Sabhw

SANI BHERI 3 HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
RUKUM
UPDATED FEASIBILITY STUDY
VOLUME I: MAIN REPORT
JAN, 2021
SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:
SANI BHERI HYDROPOWER COMPANY UNITS ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY
PVT. LTD.
PVT LTD
KUPANDOLE, LALITPUR
KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project Feasibility Study
Main Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OF
SANI BHERI 3 HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project is situated in Eastern and Western Rukum District,
Province no 5 and 6. Project area lies between 28°37’15’ N to 28°40’15” N latitude and
82°30’50” E to 82°36’56” E longitudes. It is located about 570km (road distance) towards
North-West of Kathmandu and from Kathmandu to Solabang is about 550km which is all
season black topped road and further about 25km from Solabang to near Headworks is
fair weathered earthen road which is the main access road from Kathmandu to project
site. Further, around 2km access road is to be constructed to make accessible to
powerhouse adit, surge shaft and intake site.
Project lies in the left bank of the Sani Bheri River. Headworks site is located near the
suspension bridge near Sisneri village. Powerhouse is located near Bhal Khola. Sani
Bheri River is a snow-fed river originating from the high mountains.
The proposed intake of Sani Bheri 3 Hydropower Project lies at Latitude 28° 38' 27" N and
Longitude 82° 33' 30" E, at about Elevation 1055 amsl. It is just downstream of the
confluence of Sani Bheri River and small tributaries. The drainage area at the proposed
weir site is about 2216 km2.The proposed powerhouse site of Sani Bheri 3 Hydropower
Project lies at Latitude 28° 40' 03" N and Longitude 82° 29' 48" E, at about Elevation 950
amsl and located at about 6.5 km downstream of the proposed intake. The total
catchment area at proposed powerhouse site is 2316 km2
Design discharge of the project is 51.00 m3/s. Design of the headworks has been carried
out considering the 100 years return period flood discharge of 1100 m3/s.
Installed capacity of the Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project is 46.30MW. This scheme
comprises of 38m long barrage with crest elevation at EL.1056.50m will divert the design
flow discharge to the intake at left bank of the River. An undersluice of width 2.00 meters
has been provided before the intake. The intake 4.0m width & 4.0m high will be provided.
Settling basin of the plant is located about at the distance of 300m from the intake. It is
Surface type. It has three basins with length 85 meters, width 11.0 m and 8.30 m height.
Total length of headrace tunnel of 5 m is 6430m. A surge shaft with finished diameter of
12m and height of 47m is proposed at the end of headrace tunnel. Powerhouse is
connected by a 180m long penstock having 4.10m diameter. Three Francis turbines of
15.60MW capacities each will be installed in a surface powerhouse. 230 m tailrace
discharges water back to the Sani Bheri River.
About 4 km long single circuit 132kV Transmission line is required to evacuate power from
project’s powerhouse up to proposed Baphikot Substation.
This project is planned to be commissioned by the end of FY mid of 2024, with

construction period estimated at four years. Construction power will be managed by
connecting from the nearest distribution line or by using diesel plant.
Total annual energy generation from the plant is 255.92GWh. Out of which 177.07GWh is
the wet energy and 78.82 GWh is the dry energy.
Cost estimate of Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project has been carried out based on 2020
price level. Major cost components are divided into Land and support, Pre-operating
expenses, infra-structure works, main civil works, hydro-mechanical works and
electromechanical works & transmission line works. Cost of value added tax and
contingencies have also been considered in the cost estimate. Total construction cost of
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the project without interest during construction as of 2020 is estimated at NRs.

8250.12million
Financial cost of the project includes taxes, duties, contingency and interest during
construction. Based on the assumed disbursement of the cash flow, the total cost of the
project is estimated NRs. 9250.59 million.
Financial analysis of the project is carried out to assess the financial viability of the
project. PPA is expected to follow the prevailing practice in Nepal i.e. NRs. 8.40/kWh in
the off peak dry season, NRs 10.55/kWh for peak hour dry energy and NRs. 4.80/kWh in
wet season with annual escalation of 3% for eight times from the commercial operation
date.
Internal rate of return of the project is 14.09%. Likewise, benefit cost ratio is 1.41 and NPV
is NRs. 2964 million. The financial parameter indicates the financial viability of the project.
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Salient Features of the project
General
Project Name Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project
Name of River Sani Bheri
Nearest Town Musikot Bazaar
Gross Head 110.83 m
Location
District / Province no: Rukum / Province 5 and 6
Type of power plant: Peaking -Run-of-River
Project Co-ordinate
Easting 82°30’50” E to 82°36’56” E
Northing 28°37’15’ N to 28°40’15” N
Hydrology
Catchment area at intake site 2216 km2
Long term annual average flow 66.52m3/s
Design Discharge (Q40) 51.0 m3/s
Design flood at intake (1 in 100): 1085 m3/s
Diversion weir
Type Barrage
Crest level 1056.5m
Length 38 m
Height 18 m from the Bed level
Sluice
Width 2.00 m
Height 0.75 m
Intake
Type Side Intake with 4 no of orifices
Size opening 4.00 m*4.00 m clear opening
Approach Culvert
Length 263.0 m
Width 5.20 m
Height 5.20 m
Settling basin
No of bays 3.00 nos.
Nominal size of trapped particle 0.20 mm, 90.00% trap efficiency
Uniform Length 85.00 m
Width 11.0m
Depth 8.30m
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Waterways
Headrace Tunnel
Type Horse Shoe
Length 6430 m
Diameter 5m
Surge Shaft
Height 47 m
Diameter 12 m
Penstock
Length 180 m
Diameter 4.10 m
Maximum shell thickness 16.00 mm to 28.00 mm
Powerhouse
Length and width 48.00m x 16.00 m
Tailwater Level 944.00 masl
Tailrace
Length of Tailrace canal 230.00 m
Turbine
Type Francis (Vertical Axis)
No of units 3
Rated output 16305 kW
Rated Speed 300 rpm
Rated Efficiency 92%
Generator
No of Units 3
Type Cylindrical Pole, synchronous
Rated Capacity 18510 KVA
Rated Efficiency 96.5%
Power factor 0.85
Speed 300 rpm
Frequency 50HZ
Generation voltage 11 kV
Power Transformer
No of Units 2
Type Three phase, oil immersed
Rated Capacity 30MVA
Transmission Line
Voltage Level 132 KV single circuit line
Length Approximate 4 Km
From Power house
To Baphikot Sub-station
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Power and Energy

Installed Capacity 46.72MW
Dry season Energy 78.82GWh (after Outage)
Wet season Energy 177.07 GWh (after Outage)
Total Energy 255.92GWh
Environmental Study
Downstream release 1.28 m3/s
Construction Period 4 Years
Project evaluation
Project cost without IDC NRs. 8,250,127,277.77
Project cost with IDC NRs. 9,210,591,876.42
Internal rate of return (IRR) 14.09 %
BC ratio 1.41
Return on Equity 20.12 %
Net Present Value NRs. 2964.65 (million)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 1-1
1.1 BACKGROUND .............................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF W ORK .................................................................. 1-1
1.3 ORGANIZATION OF REPORT ........................................................................... 1-2
2 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA ...................................... 2-1
2.1 LOCATION .................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 PHYSICAL FEATURES .................................................................................... 2-1
2.2.1 Topography..............................................................................................2-1
2.2.2 Climate ....................................................................................................2-1
2.2.3 Geology ...................................................................................................2-2
2.3 ACCESSIBILITY ............................................................................................. 2-2
3 FIELD INVESTIGATION AND DATA COLLECTION ............... 3-1
3.1 TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY AND MAPPING ........................................................ 3-1
3.1.1 Available Maps ........................................................................................3-1
3.1.2 Surveying .................................................................................................3-1
3.1.3 Horizontal and Vertical Control.................................................................3-3
3.1.4 Accuracy ..................................................................................................3-4
3.1.5 Data Processing ......................................................................................3-4
3.1.6 Detail Topographical Survey ....................................................................3-4
3.1.7 Mapping ...................................................................................................3-4
3.1.8 River Cross Section and Profile ...............................................................3-4
3.2 HYDROLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ................................................................... 3-4
3.2.1 Collection of Available Meteorological and Hydrological Data ..................3-4
3.2.2 Establishment of Gauging Station ............................................................3-6
3.2.3 Water Level Recording and Flow Measurement .......................................3-6
3.3 GEOLOGICAL AND GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS ......................................... 3-6
3.3.1 Collection of Available Data and Maps .....................................................3-6
3.3.2 Surface Geological Mapping ....................................................................3-7
3.4 CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL SURVEY ............................................................... 3-7
4 HYDROLOGY AND SEDIMENT STUDY.................................. 4-1
4.1 CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS ..................................................................... 4-1
4.1.1 Basin Physiography .................................................................................4-1
4.2 REFERENCE HYDROLOGY AND STREAM FLOW DATA........................................ 4-5
4.2.1 Reference Hydrology ...............................................................................4-5
4.2.2 Discharge Measurements ........................................................................4-5
4.3 MEAN MONTHLY FLOW ................................................................................... 4-6
4.3.1 Mean monthly flow by catchment correlation method ...............................4-6
4.3.1 Mean monthly flow by MIP method ..........................................................4-6
4.3.2 Regional Hydrological Method .................................................................4-7
4.3.3 Mean Monthly Flow by WECS/DHM Method ............................................4-7
4.4 ADOPTED MONTHLY FLOW ............................................................................. 4-8
4.5 FLOW DURATION CURVE ............................................................................... 4-8
4.6 LOW FLOW ANALYSIS .................................................................................. 4-11
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4.7 RIPARIAN RELEASE ..................................................................................... 4-11

4.8 FLOOD ESTIMATION .................................................................................... 4-12
4.8.1 General ..................................................................................................4-12
4.8.2 Flood Frequency Analysis ......................................................................4-12
4.8.3 Design Flood..........................................................................................4-13
4.8.4 Diversion Flood ......................................................................................4-14
4.9 SEDIMENTATION STUDIES ............................................................................ 4-15
4.9.1 Himalayan Yield Techniques ..................................................................4-15
4.9.2 Sediment Studies by KP Sharma and SR Kansakar ..............................4-16
4.10 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................ 4-16
5 GEOLOGY AND GEOTECHNICAL STUDY ............................ 5-1
5.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 5-1
5.2 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................. 5-1
5.3 SCOPE OF W ORK.......................................................................................... 5-1
5.4 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................ 5-1
5.5 PREVIOUS WORK .......................................................................................... 5-2
5.6 PRESENT W ORK ........................................................................................... 5-2
5.7 GEOLOGY OF NEPAL HIMALAYA ..................................................................... 5-2
5.7.1 Tibetan Tethys Himalaya .........................................................................5-2
5.7.2 Higher Himalaya ......................................................................................5-3
5.7.3 Lesser Himalaya ......................................................................................5-3
5.7.4 Sub-Himalaya (Siwaliks) ..........................................................................5-4
5.7.5 Terai Zone ...............................................................................................5-4
5.8 REGIONAL GEOLOGY OF THE PROJECT AREA .................................................. 5-4
5.9 GEOLOGY OF PROJECT AREA ........................................................................ 5-5
5.10 GEOLOGY OF PROJECT AREA- ENGINEERING ASPECT ..................................... 5-6
5.10.1 Headworks Site ........................................................................................5-6
5.10.2 Inlet Portal................................................................................................5-9
5.10.3 Headrace Tunnel ...................................................................................5-10
5.10.4 Rock Mass Classification of Headrace Tunnel .......................................5-13
5.10.5 Surge Shaft and Penstock Alignment .....................................................5-14
5.10.6 Power House and Tailrace area .............................................................5-14
5.11 ESTIMATED ROCK SUPPORT IN HEADRACE TUNNEL ....................................... 5-15
5.11.1 Rock Support According to Q System ....................................................5-15
5.11.2 Rock Support Estimation........................................................................5-17
5.12 CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL .......................................................................... 5-18
5.13 SEISMICITY ................................................................................................ 5-20
5.13.1 General ..................................................................................................5-20
5.13.2 Seismo-tectonic structure of the Himalayas ...........................................5-23
5.14 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................ 5-26
6 PROJECT SCHEME AND ALTERNATIVE LAYOUT STUDY.. 6-1
6.1 PROJECT COMPONENT LOCATIONS ................................................................ 6-1
6.2 PROJECT LAYOUT ALTERNATIVES .................................................................. 6-2
6.2.1 Alternative L1 ...........................................................................................6-2
6.2.2 Alternative L2 ...........................................................................................6-2
6.3 SELECTION OF THE LAYOUT ........................................................................... 6-4
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7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN ................................ 7-1

