International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET International Open Access, Monthly, Peer Reviewed, Reputed Journal ISSN (online): 2581-3048

Impact Factor (2025): 6.9

DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET

Graphical Approach in Optimization of Penstock Diameter

Abstract

Penstock is a closed conduit waterway which conveys water from intake to power house. The optimum diameter of penstock is determined through the optimization between the cost associated with friction head loss and the material & installation cost of penstock. Head loss cost itself depends on power purchase cost, project life and average hours of operation of the power plant and other parameters. This paper first reviews the existing empirical and analytical methods to determine the economical diameter of penstock. Then a simplified arrangement is developed in Ms Excel where the material cost, the cost associated with the head loss in penstock and other parameters which may influence these costs can be analyzed. These costs are plotted in graph and the optimum diameter is calculated graphically. Finally the major parameters affecting the optimum diameter of penstock are identified. It was found that the tariff and material, installation and maintenance cost of penstock are the vital parameters which play the major role during optimization of penstock.

Country : Nepal

1 Navin Kumar Jha

  1. Department of Mechanical & Automobile Engineering, Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

IRJIET, Volume 4, Issue 8, August 2020 pp. 25-30

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2020.408005

Full Paper
Download

References

  1. D. Bernard, “Numeric Modelling of Water Hammer in Penstocks,” M.Sc. Thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Canada, 2013.
  2. Indian Standard, “CRITERIA OF HYDRAULIC DESIGN OF PENSTOCK,” IS: 11625-1986 Reaffirmed 2001, India, 2001.
  3. Hydraulic Gate and Penstock Association, “Technical standards for gates and penstocks”, Japan, 1986.
  4. R.S. Varshney, “Hydro Power Structures,” India, 2010.
  5. United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, “A Water Resource Technical Publications, Engineering Monograph No 3, Welded Steel Penstocks”, 1986.
  6. R. Hardee. (2015). Calculating Head Loss in a Pipeline. Available: https://www.pumpsandsystems.com/pumps/april-2015-calculating-head-loss-pipeline [Accessed: 6August 2020].
  7. N.E. Authority, “Generation Directorate (Edition 11),” Nepal, 2019.
  8. http://apipower.com.np/home/pagesDisp/naugarh-gad-hydroelectric-project-8-5-mw#:~:text=The%20powerhouse%20consists%20of%20two,of%20the%20Project%20is%20NRs.
  9. Layman, “Handbook on How to Develop a Small Hydro Site”, European Commission, 1998.
  10. European Small Hydropower Association – ESHA, “Guide on How to Develop a Small Hydropower Plant”, 2004.

Copyright @ 2026-2017 IRJIET. All Right Reserved.

Developed by Byzero Technologies