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1.13 Investigation of Small Hydro Project
1.13 Investigation of Small Hydro Project
STANDARDS/MANUALS/
GUIDELINES FOR
SMALL HYDRO DEVELOPMENT
General –
Investigation of Small Hydro Projects
May 2011
GUIDELINES FOR
INVESTIGATION OF SMALL HYDRO PROJECT
CONTENTS
SMALL HYDRO
The hydro power installations are normally classified by the output of
hydropower station. The main category are Major hydropower schemes, medium
hydropower schemes & small hydropower schemes. In India, hydropower
schemes up to 25 Mw capacities are termed as small hydropower schemes.
Central electricity authority has further sub-classified the small hydro in three
subcategories.
(i) Micro: Those having output upto 100kw.
(ii) Mini: Those having output from 101kw to 2000kw with unit size 1000kw.
(iii) Small: Those having output from 2001kw to 25000kw with unit size
5000kw.
Small hydro may further be grouped under:
(i) Type-1: Run of the river schemes.
(ii) Type-2: Schemes on canal falls.
(iii) Type-3: Schemes utilizing the existing dam/barrage for water supply.
For type 2 & type 3 schemes, the availability of water is well defined. The
schemes can therefore be formulated on the basis of water available or water to be
released from dam / barrage for the irrigation or for any other purpose for which
the dam / barrage was originally constructed. However the field investigations for
layout of penstocks, power channel, power house, switchyard, tailrace channel
and other appurtenant works will be required, similar to type 1 schemes i.e. run of
the river schemes.
1.00 Run of the river schemes: The following field investigations would be
essential.
(1) Topographical survey.
(2) Geological mapping and exploration.
(3) Hydrological and silt data collection.
(4) Investigation and identification of construction material sites.
(5) Power utilization/ evacuation facility.
(6) Access to different components of the scheme.
Object of detailed investigations are:
(i) To access the general suitability of site for small hydropower project.
(ii) To enable adequate & economical design to be prepared.
(iii) To foresee and provide solution against difficulties that may arise due to
ground and other local conditions.
AHEC/MNRE/SHP Standards/Investigation of Small Hydro Projects /July 2009 1
Selection of a proper site for project is the first important task which can be done
with the help of Survey of India topo sheets and reconnaissance survey of project
area. The reconnaissance should involve visiting all possible locations which are
available for consideration and gathering information relative to each site as is
possible without detailed field explorations. The best map available should be
obtained in many locations. Preliminary layout of different components of
projects should be laid out and the most feasible layout may be selected.
Next, detailed field surveys are to be carried out. The run of the schemes are
mostly located in hilly terrain at Small River or large nalas. The stability of side
slopes are most important considerations for siting different structures. Unstable
slopes are to be ignored and sites which are away from slip zones, easily
accessible site for men & materials should be given more weightage.
1.1.0 Topographical Surveys:
After selection of suitable site, detailed surveys are required to be carried out. A
survey of India bench marks should be located and based on this survey of India
bench mark a project bench mark should be installed in the project area. This is
very-very important for the successful completion of project as well as to the life
of project. Surveys for different components of project as detailed below are to be
carried out.
TABLE-1.1: Topographical Surveys for run of the river schemes
1.1.2 For schemes on canal falls detailed field surveys are to be carried out after an
initial reconnaissance survey when information needs to be collected about the
topographical features and constraints for locating the bypass channel and powerhouse
adjacent to the fall structure. After a study of these particulars the alignment should be
S.No. Structure No. of trial Location of trial pits Depth of trial Additional
pits pits requirement
1 Intake Borehole- Intake area Upto Geological
1no. foundation assessment of
level of stability of
structure excavation slopes.
2 Approach 1no. Approach channel 1.5m to 2m Geological
channel location. assessment of the
area.
3 Water
conductor
(a) Open Trial Pits-2- Along alignment 1.5m to 2m Geological
3no. assessment of
stability of
excavation slopes
(b) Tunnel Borehole- (1) Intake portal-1no. Delineation of Geological
3no. (2) Outlet portal-1no. shear zones assessment along