7.1 DESIGN BASIS .............................................................................................. 7-1
7.2 GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF PROJECT COMPONENT ....................................... 7-1
7.3 CIVIL W ORKS ............................................................................................... 7-1
7.3.1 Diversion during Construction ..................................................................7-1
7.3.2 Headworks ...............................................................................................7-1
7.3.3 Peaking Reservoir....................................................................................7-2
7.3.4 Barrage ....................................................................................................7-2
7.3.5 Earthen Dam............................................................................................7-3
7.3.6 Dam Height Optimization .........................................................................7-3
7.3.7 Intake .......................................................................................................7-4
7.3.8 Under Sluice ............................................................................................7-4
7.3.9 Approach Culvert .....................................................................................7-5
7.3.10 Settling basin ...........................................................................................7-5
7.4 WATER CONVEYANCE SYSTEM ...................................................................... 7-5
7.4.1 Steel Penstock Pipe .................................................................................7-6
7.4.2 Anchor blocks in penstock alignment .......................................................7-7
7.4.3 Powerhouse and Tailrace ........................................................................7-7
7.5 GENERATING EQUIPMENT .............................................................................. 7-8
7.5.1 Turbine Type Selection ............................................................................7-8
7.5.2 Power Calculation ..................................................................................7-10
7.5.3 Turbine Components .............................................................................7-10
7.5.4 Turbine-Generator arrangement ............................................................7-12
7.6 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ............................................................................. 7-13
7.6.1 General ..................................................................................................7-13
7.6.2 Generator ..............................................................................................7-14
7.6.3 Generation Voltage Level.......................................................................7-16
7.6.4 Generator Braking..................................................................................7-16
7.6.5 Generator Grounding .............................................................................7-16
7.6.6 Excitation and Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) ................................7-16
7.6.7 Power Transformers ..............................................................................7-18
7.6.8 Station Transformer ...............................................................................7-19
7.6.9 Switchgears ...........................................................................................7-20
7.6.10 Current Transformer (CT) ......................................................................7-21
7.6.11 Voltage Transformer (PT) ......................................................................7-21
7.6.12 Lightning Arrestors .................................................................................7-22
7.6.13 Governor ................................................................................................7-22
7.6.14 Powerhouse Electric Overhead Travelling Crane ...................................7-23
7.6.15 Diesel Generator ....................................................................................7-24
7.6.16 DC Power Supply...................................................................................7-24
7.6.17 Grounding / Earthing System .................................................................7-24
7.6.18 Black Start/ Island Mode Operation ........................................................7-25
7.6.19 Communication System .........................................................................7-25
7.6.20 Illumination.............................................................................................7-25
7.6.21 Control and SCADA System ..................................................................7-25
7.7 SWITCHYARD AT POWER HOUSE .................................................................. 7-26
7.8 INTER-CONNECTION POINT .......................................................................... 7-29
7.8.1 Metering Scheme at Interconnection Substation ....................................7-30
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7.9 POWER EVACUATION/TRANSMISSION LINE .................................................... 7-30

7.10 HYDROMECHANICAL W ORKS........................................................................ 7-30
7.10.1 General ..................................................................................................7-30
7.10.2 Description of the Hydraulic Steel Structures .........................................7-31
8 POWER AND ENERGY ........................................................... 8-1
8.1 GENERAL ..................................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................ 8-1
8.3 ENERGY DEFINITION ..................................................................................... 8-1
8.3.1 Dry Season Energy: .................................................................................8-1
8.3.2 Wet Season Energy: ................................................................................8-1
8.4 HEAD LOSS .................................................................................................. 8-1
8.4.1 Major Loss ...............................................................................................8-2
8.4.2 Minor Loss ...............................................................................................8-2
8.4 OUTAGE ...................................................................................................... 8-2
8.5 MAXIMUM INSTALLED CAPACITY AND ENERGY GENERATION ............................... 8-2
9 CONSTRUCTION PLANNING AND SCHEDULING ................ 9-1
9.1 GENERAL ..................................................................................................... 9-1
9.2 PREPARATORY W ORKS ................................................................................. 9-1
9.2.1 Access Road............................................................................................9-1
9.2.2 Construction Power..................................................................................9-1
9.2.3 Construction Camps ................................................................................9-2
9.2.4 Water Supply system ...............................................................................9-2
9.3 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULING OF INDIVIDUAL STRUCTURES .............................. 9-2
9.3.1 Diversion during construction and construction of weir and intake ...........9-2
9.3.2 Settling Basin ...........................................................................................9-2
9.3.3 Headrace tunnel ......................................................................................9-3
9.3.4 Surge Shaft ..............................................................................................9-3
9.3.5 Penstock excavation and Pipe installation ...............................................9-3
9.3.6 Powerhouse, tailrace and switchyard .......................................................9-3
9.3.7 Electro-mechanical Works .......................................................................9-4
9.3.8 Transmission line Works ..........................................................................9-4
9.4 MATERIAL HANDLING .................................................................................... 9-4
9.4.1 Construction Material and their handling ..................................................9-4
9.4.2 Local Construction Material ......................................................................9-4
9.4.3 Other Construction material .....................................................................9-5
9.5 CONTRACT PACKAGES .................................................................................. 9-5
9.6 OVERALL DURATION OF THE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION ..................................... 9-6
10 COST ESTIMATES ................................................................ 10-1
10.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 10-1
10.2 CRITERIA, ASSUMPTIONS AND COST COMPONENTS ....................................... 10-1
10.3 ESTIMATING METHODOLOGY........................................................................ 10-1
10.4 CIVIL W ORKS ESTIMATE .............................................................................. 10-2
10.5 RESOURCES COSTS.................................................................................... 10-3
10.5.1 Labor Rates ...........................................................................................10-3
10.5.2 Construction Equipment .........................................................................10-3
10.5.3 Construction Material .............................................................................10-3
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10.5.4 Electrical and Mechanical Equipment.....................................................10-3

10.5.5 Switchyard and Transmission Lines .......................................................10-3
10.5.6 Unit Rates ..............................................................................................10-4
10.5.7 Contingencies ........................................................................................10-4
10.5.8 Environmental Programs........................................................................10-4
10.5.9 Engineering and Management ...............................................................10-4
10.5.10 Total Estimated Cost..............................................................................10-5
11 PROJECT EVALUATION....................................................... 11-1
11.1 DECISION MAKING TOOLS ........................................................................... 11-1
11.2 DEBT-EQUITY RATIO AND INTEREST ............................................................. 11-1
11.3 OPERATION & MAINTENANCE (O&M), INSURANCE AND OTHER COSTS ............ 11-1
11.4 ELECTRO-MECHANICAL REPLACEMENT COST ................................................ 11-2
11.5 ROYALTIES AND TAXES ............................................................................... 11-2
11.6 ANNUAL GENERATION AND OUTAGE ............................................................. 11-2
11.7 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS RESULTS .................................................................... 11-2
11.8 SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS ................................................................................. 11-4
11.8.1 Interest rate............................................................................................11-4
11.8.2 Project cost variation ..............................................................................11-4
11.8.3 Variation in energy generation ...............................................................11-4
11.8.4 Results...................................................................................................11-4
12 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ........................... 12-1
12.1 TECHNICAL FEATURES ................................................................................ 12-1
12.2 FINANCIAL FEATURES ................................................................................. 12-1
12.3 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................ 12-2
12.4 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................... 12-2
List of Tables
Table 3-1: Established points by The DGPS points ............................................................ 3-2

Table 3-2: Coordinates and elevation of ground control stations ........................................ 3-2
Table 3-3: Meteorological Stations ..................................................................................... 3-5
Table 3-4: Temperature data of Station no 616 and 312..................................................... 3-5
Table 4-1: Reclassified catchment area for Headworks and Powerhouse (Km2)................. 4-1
Table 4-2: Information of Precipitation Stations around Project Basin................................. 4-3
Table 4-3: Precipitation Stations with Corresponding Contribution Areas ........................... 4-3
Table 4-4: Temperature Data at Nearby Stations ............................................................... 4-4
Table 4-5: The Gauging station near the basin ................................................................... 4-5
Table 4-6: Measured discharges at Sani Bheri River .......................................................... 4-5
Table 4-7: Mean monthly discharge.................................................................................... 4-6
Table 4-8: Mean Monthly Discharge (m3/s) by MIP Method ................................................ 4-6
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Table 4-9: Long-Term Mean Monthly Flow by MHSP Method............................................. 4-7

Table 4-10: Long-Term Mean Monthly Flow (m3/s) by WECS/DHM Method ....................... 4-8
Table 4-11: Adopted Mean Monthly Flow (m3/s) at Intake Site ........................................... 4-8
Table 4-12: Time Exceedance of Flows Adopted at Intake site......................................... 4-10
Table 4-13: Low Flow Frequency Analysis ....................................................................... 4-11
Table 4-14: Instantaneous Flood Discharge at Different Locations Used for Analysis ...... 4-13
Table 4-15: Summary of flood (m3/s) analysis by different methods for Intake .................. 4-14
Table 4-16: Summary of flood (m3/s) analysis by different methods for Powerhouse ........ 4-14
Table 4-17: Estimated Floods for River Diversion ............................................................. 4-15
Table 5-1: Rock quality estimation of rock based on surface mapping.............................. 5-10
Table 5-2: Average Orientation and characteristics of discontinuity of rock at headrace tunnel
from chainage 0+000 to 1+500m ...................................................................................... 5-13
Table 5-5: Rock mass class and its tentative representation along the HRT..................... 5-13
Table 5-6: Average Orientation and characteristics of discontinuity of rock at surge shaft area
......................................................................................................................................... 5-14
Table 5-7: Predicted rock mass quality and support design for Headrace Tunnel ............. 5-17
Table 5-8: Summary of different sources for construction materials ................................. 5-18
Table 5-9: Recurrence of earthquake in Nepal between the period 1994 and 2000 (after
DMG, 2006)...................................................................................................................... 5-22
Table 6-1: Comparison of the project layout alternatives .................................................... 6-3
Table 7-1: Francis Turbine Details .................................................................................... 7-12
Table 7-2: Generator Data ................................................................................................ 7-15
Table 7-3: Data for Power Transformer ............................................................................ 7-18
Table 7-4: Data for Station Transformer ........................................................................... 7-19
Table 7-5: Data for Generator and Transformer Incomer Circuit Breaker ......................... 7-20
Table 7-6: Details of 11 kV Current Transformer .............................................................. 7-21
Table 7-7: Details of 11 kV Potential Transformer ............................................................ 7-22
Table 7-8: Details of 11 kV Lighting Arrestor .................................................................... 7-22
Table 7-9: Data for Transformer outgoing Circuit Breaker ................................................ 7-27
Table 7-10: Data for 132 kV Bus Bar Outgoing/Incomer Circuit Breaker ........................... 7-27
Table 7-11: Data for 132 kV Isolator ................................................................................. 7-28
Table 7-12: Details of 132 kV Potential Transformer ........................................................ 7-29
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Table 7-13: Details of 132 kV Current Transformer .......................................................... 7-29

Table 7-14: Details of 132 kV Lightning Arrestor............................................................... 7-29
Table 8-1: Headloss estimation .......................................................................................... 8-2
Table 8-2: Energy generation in Sani Bheri 3 HEP ............................................................. 8-3
Table 9-1: Power Requirement for Construction Purpose ................................................... 9-2
Table 10-1: Summary of project cost ................................................................................ 10-6
Table 11-1: Input Parameters ........................................................................................... 11-3
Table 11-2: Results of financial analysis ........................................................................... 11-3
Table 11-3: Sensitivity analysis results ............................................................................. 11-4
List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Physiography of the Nepal Himalaya (after Dahal and Hasegawa, 2008) and
location of the SB3HP site .................................................................................................. 2-1
Figure 2-2: Climatological Map of Nepal and location of Project area ................................. 2-2
Figure 3-1: Gauge installation by Hydrology team .............................................................. 3-6
Figure 4-1: Catchment area of Sani Bheri River at headworks .......................................... 4-2
Figure 4-2: Catchment area of Sani Bheri River at Powerhouse ......................................... 4-2
Figure 4-3: Thiessen polygon map for Sani Bheri Catchment at Intake Site ....................... 4-4
Figure 4-4: Adopted Mean Monthly Flow at intake site ....................................................... 4-8
Figure 4-5: Hydrograph Computed from different methods ................................................. 4-9
Figure 4-6: Flow Duration Curve at Intake of Sani Bheri 3-Hydropower Project ................ 4-10
Figure 5-1: Geological map of the Nepal Himalaya (DMG) ................................................. 5-3
Figure 5-2: Regional Geological Map of the Project area. (Department of Mines & Geology)
........................................................................................................................................... 5-5
Figure 5-3: Stereographic Projection of joint sets and hill slope in headworks site left bank 5-
8
Figure 5-4: Stereographic Projection of main joint at inlet Portal area................................. 5-9
Figure 5-5: Contour density diagram (Headrace Tunnel). ................................................. 5-11
Figure 5-6: Stereographic Projection of discontinuities (Headrace Tunnel) ....................... 5-12
Figure 5-7: Joint rosette of major joint sets along the tunnel alignment............................. 5-12
Figure 5-8: NGI Q-System from Barton and Grimstad 1993 ............................................. 5-17
Figure 5-9: Earthquake epicentre map of Nepal (DMG, 2006) .......................................... 5-21
Figure 5-10: Active faults of Nepal Himalayas (Adopted after Upreti 2009)....................... 5-22
Figure 5-11: Seismic Hazard Map of Nepal ...................................................................... 5-25
Figure 5-12: Seismic Risk Map of Nepal ........................................................................... 5-25
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Figure 5-13: Seismic Risk Map of India ............................................................................ 5-26

Figure 6-1: Project scheme alternatives ............................................................................. 6-2
Figure 6-2: Project layout alternatives ................................................................................ 6-3
Figure 7-1: Volume-Elevation Curve for the reservoir ......................................................... 7-2
Figure 7-2: Dam height optimization ................................................................................... 7-4
Figure 7-3: Tunnel size optimization ................................................................................... 7-6
Figure 7-4: Penstock pipe optimization results ................................................................... 7-7
Figure 7-5: Turbine Selection Chart .................................................................................... 7-9
Figure 7-6: Vertical Arrangement of Turbine and Generator ............................................. 7-13
Figure 7-7: Excitation System ........................................................................................... 7-18
Figure 7-8: Governing System Architect ........................................................................... 7-23
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Abbreviations
% Percentage
amsl Above mean Sea Level
cm/s Centimetre per second

DHM Department of Hydrology and Meteorology
DMG Department of Mines and Geology
DoS Department of Survey

