power, harmonic minimization, etc.,

Specific Objectives
1. Explore the power electronics technologies to use as an efficient interface in mini / micro hydropower.
2. Explore power quality solutions to this application.
3. Emphasize a range of both control and computing solutions to the generating plants based on their economics and reliability.
4. Discuss the design issues (civil, mechanical, electrical aspects) of mini/micro hydro power plants.
5. Explore the spectrum of excitation and reactive power control of electrical generators.

Course Content
1.Design issues on civil, mechanical structure with mini/ micro hydro plant.
2.Electrical design of mini/ micro hydro plant.
3.Introduction to power electronic technology
4.Application of power electronics in mini/ micro hydro projects.
5.Power quality issues in mini / micro hydropower generation

SPEAKERS
Faculty members from Water Resources Development and Management & Electrical Engineering Departments of Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and from other reputed national institutions/agencies.

Course Coordinator:
Dr. Thanga Raj Chelliah
Assistant Professor
Department of Water Resources Development and Management
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India