F Angle of repose for the soil
GWh Giga watt hour
Km Kilometre
KN Kilo Newton
kV Kilovolt
kW Kilowatt
kWh Kilowatt hour
M Metre
masl Meter above sea level
m2 Square metre
m3/s Cubic metre per second
MIP Medium Irrigation Project
mm2 Square millimeter
MW Megawatt
N Newton
NEA Nepal Electricity Authority
º Degree
ºC Temperature in degree centigrade

US$ United States Dollars
VDC Village Development Committee
WL Water Level
Yr Year
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Nepal is in a phase of sustainable economic development characterized by harnessing its
maximum hydroelectric potential. According to the annual report (2020) of Nepal Electricity
Authority (NEA), NEA is supplying 3021 GWh, IPP is 2991 GWh. At present, nearly 1729
GWh is imported. The Peak demand is 1408 MW. Power demand is gradually increasing at
the rate of approximately 80 MW per year but production growth is only 60 MW. In order to
meet the increasing power demand in an efficient manner, there is an urgent need to identify
and promote small to medium sized hydroelectric projects which can be implemented at the
earliest. Thus, NEA and Department of Electricity Development (DoED) are encouraging to
develop such project from private sectors for harnessing the water resources potential in a
sustainable manner.
Realizing the fact that, efforts from the Government of Nepal only, will not be sufficient an
open and free policy has been adopted for expediting hydroelectric development with private
sector investment. Necessary laws and regulations including the Hydroelectric Development
policy (2001) has been proclaimed to encourage the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to
build, own, operate and transfer Hydroelectric project. In this context, Sani Bheri 3
Hydroelectric Project (SB3HP) was identified in Rukum District of Nepal and now it is in
development phase.
Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project (SB3HP) located on the right bank of Sani Bheri River is a
Peaking-Run-of-River type project. It is located in Rukum District of Mid-Western
Development Region of Nepal. The entire project area (i.e. intake to powerhouse and
tailrace) is located in Pipal, Pokhara, Sobha, Syalapakha Village Development Committee
(Now Sisne Rural Municipality and Musikot Municipality) in Rukum District.
1.2 Objective and Scope of Work

The main objective of the present study is to prepare Feasibility Study report of the Sani
Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project which would provide the information necessary for its
implementation in the coming years. This study focuses on project investigation and design
of the project components which can directly lead to project implementation. The scope of
this study is consistent with the general requirement of a feasibility study for a small run-of-
river type hydroelectric project and includes the following major activities.
• Data/Information collection and review of past studies
 Topographic mapping
 Geological mapping
 Update and collection of hydrological and sediment data
 Engineering geological mapping
 Identification of quarry sites for construction materials
• Geo-technical investigations
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• Project layout and optimization
• Project design and preparation of drawings
• Compute power and energy
• Construction planning, quantity and cost estimates and project evaluation
• Economic and financial analysis
1.3 Organization of Report

The feasibility study report has been organized into two volumes as follows:
• Main report (Volume I)
• Drawings (Volume II)
The main report (Volume I) has following eleven chapters.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Description of Project Area
Chapter 3 Field Investigation and Data Collection
Chapter 4 Hydrology and Sediment study
Chapter 5 Geology and Geotechnical investigation
Chapter 6 Project Scheme and alternate layout Study
Chapter 7 Project Description and Design
Chapter 8 Power and Energy
Chapter 9 Construction planning and scheduling
Chapter 10 Cost estimates
Chapter 11 Project evaluation
Chapter 12 Conclusion and recommendations
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2 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA
2.1 Location
Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project is situated in eastern and western Rukum District, Mid
Western Development Region. Rukumkot and Musikot are the headquarters of Eastern and
Western Rukum. The project is located at an aerial distance of 65km from Tulsipur, Dang in
the north. Similarly, the project location is approximately 115km west of Baglung.
Geographically the area lies between latitude 28°37’15’ N to 28°40’15” N and longitudes
82°30’50” E to 82°36’56” E.
2.2 Physical Features
2.2.1 Topography
Project area lies in the Lesser Himalayan region (Figure 2-1) and the catchment area of
project is 2216 sq km. Sani Bheri River is one of the tributaries of Thulo Bheri River which
which is a major tributary of the Bheri River Basin. Sani Bheri River originates from Sisne
Himal at an elevation of approx 5000 masl and flows towards south west.
SB3 Project Area
Figure 2-1: Physiography of the Nepal Himalaya (after Dahal and Hasegawa, 2008) and
location of the SB3HP site
2.2.2 Climate
Nepal experiences an exceptional climate variation owing to its steep gradient from high
Himalayas in north to plains in south. Five different climatic zones i.e. tropical, sub-tropical,
temperate, alpine and tundra (Figure 2-2) have been classified from low land in south to
snow peaked Himalayas in north. The country as a whole receives most of rainfall due to
south-west monsoon, which arises from the Arabian Sea and passes through India before
entering Nepal from eastern part during June-July. Difference between the warm humid
summer and the cold dry winter becomes more marked with the change in the altitude. As
the project area lies in the moderate altitude, the catchment area experiences warm
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temperate to sub-tropical atmosphere. Like other parts of Nepal, this region is also influenced
by the monsoon climate. Relative humidity may be as high as 90% during the wet season
and as low as 40% during dry season.
SB3HP Project area
Figure 2-2: Climatological Map of Nepal and location of Project area
2.2.3 Geology
Area lies in the Lesser Himalaya of Central Nepal, consisting of shale, slate, and phyllite and
quartzite. Structurally, Main Central Thrust (MCT) is located towards North of the project
area. Rocks in this area are some deformed due to presence of thrusts and folds.
2.3 Accessibility
The project site is easily accessible by road from the East-West highway. The highway from
Kathmandu till Solabang (Rukum) is black topped all weather road. From Solabang to the
project site, the road is a gravel road which is accessible only in dry season. The distance of
along the road from Kathmandu is as below:
a. Kathmandu – Tulsipur: 430 km

b. Tulsipur – Solabang: 120 km
c. Solabang – SB3HPP headworks: 20 km
It is a day’s travel to reach Tulsipur by taking vehicle. From Tulsipur, it will almost take 8
hours to reach the headworks site of the project. Solabang is a bazaar on the highway to
Musikot or Rukumkot.
An alternative to reach the project site could be taking a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
which is about 45 minutes. From Nepalgunj, one can reach Tulsipur via Kohalpur and
Ameliya in the East-West highway. The distance from Nepalgunj to Tulsipur is about 120
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Kms. Nepalgunj is close to Rupediya of India and has a customs facility for transport of
material and equipment from India and third countries.
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3 FIELD INVESTIGATION AND DATA COLLECTION
3.1 Topographical Survey and Mapping

Detailed topographical survey works were carried out in order to prepare topographical maps
of the proposed headwork site, headrace tunnel alignment, surge shaft, powerhouse and
tailrace sites at appropriate scales required for structural layouts. Detail topographic survey
was conducted from April to May, 2018. Following works were performed during that period:
• Detailed topographical survey was executed covering the area from Headwork to
tailrace by depicting all the physical and manmade features as existing at the site.
Unique features which might be useful for references later are depicted.
• All the survey works were under taken using UTM grid co-ordinates and elevations
• All the permanent control points are made significant with concrete pillars or on the
stable boulders by marking with enamel paint
• Closed traverse survey was carried out from the proposed sites covering headworks,
waterway and proposed powerhouse site.
• All the permanent ground control stations were marked on permanent boulders and
with cement concrete.
• Topographical maps of headworks site, tunnel alignment, powerhouse site and

tailrace sites are prepared in appropriate scales.
• River cross-sections at proposed headworks, powerhouse and tailrace sites are taken
and profiles plotted
3.1.1 Available Maps

Information available for carrying out the feasibility study of Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric
Project is as follows:
Topographic Maps from the Department of Survey, Topographic Survey Branch.
Scale : 1:25,000 Sheet No : 2882 – 06B and 2882-07A
3.1.2 Surveying
A senior surveyor and his group carried out the detailed topographical survey of the project
area. All the data necessary to determine the locations, coordinates and levels were obtained
by direct measurement in the field. To achieve the required accuracy and standard, Total
Stations with least count of 1” was used. Stepwise methodologies used to conduct survey
work are as follows.
• Desk Study
Prior to the field survey, desk study was carried out by using topographical maps (Scale
1:25,000) published by Government of Nepal, Survey Department. Detailed information
about the project area for the survey was noted. Finally all the available plans, profiles and
location maps prepared during the identification of study were collected.
• Reconnaissance survey
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After finalizing the desk study, a team of multi-disciplinary experts were mobilized for field
verification. First step of survey was to reconnaissance the ground control stations and detail
topographical mapping around the project area.
• Identification of Nearest Trigonometric Points
The data and information on the National Geodetic Network present in the vicinity of the
project area have been obtained from the PESCE Consult Pvt. Ltd. Lalitpur. The points have
been established by the DGPS (PENTAX).
The Co-ordinates and their elevations are tabulated below in Table 3-1
Table 3-1: Established points by The DGPS points
Point Name Easting(m) Northing(m) Elevation(m)

DGPS-1 652474.352 3169858.851 1064.744
DGPS-2 652526.962 3169935.486 1071.67
DGPS-3 652827.634 3169713.223 1066.889
DGPS-4 647408.977 3172209.519 981.72
DGPS-5 647320.827 3172120.626 987.13
• Monumentation of Control Points
The survey teams established sufficient survey stations in and around the project
components. Major control points were made of concrete with the nail in centre. Some of the
major control points were marked either by iron pin in the rock or fixed by cross marks
chiselled on the boulders. Chiselled marks were made conspicuous by enamel paint.
• Control Traversing
Basic ground control survey was carried out from the points established .A closed traverse
was carried out from the headwork’s site to powerhouse sites. Several other required ground
control stations were established by conventional traverse survey covering the entire area to
be mapped from the headwork’s site to powerhouse site. Altogether seven control points and
benchmarks were established between headworks and powerhouse area of the project. The
control points were established in between the power house and headwork of the project
.The coordinates and the elevations of the established ground control stations are given in
Table 3-2.
Table 3-2: Coordinates and elevation of ground control stations
S.N. Station Easting(m) Northing(m) Elevation(m) Remarks

CONCRETE SLAB OF
1 DGPS-1 652474.352 3169858.851 1064.744 BRIDGE
CONCRETE SLAB OF
2 DGPS-2 652526.962 3169935.486 1071.670 BRIDGE
3 DGPS-3 652827.634 3169713.223 1066.889 BOULDER
CONCRETE Slab OF
4 DGPS-4 647408.977 3172209.519 981.720 BRIDGE
5 DGPS-5 647320.827 3172120.626 987.130 CONCRETE Wall OF
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BRIDGE
6 IBM-1 651736.866 3170073.434 1068.664 BOULDER
7 IBM-2 651687.155 3170147.074 1061.602 BOULDER
CONCRETE Slab OF
8 BM-4 646721.314 3172335.413 994.897 BRIDGE
9 BM-5 646736.555 3172398.693 983.842 BOULDER
3.1.3 Horizontal and Vertical Control

Ground control stations were established by the closed traverse method. Traverse was
conducted along the bank of Sani Bheri River and was then closed to the ground control
station covering the necessary area of the headwork’s site and powerhouse site.
Horizontal Control
The traverse surveys for horizontal control have been performed by establishing a framework
of survey lines, connecting a series of traverse stations in the headworks area and
measuring the lengths and directions of these lines. Based on these measurements, the
relative horizontal positions of the traverse stations have been computed.
Horizontal controls have been established through closed traverse originating and
terminating at control stations of higher order than the order of the survey being performed.
Depending on the position of control stations, loop traverse originating and terminating at the
same control stations or connecting traverse beginning at one and ending at another control
station have been adopted.
In order to ascertain the co-ordinates of survey stations required for mapping, the traverse
loops have been formed on the ground. The Horizontal/Zenithal angles and the horizontal
distances have been recorded in the Total Stations. The recorded data have been
downloaded and processed in the computer and the correct co-ordinates and elevations
have been found after the proper adjustment of tolerable errors in traversing.
Vertical Control
Vertical control survey establishes the elevations of control stations and benchmarks in the
project area. These stations or benchmarks do serve as points of departure and closure for
leveling operations and as a reference framework for determining elevation difference in the
project area.
The terrain is very steep and undulating so that the trigonometric approach of control has
been introduced. Therefore, a well-known Trigonometrical Leveling Method has been
introduced for having the elevations of control points. Trigonometric Leveling has been
performed to determine the difference in elevations between stations by observing the
zenithal angles and the horizontal distances between them and applying the fundamentals of
trigonometry. The leveling has been originated from and tied into existing control, and the
elevation of any station on the level line or circuit has been fixed by algebraically summing its
elevation difference from the existing control with the elevation of that control.
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Angular measurements for horizontal survey have been performed with a repeating Total
Stations with a minimum least count resolution of 1" (second). For distance measurements,
an Electro-magnetic Distance Measuring (EDM) device has been used. Here, in this project,
a TOPCON Total Stations with the least count 1" (second) has been used.
3.1.4 Accuracy
The traversing work has been carried out by using the precise Topcon Total Stations with the
least count 1" (second). The closing errors are in permissible limits and distributed according
to common survey standards.
3.1.5 Data Processing

All survey data were computed in the field as well as in the Kathmandu office. Similarly,
some field data were evaluated and horizontal distances and elevations were calculated
reciprocally. All the coordinates and elevations of each station and survey point were then
computed with respect to the given UTM coordinates they are included in reports. After
completely checking the data entry, Autodesk Land Development Software was used for map
and cross- section preparation. Finally, the topographic map was prepared in AutoCAD
format.
3.1.6 Detail Topographical Survey

All the required areas from headworks to powerhouse site were established by permanently
and temporarily marked ground control points, which were made to proceed, do the
topographic survey field report.
The terrain features were surveyed by means of spot surveying. Spot positions were taken
by tacheometric method from different traverse points. Inaccessible points like rock faces,
top of cliff, landslide edge etc. were sighted from at least two known points reading both the
horizontal and vertical angles. Features such as riverbanks, high flood level, landslides, cliff,
house, cultivated lands, roads etc were recorded.
3.1.7 Mapping
Detailed topographical mapping of headworks site, audit tunnel, surge shaft, powerhouse
and tailrace area were carried out in required scale. Plans, section and maps were prepared
in digital environment by exploiting the AutoCAD, Land Development software compatible to
AutoCAD 2010.
3.1.8 River Cross Section and Profile

Cross-sections of the Sani Bheri River were taken to plot the river cross-sections for
computing the rating curves for the weir and powerhouse/ tailrace sites of the project area.
The sections were taken at interval of 50m.
3.2 Hydrological Investigations
3.2.1 Collection of Available Meteorological and Hydrological Data

Meteorological and Precipitation Data
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There are some meteorological stations established by the DHM in and around the Bheri
basin. Meteorological stations near to the project site area are given in Table 3-3.
Table 3-3: Meteorological Stations
Index No. Station Name Location Altitude (m) Record Precipitation

Length
Annual(mm)
312 Dunai 28.93/82.91 2058 1966-2006 670
502 Rumukot 28.6/82.83 1560 1966-2006 2597
504 Sher-Gaun 28.58/82.81 2150 1966-2006 1408
615 Bobang 28.4/83.1 2273 1966-2006 2252
616 Gurja- Khani 28.6/83.21 2530 1966-2006 1834
628 Muna 28.5/83.3 1970 1966-2006 2503

Annual precipitation and other relevant information of all these stations were taken from
"Climatologic Records of Nepal” compiled and published by the DHM. The average
precipitation calculated for the catchment is 1722mm, which is computed by Thiessen
Polygon method.
Climatological Records
Nearest meteorological station for the temperature is located at Gurjakhani (index no. 616),
and Dunai (index no 312). As per the climatological record, annual maximum temperature in
the project area generally occurs in June which ranges from 10.20 to 28.00C. Similarly,
minimum temperature generally occurs in January which ranges from -0.7 to 110C. Detailed
records of temperature data of station at GurjaKhani and Dunai are listed in Table 3-4.
Table 3-4: Temperature data of Station no 616 and 312

Gurja Khani (Stn
Dunai (Stn no:312)
Months no:616)
Max Min Max Min
January 11 -0.2 13.6 -0.7
February 12.8 0.7 15.3 1.5
March 15.8 2.3 18.7 4.9
April 19.3 4.1 22.5 8.3
May 20.1 7.3 26.7 13.7
June 20.7 10.2 28.8 18.2
July 20.4 12.5 29.4 20
August 20.5 12 27.8 19.1
September 19.8 10.3 26.3 17.7
October 18.1 4.8 22.4 11.8
November 15.2 1.8 17.9 6.3
December 13.2 0.8 14.1 1.2
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3.2.2 Establishment of Gauging Station

There have been two layers of gauge plates installed at the station. One plate was
submerged in the water whereas the second one could be seen at the top. The gauge
measurement on the day of installation was 0.25m. The gauge plates were fixed on the
exposed rock in the safer place.
Figure 3-1: Gauge installation by Hydrology team
3.2.3 Water Level Recording and Flow Measurement

Two consecutive discharge measurements were taken during this study. As per the
agreement, consultant installed a staff gauge and regular gauge reading was done. A local
villager was assigned to read the gauge height. Reader is trained to read and maintain the
data at site. For flow measurement, gauge height is recorded twice a day (8:00 A.M. in
morning and 5:00 P.M. in evening).
3.3 Geological and Geotechnical Investigations

Geological studies were carried out to establish the geological setting, determine detailed
geological and geotechnical conditions of the project area. The tunnel support and tunnel
construction cost is mainly depends on geological conditions of the proposed alignment.
3.3.1 Collection of Available Data and Maps

The main objectives of the geological field investigations is to collect geological and
geomorphological information, measurements of discontinuities and shear zones,
identification of foundations condition, overburden condition, geo-technical properties of
rocks and soils and support types at different hydraulic structures. The findings of these
parameters are used in the evaluation of the technical feasibility of the project. The following
data and maps are collected to initiate geological and geo-technical investigations:
• Geological map of Nepal (after Upreti and Le Fort, 1999)
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• Geological map of western Nepal, scale 1:250000 (Department of Mines and

Geology, 1984)
• Physiographic division of Nepal Himalaya
• Seismic risk map of Nepal (National Seismological Center, BCDP,1997)
• Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment Map of Nepal (Department of Mines and

Geology)
• Epicentre Map of Nepal (Department of Mines and Geology)
3.3.2 Surface Geological Mapping

Information about regional geological features and structural geological conditions of the
project area has been received from the desk study of the existing geological reports and
regional geological maps of the Western Nepal. Direct Observational Traverse method was
adopted for recording geological information of the project area like geological structure, rock
type, rock quality, strength, weathering condition, surface deposit and geomorphological
features. The inclination, dip and strike direction of joint sets of the bed rock were also
measured in the field.
Selection of the layout of the project components such as diversion weir, settling basin,
tunnel inlet portal, tunnel alignment, surge shaft, penstock alignment and powerhouse
location was done on the basis of geological and topographical condition of the area.
Slope stability analysis of different structure area of the project was carried out on the basis
of aerial photo interpretation, geological observation and geological data analysis. An
analysis of the foliation plane to determine the stability of the rock mass at different structure
area of the project was done by using Lower Hemisphere Projection of the foliation plane in
Schmidt’s equal area net. The wedge formed by the planes was analyzed with respect to the
hill slope surface and tunnel alignment.
3.4 Construction Material Survey

The survey was carried out to find the potential availability of the construction materials to
determine the quantity and quality of the construction material in the project area and around
the project area. The locally identified materials within the project area and its vicinity are
coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and impervious materials.
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4 HYDROLOGY AND SEDIMENT STUDY
4.1 Catchment Characteristics
4.1.1 Basin Physiography

The Sani Bheri River is a one of the potential tributary of the Thulo Bheri River, which is a
major tributary of the Bheri River Basin. The length of Sani Bheri River up to the confluence
with Thulo Bheri River is about 110 kilometers. The total drainage area at headworks location
is about 2216 km2. The catchment area of Sani Bheri River below 3000amsl at headworks is
about 838 km2.Majority of the catchment area lies in Rukum District whereas some portion of
it lies on Rolpa, Myagdi and Baglung District.
The proposed intake of Sani Bheri 3 Hydropower Project lies at Latitude 28° 38' 27" N and
Longitude 82° 33' 30" E, at about Elevation 1055 amsl. It is just downstream of the
confluence of Sani Bheri River and small tributaries. The drainage area at the proposed weir
site is about 2216 km2.
The proposed powerhouse site of Sani Bheri 3 Hydropower Project lies at Latitude 28° 40'
03" N and Longitude 82° 29' 48" E, at about Elevation 950 amsl and located at about 6.5 km
downstream of the proposed intake. The total catchment area at proposed powerhouse site
is 2316 km2.The catchment area at head works and powerhouses are presented in Figure 3-
1 and Figure 3- 2 below respectively.
Based on the topographical maps, there are no lakes within the Sani Bheri River basin. All of
the above-mentioned drainage areas have been estimated based on the latest topographical
maps compiled from 1:25,000 scale aerial photography of 1996 by the Survey Dept. and also
with GIS application. The 30 m by 30 m resolution Digital Elevation Model has been used in
Arc-GIS application to delineate catchment area at different reaches. Further geoprocessing
tools have been used to reclassify the catchment areas into different elevation bands.
Different ranges of area with their calculated value for headworks and powerhouse are
presented in Table 4-1 below.
Table 4-1: Reclassified catchment area for Headworks and Powerhouse (Km2)
Area
Area Area
Area Below 2000m Area 4000m Total
Location 3000m to above
2000m to to 5000m Area
4000m 5000m
3000m
Headworks 175 663 815 443 120 2216
Powerhouse 214 712 827 443 120 2316
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Figure 4-1: Catchment area of Sani Bheri River at headworks
Figure 4-2: Catchment area of Sani Bheri River at Powerhouse
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4.1.1.1 The Climate

Monthly precipitation records published by Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM)
are available for different stations which are pertinent for the project study. Information of the
pertinent precipitation stations are given in Table 4- 2 below.
Table 4-2: Information of Precipitation Stations around Project Basin
Index No. Station Name Location Altitude (m) Record Precipitation

Length
Annual(mm)
312 Dunai 28.93/82.91 2058 1966-2006 670
502 Rumukot 28.6/82.83 1560 1966-2006 2597
504 Sher-Gaun 28.58/82.81 2150 1966-2006 1408
615 Bobang 28.4/83.1 2273 1966-2006 2252
616 Gurja- Khani 28.6/83.21 2530 1966-2006 1834
628 Muna 28.5/83.3 1970 1966-2006 2503
The estimated mean annual basin precipitation for the Sani Bheri-3 Hydropower Project
catchment is about 1722mm. The monsoon rains contribute about 80% of the total annual
precipitation. The onset of monsoon starts from June to September. The nearby precipitation
stations with thiessen boundary area and average of all are given in Table 4-3 below.
Table 4-3: Precipitation Stations with Corresponding Contribution Areas

Index Station Contributed Annual
S.no: 2 Area* PPT
No. Name Area(KM ) Precipitation(mm)
1 312 Dunai 280 670 187600
2 502 Rumukot 480 2597 1246560
3 504 Sher-Gaun 820 1404 1151280
4 615 Bobang 130 2252 292760
5 616 Gurja- Khani 491 1834 900494
6 628 Muna 15 2503 37545
Average Precipitation 1722 mm
The estimated mean annual basin precipitation for the Sani Bheri-3 Hydropower Project
catchment is about 1722mm.The thiessen Polygon for the catchment area with respect to
DHM stations is presented in Figure 4-3.
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Figure 4-3: Thiessen polygon map for Sani Bheri Catchment at Intake Site
The monthly temperature from the nearby stations of the catchment of Sani Bheri-3 HEP is
presented in Table 4-4.
Table 4-4: Temperature Data at Nearby Stations

Gurja Khani (Stn Dunai (Stn
Months no:616) no:312)
Max Min Max Min
January 11 -0.2 13.6 -0.7
February 12.8 0.7 15.3 1.5
March 15.8 2.3 18.7 4.9
April 19.3 4.1 22.5 8.3
May 20.1 7.3 26.7 13.7
June 20.7 10.2 28.8 18.2
July 20.4 12.5 29.4 20
August 20.5 12 27.8 19.1
September 19.8 10.3 26.3 17.7
October 18.1 4.8 22.4 11.8
November 15.2 1.8 17.9 6.3
December 13.2 0.8 14.1 1.2
The basin experiences cold during the month June to October and most dry and very cold
occur during the month December to February. Since the Index No. 616 and 312 are nearby
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the Sani Bheri River basin, this can be used as the representative climatological station. The
maximum extreme temperature of the project site goes up to 29.4°C and that of minimum
extreme temperature goes down to -0.2°C.
4.2 Reference Hydrology and Stream Flow Data
4.2.1 Reference Hydrology

Department of hydrology and Meteorology has established a river gauging station in several
rivers all over Nepal. Two stations were installed in Bheri River Basin at Thulo Bheri at Rimna
(St Index 265) and Sano Bheri at Simalghat (St Index 267). Because of the non-availability of
long-term fair discharge data at Simal Ghat station, the reference hydrology for the Sani
Bheri 3 Hydropower project has been derived from the gauging station of Thulo Bheri River
at Rimna. Looking at the physiographic conditions and proximity of the gauging stations, it
would be appropriate to use the discharge data from Rimna station to derive the stream flow
at the intake site. The drainage area of Thulo Bheri River at Rimna is about 6935km2. Mean
monthly discharge data are available from DHM. The period of data available for Rimna
station 265 is 1976-2006.
Table 4-5: The Gauging station near the basin

Gauge St. Station Name Drainage Area (km²)
265 Thulo Bheri at Rimna 6720
Reference hydrology for the project has been analyzed from catchment area correlation
method.
Catchment Area Correlation Method
Long term mean monthly flow in the river has been estimated by transposing available
discharge data from Thulo Bheri River. The discharge data from Thulo Bheri River at Rimna
(St 265) has been used to co-relate flows at Intake site. The transposing ratio is 0.32 for
catchment area and 1.10 for precipitation.
4.2.2 Discharge Measurements

Discharge of Sani Bheri River is measured at different months to verify the river flow.
Measured discharges are in consistence with the adopted mean monthly discharges.
Measured discharge is presented in Table 4-6.
Table 4-6: Measured discharges at Sani Bheri River

Measure Flow Measurement
Year Remarks
(m³/sec) Method
06 May 2018 29.268 current meter Near Headworks
19 Nov 2018 42.44 current meter Near Headworks
21 March 2019 34.84 current meter Near Headworks
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4.3 Mean monthly flow
4.3.1 Mean monthly flow by catchment correlation method

After correlation with respect to catchment area and the precipitation, long term mean
monthly flows at Intake are predicted. The discharge of gauging station and mean monthly
flow predicted at the intake are presented in Table 4-7 and Figure 4-2.
Table 4-7: Mean monthly discharge

Thulo Bheri
Sani Bheri
Month Station No
Intake
265
January 42.44 14.92
February 36.44 12.81
March 38.73 13.61
April 61.68 21.68
May 127.22 44.72
June 219.48 77.15
July 479.03 168.38
August 574.24 201.84
September 374.41 131.60
October 173.03 60.82
November 87.72 30.83
December 56.53 19.81
Average 189.24 66.51
4.3.1 Mean monthly flow by MIP method

The field discharge measurements taken on various dates at the Sani Bheri River were used
in the MIP method for generating long-term mean monthly flow data. The Sani Bheri
Catchment lies in Region 1 according to the MIP Manual. The long-term average flow at the
intake site has been estimated as 100.14 m3/s. The mean monthly discharge at head works
are shown in the Table 4-8.
Table 4-8: Mean Monthly Discharge (m3/s) by MIP Method
Jan Feb March April may June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average
33.42 25.06 18.10 13.92 36.20 83.55 201.91 348.12 229.7 111.40 57.09 43.17 100.14
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4.3.2 Regional Hydrological Method

In the regional analysis, a number of gauging stations have been used to develop the
regional analysis and the data used are from the year 1964 to 1993. The stations considered
are the reliable stations in the country. For the regional analysis, the long-term average
monthly flows were related to basin characteristics.
The regression for long term average monthly flows showed that total drainage area “A” and
the monsoon wetness index “MWI” produced the statistically most significant regression
coefficients. The list below gives the formulae to be applied to ungauged basins for the
estimation of the long-term average monthly flows.
January: Q = 0.03117 * A0.8644
February: Q = 0.02417 * A0.8752
March: Q = 0.02053 * A0.8902
April: Q = 0.01783 * A0.9258
May: Q = 0.01930 * A0.9657
June: Q = 0.01135 * A0.9466 * MWI0.2402
July: Q = 0.01641 * A0.9216 * MWI0.3534
August: Q = 0.02592 * A0.9095 * MWI0.3242
September: Q = 0.02206 * A0.8963 * MWI0.3217
October: Q = 0.01504 * A0.8772 * MWI0.2848
November: Q = 0.00792 * A0.8804 * MWI0.2707
December: Q = 0.00538 * A0.8890 * MWI0.2580
From the average monthly flows obtained by regression, the average annual flow was
developed for each of the ungauged sites. The monthly flow data from above equations are
shown in Table 4-9. The long-term average flow at the intake site has been estimated as
109.48m3/s.
Table 4-9: Long-Term Mean Monthly Flow by MHSP Method
24.3 20.5 28.1 32.8 103. 291. 112. 54.6 36.0 109.48
0 0 19.53 1 4 47 72 336.22 253.62 75 7 3
4.3.3 Mean Monthly Flow by WECS/DHM Method

A study on 'Methodologies for Estimating Hydrologic Characteristics of Ungauged Locations
in Nepal' (July 1990) was carried out by WECS and DHM. This study uses the approach of
multiple regression equations relating the physiographic and/or climatologic characteristics of
the selected basins to the average monthly flow values. Altogether, 12 individual monthly
regression equations were developed.
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The results of this study are used as an alternate approach for estimation of mean monthly
discharges at the Intake site. The Table 4-10 shows the results from WECS/DHM method.
The long-term average flow at the intake site has been estimated as 116.59m3/s.
Table 4-10: Long-Term Mean Monthly Flow (m3/s) by WECS/DHM Method
25.1 21.3 20.13 23.3 35.1 105. 314. 367.44 278.14 121. 53.3 34.0 116.59
6 7 2 5 40 53 04 3 3
4.4 Adopted monthly flow

The values calculated by different methods were compared and interpreted carefully. There
are insufficient discharge measurements in Sani Bheri Intake site to rely fully on them, but
they are useful for comparison with the other methods. The Hydest method seems to give
rather high average flows in dry seasons than others. MHSP and MIP methods also estimate
high values in most of seasons. Hence, it is unreliable to predict long term average flow of
Sani Bheri River by these methods. Here, Catchment correlation method seems to estimate
real values of average monthly flow and is nearer to the measured discharge at intake for the
month of May. Therefore, the flow generated by CAR from the gauging station at Rimna of
Thulo Bheri River seems most reliable and adopted in this study. The adopted mean monthly
flow and hydrograph are presented in Table 4-11 and Figure 4-4 below.
Table 4-11: Adopted Mean Monthly Flow (m3/s) at Intake Site
14.92 12.81 13.61 21.68 44.72 77.15 168.38 201.84 131.60 60.82 30.83 19.87 66.52
Adopted Monthly Flow

220
200
Discharge(m3/sec)
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
-
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Months
Figure 4-4: Adopted Mean Monthly Flow at intake site
4.5 Flow Duration Curve

The flow duration curve (FDC) is a probability discharge curve that shows the percentage of
time a particular flow is equaled or exceeded. As discussed above, the long-term flow series
at Sani Bheri 3-HEP intake has been generated from catchment correlation with Thulo Bheri
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River at Rimna station (St no 265). The flow duration curve has been derived based on the
monthly average discharge generated using catchment area ratio method and application of
precipitation ratio. For the purpose of comparative study, flow duration curve was also
estimated by empirical methods; HYDEST, MHSP and MIP. The hydrograph from all the
methods used in study has been presented in Figure 4-5 below.
400
MHSP
350
300
250 Hydest
200
150
100
50
Figure 4-5: Hydrograph Computed from different methods
From the above hydrograph it is clear that all other methods then CAR with Thulo Bheri
overestimate the flow of Sani Bheri at Intake site.
The percentage exceedance flow value from catchment correlation with Thulo Bheri River at
Rimna gauging station has been adopted for further analysis. The adopted values
corresponding to percentile and no of days are presented in Table 4-12 and the flow duration
curve is presented in Figure 4-6 below.
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Flow Duration Curve at Intake of Sani Bheri-3 HEP FDC By CAR Method
220
200
180
Discharge(m3/sec)
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100
% of Exceedence
Figure 4-6: Flow Duration Curve at Intake of Sani Bheri 3-Hydropower Project
Based on the flow duration curve, discharge corresponding to 40 percentile time is taken as
design discharge at intake for hydropower generation.
Table 4-12: Time Exceedance of Flows Adopted at Intake site

Probability of
No. of
Exceedance Adopted Flow values Remarks
days
(%)
5 206.64 19
10 183.13 37
15 148.61 55
20 126.18 73
25 103.69 92
30 79.76 110
35 64.39 128
40 53.15 146 Q40%
45 42.83 165
50 33.39 183
55 27.8 201
60 23.87 219
65 21 238
70 18.39 256
75 15.93 274
80 15.07 292
85 14.06 311
90 13.21 329
95 11.78 347
100 9.35 365 Q100%
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4.6 Low Flow Analysis

The low flow information is generally used to assess the reliability and the economics of the
proposed project. If the occurrence of inadequate flow is too much frequent, a particular
project might prove to be uneconomic and unreliable. Knowledge of minimum stream flow is
therefore essential in the planning of any hydropower project.
For such type of ungauged rivers, HYDEST 2004 DHM method was used for low flow
computation. For the purpose, different durations viz: 1-day, 7-day, 30 days and monthly
were adopted to compute the low flow for different return periods. The low flow estimation
equation is as follows and corresponding factors and constants are presented below in Table
4-13.
𝑄 = �𝐶𝑑, 𝑇 + 𝐹𝑑, 𝑇 × √𝐴 ≤ 5𝑘 �^2; Where A<5k =Basin area below 5000 amsl
& Cd,T = Constant, Fd, T = Coefficients
Table 4-13: Low Flow Frequency Analysis
Return Low flows, Q m3/s

Period, T in Days
Years
Modified Hydest Hydest
1 15.57 16.08
7 16.29 16.76
2
30 17.74 18.17
Monthly 18.29 18.81
1 11.72 12.50
7 12.37 13.14
10
30 13.60 14.46
Monthly 14.22 15.02
1 10.81 11.65
7 11.49 12.31
20
30 12.66 13.63
Monthly 13.30 14.16
Here, from the analysis 20-year 1-day low flow is 10.81m3/sec. But from CAR method
adopted in calculation of long term monthly flow from the discharge data available at Rimna
Gauging station of Thulo Bheri the lowest flow is 9.35 m3/sec on the march month of
1985.This flow is the lowest flow derived between 1977 to 2006 i.e. from 29 years data.
4.7 Riparian Release

The long-term average monthly flow for the driest month, March, at the intake site is
12.81m3/sec. As a general practice, a flow equivalent to 10% of this month, i.e. 1.281m3/sec
will be released to the downstream for downstream riverine habitat.
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4.8 Flood Estimation
4.8.1 General
Design flood assessment involves the computation of a set of values of various return
periods of say 10, 20, 50 and 100 years, through frequency analysis of flood series or
through hydro-meteorological approach with the help of inputs of rainfall storm parameters
provided by the Meteorologist and flood data provided by the river gauging units. These peak
flood values are required to design headworks and powerhouse complex.
The flood estimation at the intake and powerhouse site was estimated based on the historical
flood records observed at Thulo Bheri River at Rimna (station no 256) considering the
homogeneity of this catchment to Sani Bheri River Catchment. The precipitation ratio of Sani
Bheri catchment to that of Thulo Bheri catchment is greater then 1 in all months. Since flood
is frequent in monsoon period we have taken precipitation factor of 2 to derive the
instantaneous flood discharge at Sani Bheri HEP intake site and Powerhouse site from the
instantaneous flood discharge available at Rimna station of Thulo Bheri.
The availability of limited discharge measurement data, daily water gauge readings and the
uncertainties involved in the raw and historic-reconstituted data series necessitated the
application of flood frequency analysis. Different methods of flood frequency analysis and the
resultant value is discussed below.
4.8.2 Flood Frequency Analysis

The annual monsoon in the project area basin occurs between June and October which
causes sustained high flow condition and floods. This reaches its maximum between July
and September. Prior to initiating the flood frequency analysis, the maximum instantaneous
discharges were extracted from the observed historical flood data between 1977 and 2006 at
Rimna gauging station using CAR method along with precipitation factor. Rimna gauging
station drains an area of 6935 km2.
Flood frequency analysis was performed using a customized Excel spreadsheet. Following
types of frequency distribution functions were used in the flood frequency analysis from the
generated annual maximum flood series data between 1977 and 2006. Analyses were done
separately for Intake and powerhouse site.
Analyses of the generated instantaneous data were done using different methods given
below.
• Gumbel's Analytical method

• Gumbel's graphical
• Log-Pearson Type III
• Log-normal distribution
Generation of the extreme instantaneous maximum discharge was done at the intake sites
and powerhouse sites of the Sani Bheri-3 HEP. The catchment area at intake and
powerhouse site are 2216 km2 and 2316 km2 respectively. Therefore, the catchment area
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ratio for intake and powerhouse to transfer instantaneous discharge from Rimna gauging
station are 0.32 and 0.33 respectively. The instantaneous discharge data used for flood
frequency analysis from DHM and correlated at headworks and powerhouse site is
presented in Table 4-14 below.
Table 4-14: Instantaneous Flood Discharge at Different Locations Used for Analysis
Thulo Bheri Sani Bheri Sani Bheri

S.No Year
At Rimna HEP(Intake) HEP(Powerhouse)
1 1977 1050 672 701.31
2 1979 678 433.92 452.85
3 1980 1280 819.2 854.93
4 1981 1180 755.2 788.14
5 1982 1310 838.4 874.97
6 1983 959 613.76 640.53
7 1984 891 570.24 595.11
8 1985 959 613.76 640.53
9 1986 1030 659.2 687.95
10 1987 741 474.24 494.93
11 1988 1200 768 801.5
12 1989 840 537.6 561.05
13 1990 913 584.32 609.81
14 1991 737 471.68 492.25
15 1992 913 584.32 609.81
16 1993 721 461.44 481.57
17 1994 869 556.16 580.42
18 1995 895 572.8 597.79
19 1996 891 570.24 595.11
20 1997 882 564.48 589.1
21 1998 1180 755.2 788.14
22 1999 997 638.08 665.91
23 2000 1210 774.4 808.18
24 2001 904 578.56 603.8
25 2002 762 487.68 508.95
26 2003 1150 736 768.1
27 2004 782 500.48 522.31
28 2005 1140 729.6 761.42
29 2006 1050 672 701.31
4.8.3 Design Flood

Design flood with a return period of 100 years were evaluated using different methods and
the outcomes are tabulated in Table 4-15 for intake and in and Table 4-16 for Powerhouse
respectively. However, the recommended design flood values are chosen using values
obtained from Gumbel’s Graphical Method since this method gives highest value among
all. So, the recommended value is 1084.73m3/ for intake. Similarly, using the same method
for the powerhouse site, the value recommended is 1133.68m3/s.
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Table 4-15: Summary of flood (m3/s) analysis by different methods for Intake
Return Flood frequency methods
Period Gumbel's Gumbel's Log- Log-normal
(yrs) Analitical Graphical Pearson Distribution
Type III
Distribution
2 602.25 587.67 609.74 609.56

5 718.44 704.09 665.95 665.88
10 795.37 792.17 771.39 771.55
20 869.16 880.24 816.80 817.19
50 964.68 996.66 888.35 889.19
100 1036.26 1084.73 933.57 934.78
200 1107.57 1172.80 977.13 978.74
500 1201.66 1289.23 1012.07 1014.04
1000 1272.77 1377.30 1073.10 1075.73
Table 4-16: Summary of flood (m3/s) analysis by different methods for Powerhouse
Return Flood Frequency Methods
Period Gumbel's Gumbel's Log- Log-Normal
(yrs) Analitical Graphical Pearson Distribution
Type III
distribution
2 629.43 614.19 637.26 637.07

5 750.86 735.87 696.00 695.93
10 831.26 827.91 806.19 806.36
20 908.38 919.96 853.66 854.07
50 1008.21 1041.64 928.44 929.31
100 1083.02 1133.68 975.70 976.96
200 1157.55 1225.73 1021.23 1022.90
500 1255.88 1347.41 1057.74 1059.80
1000 1330.20 1439.45 1121.52 1124.27
4.8.4 Diversion Flood

The value of the diversion flood for weir may be relatively lower as a higher than the
designed value could be passed safely over the partly constructed weir. The following
criteria would help in deciding the value of diversion flood.
a) Maximum non-monsoon flow observed at the weir site.
Or
b) 20 years return period flow, calculated on the basis of non-monsoon yearly peaks.
The floods of various return periods are estimated on the basis of analysis of the
transposed non-monsoon flood peaks at Sani Bheri River Diversion site, assuming that
June to October is affected by monsoon. Non–monsoon flood peaks (November to May
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peak values) were used to estimate the 20-year return period diversion flood using
Gumbel's Analytical method, Gumbel’s graphical, Log-Pearson Type III and Log Lognormal
distribution.
The non-monsoon flood peaks corresponding to different return period are calculated as
given in Table 4-17 below.
Table 4-17: Estimated Floods for River Diversion

Return Flood frequency method
period Gumbel's Log- Log-normal
(yrs) Analitical Pearson distribution
Type III
distribution
2 44.79 40.88 40.50

5 55.03 47.13 47.31
10 64.68 61.64 61.30
20 73.94 68.82 67.82
50 85.92 81.07 78.69
100 94.91 89.57 85.92
200 103.85 98.25 93.16
500 115.66 105.72 99.15
1000 124.58 119.45 110.01
From the above table, the maximum 20-year return period flood from different methods is
73.94m3/s. The maximum non-monsoon flood observed at intake site is 73.49m3/sec. Here
both values used in selection criteria seems to be same. Therefore, for present study the
diversion flood has been adopted as 74m3/s.
4.9 Sedimentation Studies
4.9.1 Himalayan Yield Techniques

In this technique, the catchment area is divided into various parts depending on geological
conditions, rainfall and slope of the catchment area. The technique involves using an
estimate of sediment yield (tones/km2/yr) from each physiographic region and multiplying the
sediment yield by the appropriate area.
The yield from High Himalaya above Elevation 5000m, high mountain between Elevation
3000m to 5000m, and middle mountain below elevation 3000m is considered as 500ton/km2,
2500ton/km2 and 5000ton/km2 respectively.
The catchment area of Sani Bheri basin at the proposed intake site is 120km2 in high
Himalaya, 1258km2 in high mountains and 838km2 in Middle Mountain. The sediment yield
from this method is 7.40 Million tonnes/annum which is equivalent to a mean concentration of
4905 parts per million by weight (ppm) at the intake site using the mean monsoon discharge
of 116.32m3/s.
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4.9.2 Sediment Studies by KP Sharma and SR Kansakar

Another technique was studied by K. P. Sharma and S. R. Kansakar (1992) in order to
estimate the sediment load at river locations without observed sediment measurements. The
study was based on 12 catchments in Nepal.
A multiple regression equation was developed which is related to physiographic and

climatologic conditions of the basins. The following is the regression equation:
Asy = -2.20992 + 0.05439 x Arock^0.5 + 0.0748 x A2^0.5 + 0.05097 x MWI^0.5
Where A2 = catchment area below Elev. 2000m, 175 km2
MWI = monsoon wetness index of the region in mm, 1700 mm
Asy = total annual suspended sediment yield in million tons
Arock = rocky area above Elev. 2000m, 1921 km2
Hence, from the above equation, the total annual suspended sediment yield is about 3.27
million tons which is equivalent to a mean concentration of about 2165 parts per million by
weight (ppm) at the intake site using the mean monsoon discharge of 116.32m3/s.
4.10 Conclusion and Recommendations

• Recommend the design discharge for the project is 51 m3/s which corresponds to
40% exceedance flow.
• The 100-year design flood is 1084.73m3/s at intake site and 1133.68m3/s at
powerhouse site.
• The 20-year construction flood at intake site is 74 m3/s.
• The recommended mean annual sediment concentration at the intake site is
4905ppm.
It is recommended that daily staff gauge readings of the river at the intake will be continued.
River discharge measurements should also be taken at various gauge height so as to
develop reliable rating curves at both the sites.
It is also strongly recommended that the measurements of suspended sediment be carried

out in the future on a daily basis covering the principal months of the monsoon period and
including discharge measurements, so that a sufficient data base is available for a reliable
and representative assessment of suspended sediment transport in the Sani Bheri River at
the proposed weir site.
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5 GEOLOGY AND GEOTECHNICAL STUDY
5.1 Introduction
This report summarizes a brief description of regional geology, a detailed geological,
engineering geological study in the project area and provides an assessment of the stability
conditions of head works, tunnel alignment and powerhouse structures as well as foundation
conditions of important hydro-technical structures.
5.2 Objectives
The main objectives of the present geological study are as follows:
• To obtain information on regional geology of the project area and site specific surface
geological condition in order to assess the suitability and stability of particular
structures
• To collect and analyze general and detail geology and geomorphology of the project
area and particular site
• To prepare geological maps of the project area
• To carry out detail geological maps, geological cross sections and profiles of major
project structures like head works, surge shaft, penstock alignment, power house and
tailrace area
• To carry out construction material survey
• To determine and classify the physical properties of rock to design various hydraulic
structures
• To carry out Rock Mass Classification using RMR and Q systems
• To assess the geotechnical stability of the project structure at various locations
5.3 Scope of Work

• The present study comprises of the following works:
• Collect and review available literature, topographical and geological maps,

photographs and landsat images
• Collection and study of geological and geomorphological information of previous

studies
• Conduct field survey to collect and verify geological information prior to general and
detail geological mapping of project components and particular structures
• Identify geological and seismic hazards such as faults, thrusts and landslides etc.
• Prepare the maps at the scale mentioned in DoED’s guideline
5.4 Methodology
To accomplish the objectives and scope of work, desk study, field visit, and field data
analysis were carried out. During the desk study, available geological information and
geological maps of the Central and Western Nepal relevant to the project area was
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thoroughly studied. After the desk study, the field visit to the project was conducted. During
the field visit, discontinuity survey and geological mapping of the project area including
headworks, tunnel alignment, adits, surge shaft, penstock alignment and power house area
was done. The instability and mass wasting studies and necessary geological data were also
collected. After field observation, the detail analysis of geological data was carried out which
includes graphical analysis, slope stability analysis and rock mass classification.
5.5 Previous work

Department of Mines and Geology has prepared and compiled regional geological map
including the project area in the scale of 1:2,50,000 (1987) and 1: 1,000,000 (1994).
5.6 Present Work

Present investigation is mainly focused on the detailed engineering geological mapping of
the project area. The detailed geological mapping has been carried out in 1:1,000 at
headworks and powerhouse areas. The geological mapping along the tunnel alignment has
been carried out in 1:5,000 scale. Detailed Joint Survey was carried out at each hydraulic
structure site for engineering classification of rock mass. On the basis of those data rock
mass classification was carried out using NGI tunnelling Quality Index (Q value) and CSIR
Geomechanics Classification (RMR).
5.7 Geology of Nepal Himalaya

The Himalayas in Nepal lie in the central part of the Himalayan arc. They cover about one-
third (800 km) of the Himalayan arc. The Himalayan Range from north to south can be
divided into the following five tectonic zones (Hagen, 1969).
All these zones are extending from east to west and run almost parallel to each other. But
they differ in lithology, structure, tectonics, and geological history. There are several active
faults along which large landslides often occur.
5.7.1 Tibetan Tethys Himalaya

The Tibetan-Tethys Zone lies between the south Tibetan Detachment System in the south
and the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone in the north. This zone is the northernmost tectonic
zone that comprises chiefly of fossiliferous sedimentary rocks, such as shale, limestone and
sandstone of age ranging from lower Palaeozoic to Palaeocene. The rocks of this zone are
well exposed and studied in Thak Khola (Mustang), Manang, Dolpa, Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu,
Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri regions.
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Project
Area
Figure 5-1: Geological map of the Nepal Himalaya (DMG)
5.7.2 Higher Himalaya

Geologically, the Higher Himalayan Zone includes the rocks lying north of the Main Central
Thrust (MCT). Two sub-units namely Higher Himalayan Crystalline and Tibetan Sedimentary
Zone are identified in Higher Himalayan Zone. This zone consists of an approximately 10km
thick succession of crystalline rocks. Higher Himalayan Crystalline zone comprises mainly
Precambrian high-grade metamorphic rocks such as kyanite-silliminite-bearing gneisses,
schists, quartzite and marbles form the basement of this zone. Migmatites and Granites are
found in the upper part of this zone. Higher Himalayan Crystallines are underlain by
fossiliferrous Tibetan Sedimentary Zone. This zone is composed of fossiliferous sedimentary
rocks, such as shale, limestone, slates and sandstone, ranging in age from Lower Paleozoic
to Mesozoic.
5.7.3 Lesser Himalaya

The Lesser Himalayan Zone lies at the south of Higher Himalayan Zone. The Lesser
Himalayan zone is bounded by the Main Central Thrust (MCT) in the north and Main
Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the south. This zone, like the Higher Himalayan Zone, extends in
the east-west direction. The Lesser Himalayas of Nepal include both midlands and
Mahabharat Range in the physiographic division. The important valleys like Kathmandu and
Pokhara lie within this zone. This zone is composed of relatively high-grade
metasedimentary rocks of Cambrian to Eocene age. This zone is also characterized by the
development of extensive thrust sheets and tectonic windows. A great variation in the
tectonic structure and stratigraphy is found in the eastern and western sides.
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5.7.4 Sub-Himalaya (Siwaliks)

The Sub-Himalayan Zone lies in the south of the Lesser Himalayan Zone. It is represented
by the first low altitude hills, bordering the plains of Terai. These ranges rise immediately to
the north of the Terai plain. The Siwaliks are bounded by the MBT on the north and by the
Main Frontal Thrust (MFT) on the south. This zone exhibits a rugged topography
characterized by steep hill slopes and deep valleys with landslides and steep escarpments
runs along the entire length of the country from east to west. This youngest mountain chain
seems to be tectonically active and still rising. The Siwaliks of Nepal are composed chiefly of
fluvial sediments like sand, shale, and pebble beds of Neogene age.
5.7.5 Terai Zone

The Terai Zone is the southernmost tectonic division of Nepal. It is part of the Indo-Gangetic
Plain and gently slopes towards the south. In the northern part, the MFT separates the Terai
Plain from the Sub-Himalayas. The alluvial deposits of Pleistocene to Recent age (Sharma
1990) cover the Terai Plain. The average thickness of alluvium deposits is about 1500 m.
The rivers coming from the hills in the north bring these sediments.
5.8 Regional Geology of the Project Area

Proposed project area lies in the Ranimatta and Lakharpata Formation of the Lesser
Himalaya, mid-western Nepal. Ranimatta formation lies on Dailekh sub group. This formation
is comprised of fine-grained, and grey to greenish grey schist and phyllite intercalated with
fine to medium grained, grey to greenish grey quartzite and metasandstones. Similarly
Lakharpata formation lies on Lakharpata Subgroup which consists of fine grained, grey
limestone and dolomites with intercalation of black to grey shales (Fig 5-2).
The dip directions of rocks ranges from 200° to 250° (south to south west) with dip amount
ranging from 40° to 60°
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Figure 5-2: Regional Geological Map of the Project area. (Department of Mines &
Geology)
5.9 Geology of Project Area

Geologically, project area lies in the Lesser Himalayan succession. The main lithology of the
project area is shale, slate, phyllite, metasandstone and quartzite. Slate and Phyllite are
dominant rock in the project area. The rocks are moderately to highly weathered, fractured
and jointed. The overall rock mass condition of the project area is poor to extremely poor
which is thinly foliated foliated, slightly fractured to highly fractured and intercalation with
quartzite and meta-sandstone.
With respect to jointing, foliation joint is the dominated joint system in the rock mass. The
foliation joints have strike 070 to 250 degrees and dip ranging from 10 to 30 degrees towards
South west. In addition, one set of almost vertical prominent cross joint and random joints
can be seen along the rock exposure of tunnel alignment. The Vertical joints have strike 325
to 355degree with steep dip angle of more than 60 degrees towards North West is seems
critical. The foliation joints are relatively sheared and folded and are smooth undulating in
character. However, the cross joints are more rough and open in character.
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Quaternary Deposits
Alluvium
The Sani Bheri River is carrying a significant amount of sediments and gravel. The project
site is at the upper reaches of Sani Bheri River therefore the area is enriched with coarse
alluvium materials. Alluvium deposits are found along the left and right bank of the Sani
Bheri River and formed flat river terraces. It comprises mainly rounded to sub-rounded
boulder, pebble cobble, coarse gravel and sand of light grey coloured. Diversion weir, side
intake, gravel trap, approach canal and settling basin etc. lie on alluvium deposit. This is also
a potential source of construction materials for the project.
Colluvium
Colluvium deposit is heterogeneous soil covering the bed rock all around the mountain slope
by slope debris flow, landslide and slope accumulation by land dynamics. Colluvium
deposits are found at most part of the project area. It comprises of angular big boulder,
gravel and sandy silty clay matrix. Colluvium is light reddish brown, grey-to grey green colour
and contains about 40 percentage coarse materials and 60 percentage fine materials. Shape
of the materials is angular to sub-angular. A fine material contains sandy silty clay and it is
considered as heterogeneous soil. The most of the bed rock along the tunnel alignment is
covered by colluvium deposit.
5.10 Geology of Project Area- Engineering Aspect
5.10.1 Headworks Site
Diversion Weir
The headworks site is selected considering the favorable location available in the area from
various aspects like foundation across the weir axis, stability of both side hill slope and
sediment deposit pattern. The proposed weir location is at an elevation of about 1050m and
the river is about 70m wide .The exposed rock (see plate 4-1) type at the both bank of
headwork’s site is predominantly metasandstone with thin layer of shale and slate. The rock
at the left bank is moderately weathered, thin to medium foliated with medium to high
persistancy having three sets of planner to undulating joints (including foliation plane) filled
with silt. The RMR and Q value of the exposed rock is about 40 to 45 and 0.4 to 1
respectively which is defined as poor rock. No slope instability problem is anticipated. Right
bank of weir consists of both bed rock and alluvium deposit.
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Plate 5.1: Location of diversion weir with exposed rock in both bank
Stability analysis of hill slope of weir axis area
Slope stability analysis of hill slope of weir axis area was carried out on the basis of aerial
photo interpretation, geological observation and geological data analysis. An analysis of the
foliation plane to determine the stability conditions of the rock mass at the intake and weir
area was done by using Lower Hemisphere Projection of the foliation plane and
discontinuities in Schmidt’s equal area net. The wedges formed by the planes were analysed
with respect to the hill slope surface. In Figure 5-3, foliation plane is opposite direction to hill
slope and similarly there is no significant wedge is formed. Hence, over all stability condition
at this area seems to be more or less stable.
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N
Symbol Feature
Pole Vectors
Color Dip Dip Direction Label

User Planes
1 12 230 FP
2 70 355 J1
3 55 105 J2
4 30 10 HS
HS
Plot Mode Pole Vectors
Vector Count 4 (4 Entries)
Hemisphere Lower
Projection Equal Angle
J1
W E
J2
1:FP
Figure 5-3: Stereographic Projection of joint sets and hill slope in headworks site left
bank
Intake, gravel trap and Approach canal
The side intake and gravel trap lie in the bed rock as mention above. Approach canal lies on
the alluvial deposit. The alluvial deposit consists of rounded to subrounded boulder, cobble
and pebble of quartzite, limestone, gneiss and Phyllite. Estimated thickness of this deposit is
about >5m.
Settling Basin
Surface settling basin lies on the alluvial terrace deposit on left bank. The alluvial sediment is
light-grey to brown, medium dense, silty gravel. The settling basin area is primarily cultivated
land on flat area consisting gravel bearing pebbly and sandy soil with some boulders of
gneiss, schist and quartzite. The thickness of this deposit is more than 20m. The material
consists of sub-angular to well-rounded pebbles, cobbles.
Plate 5.2: Settling Basin area
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5.10.2 Inlet Portal

Inlet portal consists of fine grained grey colored slate with phyllite rock. A discontinuity
survey was carried out in several directions on the different rock exposures along inlet
portal. The detailed joint mapping revealed mainly three sets of joint along the tunnel with
some random sets. The joints are tight to moderately open, moderately spaced, continuity
less than 5 m, rough, irregular and occasionally smooth and filling materials as sand, silt
and few are free of filling materials. The statistical analysis of major joints has been
analysed and projected in lower hemisphere of stereonet. The analysis gives the following
major joint sets. The stereographic projections of main joints are shown in Figure 5.4.
S.No. Dip/Dip Direction Joint Sets
1. 30/200 Foliation plane
2. 60/350 J1 (Joint)
3. 70/060 J2(Joint)
4. 40/220 J3 (Joint Random)
Rock Mass Classification using CSIR classification has been carried out in the vicinity of this
area which gave the RMR values in the range of 30-45. Thus, the rock can be classified as
poor. Rock quality is estimated and presented in Table 5.1.
N
Symbol Feature
Pole Vectors

User Planes
1 30 200 FP
2 60 350 J1
3 70 60 J2
4 40 220 J3
Plot Mode Pole Vectors
Hemisphere Lower
J1
J2
W E
J3
1:FP
Figure 5-4: Stereographic Projection of main joint at inlet Portal area
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Plate 5-3: Inlet portal area.

Table 5-1: Rock quality estimation of rock based on surface mapping
Classification System Rating Rock Class
RMR 35-45 Poor to fair
Q value 0.2-1.85 Poor to Very Poor
5.10.3 Headrace Tunnel

About 6400meter long and 5m dia horse shoe shaped headrace tunnel (HRT) is the water
conveyance system of the project. The HRT will likely to pass through major portion of
phyllite, slate and metasandstone/quartzite. The exposed rock is moderately to highly
weathered, very weak to medium strong, less to moderate persistency, planner to undulating
having three sets of joints. The tunnel alignment has to cross mainly five streams. These
streams crossing area is anticipated as weak zone.
In general, the rock along the tunnel is considered to be very weak to medium strong in
strength. The rock is hard with expected to be intact compressive strength in the range of 2-
30MPa. The rock is highly to moderately weathered. The rock is exposed mainly in the small
streams and at higher elevation in the form of steep cliff and road cutting along the tunnel
route. Bedrock is mostly covered by very thin to thick veneer of colluvial deposit along the
tunnel alignment. No major faults and thrusts crossing the tunnel are noticed during the
present mapping however several thin bands of shear zones and local faults are noticed in
the tunnel route mainly along the tributaries. This zone is categorized as very poor to
extremely poor rock. The mapping in the river sections and hill slopes were projected to the
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tunnel horizon in order to produce the required geological information along the tunnel route.
The geological condition along the tunnel alignment is mainly based on surface mapping.
Plate 5.4: Rock Outcrop at Tunnel alignment
The contour density diagram and stereographic projection of main joints for the headrace
tunnel are shown in Figure 5.5 & Figure 5.6.
N
Color Density Concentrations
0.00 - 1.50
1.50 - 3.00
3.00 - 4.50
4.50 - 6.00
6.00 - 7.50
7.50 - 9.00
9.00 - 10.50
10.50 - 12.00
12.00 - 13.50
13.50 - 15.00
Maximum Density 14.85%
Contour Data Pole Vectors
Contour Distribution Fisher
Counting Circle Size 1.0%

User Planes
1 15 240 FP
W E Plot Mode Pole Vectors

Hemisphere Lower
Figure 5-5: Contour density diagram (Headrace Tunnel).
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Figure 5-6: Stereographic Projection of discontinuities (Headrace Tunnel)

Based on surface mapping, HRT is found passing oblique to the major discontinuity and is
likely to passes bisecting the discontinuities along its way as shown in the rosette diagram
below (Figure 5.7). Such relation of tunnel axis to the discontinuities is favorable for tunneling
works with respect to major discontinuities.
W 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 E
1 Tunnel
Figure 5-7: Joint rosette of major joint sets along the tunnel alignment
Properties of discontinuities measured at the outcrops along the surface of tunnel alignment
are tabulated below (Table 5.2, Table 5.3 & Table 5.4). Presently the characteristics of the
discontinuities at the HRT are inferred on the basis of the observed discontinuities on the
outcrops which might also be differing in actual underground situation.
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Table 5-2: Average Orientation and characteristics of discontinuity of rock at headrace

tunnel from chainage 0+000 to 1+500m
Descriptions Ex- Foliation Joint Joint (J1) Joint (J2)
Orientation dip/dip dir 20º/220º 45º/070º 60º/300º
Spacing (cm) 6-20 20-60 6-20
Aperture (mm) 1-5 1-5 >5
Roughness Slightly Rough Rough Rough
Filling Hard filling >5mm Soft filling >5mm Soft filling >5mm
weathering Slight Moderately Weathered Moderately Weathered
Persistence (m) 3-10 <1m <1m
Water Dry Dry Dry
Descriptions Ex- Foliation Joint Joint (J1) Joint(J2)
Spacing (cm) 6-20 20-60 20-60
Aperture (mm) 1-5 0.1-1 >5
Roughness Slightly Rough Slightly Rough Very Rough
Filling Silty Clay Silty sand Silty sand
weathering Moderately Highly Moderate
Persistence (m) 1-3 1-3 <1
Water Dry Dry Dry
Spacing (cm) <6 <6 6-20
Aperture (mm) <5 >5 >5
Roughness Slightly Rough Undulating Rough Planar Rough
Filling Silty Clay Silty sand Hard Filling
weathering Moderate Slight to Moderate Moderate
Persistence (m) 1-3 <1 1-3
Water Dry Dry Dry
5.10.4 Rock Mass Classification of Headrace Tunnel

The rock mass quality that may represent the rock quality along headrace tunnel is based
on Rock Mass Rating and Q-system. Tentative projected rock mass quality with respect to
the dimension of structure depicted in the geological cross section is presented in Table 5.5.
Table 5-5: Rock mass class and its tentative representation along the HRT
S.N Rock mass class Length Percentage Q value
1 Poor 900 14 1-2
2 Poor to Very Poor 2100 33 0.2-1.85
3 Very Poor 2000 31 0.2-0.8
4 Extremely Poor 1400 22 0.01-0.1
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The tunnel covers about 14% poor rock mass, 33% of poor to very poor rock, 31 % poor rock
mass. The rest 22% is expected to cover by extremely poor rock mass. The rock
classification is based on surface geological mapping along the tunnel route and more
detailed geological condition will be achieved only after the excavation of the tunnel section.
5.10.5 Surge Shaft and Penstock Alignment

The topography of the area makes the surge shaft as semi underground. The rock type of
this area is slate, phyllite with quartzite. Rock is moderately to highly weathered, weak to
medium strong, planner to undulating with three sets of joints including foliation plane. The
outcrop has three major joint set plus random discontinuities. Details of the discontinuities
are presented in the Table 5.6. The Q values vary between 0.4-0.8. The rock mass of the
penstock alignment is defined as poor to very poor rock.
The penstock alignment passes through slightly steep topography at the beginning,
moderate topography at the middle part and gentle topography at the end or just above the
powerhouse site. The geological condition of the penstock alignment is slightly poor, passes
through colluvium deposit. There is not any exposure of the bed rock along the alignment
however there is a possibility of bed rock at shallower depth.
Table 5-6: Average Orientation and characteristics of discontinuity of rock at surge

shaft area
Spacing (cm) 6-20 20-60 20-60
Aperture (mm) 1-5 >5 open
Roughness Slightly Rough Undulating Rough Planar Rough
Filling Silty Clay Silty Clay Hard filling
weathering Moderate Moderate highly
Persistence (m) 1-3 1-3 <1
Water Dry Dry Dry
5.10.6 Power House and Tailrace area

A surface power house is located at the left bank of Bheri River at an elevation of 950m on
the alluvium terrace deposit. The area is wide low land open plain area of t alluvial terrace of
Bheri River at the toe of the hill slope. This is a thick alluvium deposit and the depth of
bedrock profile is difficult to assume. The alluvial deposit mainly consist of boulder, cobble,
pebble and gravels with sand and silt matrix. The deposit is considered to be highly
permeable. The proposed powerhouse location is about 200m far away from the present
Bheri River and slightly above the high flood level. One stream is coming from uphill side
near powerhouse area which bring the debris significantly, therefore protection is required.
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The tailrace will be a reinforced concrete box culvert aligned towards further downstream
from the powerhouse along the toe of the left hill slope to maintain the level from turbine axis
to the outlet at Bheri River. The tailrace alignment will passes through the alluvium river
terrace deposit. The alluvial deposit of this area consists of rounded to subrounded boulder,
cobble and pebble of banded gneiss, limestone, quartzite and phyllite. This is a light and
simple structure therefore there will not be any geotechnical problem for the foundation.
Power House
Plate 5.5: Powerhouse and tailrace Site
5.11 Estimated Rock Support in Headrace Tunnel

In the present context the rock support design is carried on the basis of rock mass quality
observed on surface outcrops, rock strength data referring from the samples and other
assumed values of relevant engineering properties. The rock mass classification along
headrace tunnel, surge shaft is made on the basis of surface manifestation of rock
discontinuities; hence it can vary in-situ at structure grade. The rock mass classification had
been done following rating systems which are discussed below.
5.11.1 Rock Support According to Q System

The rock mass classification NGI Q-System (simplified from Grimstad and Barton, 1993
Figure 5.8) is one of the popular methods to classify the rock mass quality. In this system the
rock tunneling index Q-value is the key parameters in the estimation of rock support. This Q
– System considers six different parameters. The assessment of the rock mass quality, Q,
was done by rating of the six parameters.
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Q= RQD/Jn* Jr/Ja*Jw/SRF,
Where,
RQD= Rock quality designation
Jn= Joint set number,
Jr= Joint roughness number
Ja= Joint alteration number,
Jw= Joint water reduction factor
SRF = Stress reduction factor
The Barton’s rock support chart also incorporates equivalent excavation dimension, which is
the ratio between the span or height of an underground opening and an excavation support
ratio (ESR). The ESR mainly reflects degree of safety and support demand by an
underground opening.
Barton et.al (1980) provides additional information on rock bolt length. The length L of
rockbolts can be estimated from the excavation width B and the Excavation Support Ratio
(ESR):
L = 2+ 0.15B
ESR
Therefore by the above equation length of rock bolt for headrace tunnel in Sani Bheri 3 HEP
comes about 2.5m; however 3m is adopted for safety.
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Figure 5-8: NGI Q-System from Barton and Grimstad 1993
5.11.2 Rock Support Estimation

Rock masses of the project area are classified by different methods. The rock support design
in this stage of the study is based on Q-System and is presented in Table 5.7.
Table 5-7: Predicted rock mass quality and support design for Headrace Tunnel
Rock mass Rock Assigned tunnel rock support
quality support
description (RS)
class
Q>10 RS I Wall and Crown: 25mm diameter 3 meters long systematic

grouted rock bolts at a spacing of 2m c/c and 5cm thick Plain
shotcrete.
Invert: 20cm thick C25 grade concreting
Q=4-10 RS II Wall and Crown: 25mm diameter 3 meters long systematic

grouted rock bolts at a spacing of 1.8m c/c and 5cm steel fiber
shotcrete.
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Q=1-4 RS III Wall and Crown: 25 mm diameter 3 meters long systematic

grouted rock bolts at a spacing of 1.5m c/c and 7.5 cm thick
steel fiber shotcrete.
Q=0.5 -1 RS IV Wall and Crown: 25mmmm diameter 3 meters long systematic

grouted rock bolts at a spacing of 1.3m c/c and 10cm thick steel
fiber shotcrete.
Q=0.1 -0.5 RS V Wall and Crown: 25mmmm diameter 3 meters long systematic
grouted rock bolts at a spacing of 1.2m c/c and 12.5cm thick
steel fiber shotcrete.
Q=<0.1 RS VI Wall and Crown: 25mm diameter 3 meters long systematic

grouted rock bolts at a spacing of 1m c/c or wherever required
and 15cm thick wiremesh shotcrete. Steel ribs @ 1m c/c to
control plastic deformation and spilling in the crown
Concreting lining on invert, wall and crown.
The headrace tunnel will be in hydrostatic condition during its operation. Since the designed
rock support in the table is not water tight, the concept of pre-injection grouting should be
applied at the required length of headrace tunnel to control possible water leakage during
operation.
5.12 Construction Material

Construction material sites are observed mostly along the both banks of Sani Bheri River
within the stretch of project area. From the field observation three major potential sites are
investigated for construction materials. The boulders in the headworks site can be used as
riprap material.
The tentative volume could be exploited from the mentioned deposit are tabulated in the
table below (Table 5.8).Most of the deposits consist of about 50- 60% coarse aggregate
(gravels to boulders) and about 30 - 40% fines (silt to sand).Coarse aggregate mainly
consists of lime stone (30%) gneiss (30%) , quartzite (25%) and phyllite schist (15 %).
Table 5-8: Summary of different sources for construction materials

S. N. Locations Descriptions Quantity
(m3) AxH
1 downstream of weir axis Alluvial deposit consists of >1,50,000 m3
at bank of Sani Bheri River boulder, gravel in the
matrix of silty sand.
2 Nearby Adit area at Sani Old and recent alluvial >50,000

Bheri terrace deposit consists of
boulder, gravel in the
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S. N. Locations Descriptions Quantity

(m3) AxH
matrix of silty sand.
3 Around Powerhouse area Recent river channel >1,00,000

deposit
Plate 5-6: Potential site for construction material in river deposit at downstream of
headworks area
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Plate 5-7: Potential site for construction material in recent river deposit around
Powerhouse area
5.13 Seismicity
5.13.1 General
Evolution of the Great Himalayan Arc is the result of collision between the Indian and
Eurasian Tectonic Plates over a distance of 2400km from Pakistan in the west and Burma in
the east. The Himalayas are located near plate boundary. Therefore, Himalayan region is
considered to be seismically active zone. Seismic activity in the Himalayas results from the
strike slipping of the Indian basement along a sub-horizontal decollement interface, which is
known as Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). It coincides with MFT in south and roots along MCT
is beneath the High Himalaya and southern Tibet. Magnitude and recurrence of Himalayan
earthquake depend upon the geometry and plate velocity of Indian plate with respect to
Tibetan plate. Convergence rate of Indian Plate in the Himalayan region is estimated to be
about 20 mm/year.
Thus, being a part of Himalayas, Nepal Himalaya is considered to be active seismic zone.
However, the existence of tectonic features such as Main Central Thrust (MCT), Main
Boundary Thrust (MBT) and Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF) further accelerates the rate of
seismic risk. Therefore, proximity to such structural features is important while assessing the
seismicity of the Hydroelectric project.
Recent seismicity condition and historical records indicate that the Himalaya has
experienced recurrence of great earthquakes. National Seismological Centre (Department of
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Mines and Geology, 2006) has been recording small to medium sized earthquakes that
frequently occurring in the territory of Nepal. Earthquakes Epicenter Map of Nepal shows that
medium sized earthquakes (6 to 7 magnitude) are mostly confined to the MHT between the
foot hills and the Higher Himalaya, Figure 5.9. The data of the recorded earthquake indicates
that the recurrence of earthquake 6<M<7 in western Nepal is one time in six years, Table
5.6. However, uncertainty of the strong ground tremor is very high since the active fault
systems in the vicinity of the project area are not reported.
Figure 5-9: Earthquake epicentre map of Nepal (DMG, 2006)

In the last century, four great earthquakes have occurred due to sudden release of
accumulated stresses in the active geological faults of the Himalaya. Nepal has historically
experienced several great earthquakes (Chitrakar and Pandey, 1986; DMG, 2006). The 1934
Bihar-Nepal Great Earthquake was one among the four large earthquakes of the whole
Himalaya with a magnitude of Ms 8.3. Occurrence of other significant historical great
earthquakes (M>7.5) in 1255, 1408, 1810 and 1833 are also mentioned in literatures
(Chitrakar and Pandey, 1986; Bilham et al, 1995).
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Table 5-9: Recurrence of earthquake in Nepal between the period 1994 and 2000 (after
DMG, 2006).
Paleoseismology deals with the history of earthquakes: their location, magnitude and
frequency of occurrence. Thus, by study of the past occurrences of large earthquakes, it is
possible to forecast the likelihood of future earthquakes in terms of location, magnitude and
probable timing. It identifies and studies the source of earthquakes (active faults), their
potential to produce future large earthquakes from their past records, and to try to forecast
and provide information on future earthquake activity, usually using some probabilistic
approach. Paleoseismological activities in the Nepal Himalaya have been evidenced from the
sediments of Kathmandu valley and Terai plain (Gajurel et al., 1998; Nakata et al., 1998;
Lavé et al, 2005; Yule et al., 2006). A detailed active fault map prepared in the Nepalese
Himalaya indicates that source of earthquake i.e. active faults are situated very far from the
Figure 5-10: Active faults of Nepal Himalayas (Adopted after Upreti 2009)
project site (Upreti, 2009, Figure 5-10). Seismic hazard map prepared by Department of
Mines and Geology (2002) using a peak horizontal acceleration at bedrock has a 10%
probability of being exceeded over 50 years.
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5.13.2 Seismo-tectonic structure of the Himalayas

5.13.2.1 South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS)
This is the tectonic contact between the Higher Himalayas and Tibetan Tethys Sediment
Zone. It is the less active seismo-tectonic structure.
5.13.2.2 Main Central Thrust (MCT)

This is the tectonic contact between the Higher Himalayas and Lesser Himalayas. It is a
north dipping thrust fault which at one time was a convergent plate boundary. The MCT was
active during the early phases of Himalayan orogeny but is now considered to be less active
as compared to Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). Based on historical records (1800’s to 1986)
the largest earthquake recorded in the MCT zone in the Himalaya was a 7.5 magnitude in
August 28, 1916.
5.13.2.3 Main Boundary Thrust (MBT)

This is the active tectonic contact between the Lesser Himalayas and the Siwaliks. The MBT
has been the source of very large earthquakes in the past. It is reported that the maximum
potential earthquakes in this feature has a magnitude of 8.0. The project site is located at
about 40 km north of MBT which is considered to be far distance from the project site.
Therefore, less seismic risk associated with this feature is expected for the project.
5.13.2.4 Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF)

This is a tectonic feature located at the boundary of the Siwalik and the Terai. This fault is
also considered to be active. The maximum earthquake potential of this fault is 6.5 in
magnitude. The project site is located very far from this feature hence less seismic risk
caused due to this feature is expected.
5.13.2.5 Seismicity Evaluation

Nepal has experienced a number of large earthquakes over the past few decades which
have caused the substantial damage of life and property. A microseismic epicenter map of
Nepal Himalaya and adjoining region (1:2,000,000) prepared by the National Seismological
Centre, Department of Mines and Geology, 2006 has been presented in Figure 5.11for
reference. The map shows the distribution pattern of the earthquake epicenters in Nepal and
adjoining region. The map also suggests that the far western Nepal is seismically more
active than the Eastern Nepal. It is also clear from the map that there is a dense cluster of
earthquake epicenters in far western Nepal, less in Eastern Nepal and least in Central Nepal.
Records of seismic activities are limited in the Nepal Himalayas and hence correlation of
seismic events with the adjacent Himalayan Region would be a useful source of information
for designing the hydraulic structures. Several Seismicity studies have been carried out for
various projects in the country during the study and engineering design phases and seismic
design coefficient are derived for those projects. Theoretically, Nepalese standard and Indian
Standard are two basic criteria to derive the design coefficient for the design of hydraulic
structures in the absence of detailed seismicity study of the projects. Therefore, based on
seismicity study carried out for other projects and theoretical methods, the basic design
coefficient for Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project can be derived based on Nepalese standard
and Indian Standard.
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5.13.2.6 Nepalese Standard

In order to determine the seismic coefficient a seismic design code for Nepal has been
prepared. The country is divided into three seismic risk zones based on allowable bearing
capacity of three types of soil foundation. The Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project is located in
the Zone -3 of seismic risk zone map of Nepal, Figure 5-12 and the soil foundation at the
dam site belong to average soil type. Therefore, the basic horizontal seismic coefficient is
considered to be 0.08. By using the empirical method, the effective design coefficient
according to seismic design code of Nepal is given by the equation,
αeff = R * α = R * Amax/980 Where, αeff = effective design seismic coefficient
R = Reduction Factor (Empirical value of R = 0.5 – 0.65)
For the maximum acceleration of 200 gal according to Seismic Hazard Map of Nepal, Figure
5-11, (Published by DMG, National seismological Center - September 2002) and reduction
factor of 0.6 the calculated effective design seismic coefficient for the Project is
approximately 0.12 according to Nepalese Standard.
5.13.2.7 Indian Standard

In order to determine the design horizontal coefficient, a seismic risk map for India has been
prepared. The map is published Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of structures in
India. The country is divided into five seismic risk zones in the Indian Standard. According to
seismic risk map of India, project area lies in the fifth seismic risk zone of India (Zone V).
Therefore, based on the national building code of India (IS: 4326-1993), Project is located in
the Zone V and recommended basic coefficient of horizontal seismic acceleration for this
Zone is 0.08 gal.
The design horizontal seismic coefficient (αc) of the ground is given by
αc = α0 x β x I
Where, α0= basic horizontal seismic co-efficient (0.08)
β = Soil foundation system factor (1.0 for dam)
I = Importance factor of structure (2.0 for dam)
Therefore, the design horizontal seismic coefficient for the weir at Project is 0.16 according to
Indian Standard.
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Figure 5-11: Seismic Hazard Map of Nepal
Figure 5-12: Seismic Risk Map of Nepal
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Figure 5-13: Seismic Risk Map of India
5.14 Conclusion and Recommendations

Geologically, project area lies in the Lesser Himalayan succession. The main lithology of the
project area is shale, slate, phyllite, metasandstone and quartzite.
Head works constitute a diversion weir, intake and approach canal and settling basin. The
diversion weir will be founded on alluvial deposit. Similarly left abutment of weir, intake
founded on bed rock. Other structures will be founded on alluvial terrace deposit.
Subsurface geology of the headrace tunnel is projected based on manifestation of surface

discontinuities data observed at different outcrops available along the HRT route. Thus the
rock mass class can vary at structure grade and specific chainage shown in drawings.
Headrace tunnel passes through major portion of phyllite, slate and metasandstone/quartzite.
The exposed rock is moderately to highly weathered, very weak to medium strong, less to
moderate persistency, planner to undulating having three sets of joints. No major weak or
shear zone is observed during surface mapping along the Tunnel axis, however the
possibilities of uncertainties is always in underground excavation. Thus those anticipated
problem is assumed to be 10 % of the total stretch of the tunnel and the respective cost is
incorporated in this design phase of study. Similarly Powerhouse and tailrace area are
proposed on alluvial terrace deposit
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The scattered boulders along the banks of the rivers can be crushed and used for coarse
aggregate. Deposits for fine aggregate are also adequate in the project area.
The following investigations are strictly recommended for the detail design of the project.
• Construction material survey and lab testing shall be carried out for the suitability of
coarse and fine aggregate.
• Subsurface investigation such as drilling and geophysical survey would be required to

get information on geotechnical properties of the subsurface material especially in the
critical structure locations such in headworks, tunnel alignment, surge shaft, penstock
and powerhouse site.
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6 PROJECT SCHEME AND ALTERNATIVE LAYOUT STUDY

This chapter describes the alternative studies conducted regarding the project including
project layout, project component and project component locations.
For this study, all the measurements of length and elevations were taken using Google Earth
images which may vary from the actual values at site.
6.1 Project Component Locations

Dam and powerhouse locations are studied for the finalization of the project component
locations. Maximization of the head of the project is the main basis for the location of dam
and powerhouse, however the cost for construction is also looked into.
Maximum head can be achieved when the dam is located at the upper license boundary and
the powerhouse is located at the lower license boundary. In the case of Sani Bheri 3 HPP,
same principle is used for the initial location of the project components.
The project license boundary is presented in figure
With the dam located at the upstream location of the project boundary, there will be no
reservoir for the peaking storage. The river is very wide at most of the half reach of the
project boundary. Hence the dam location is selected at the location where the river narrows
down to a gorge of about 50m. At this location, the dam width will be less and the wide valley
upstream provides for the storage required for the peaking.
In this scenario, two alternatives of project schemes are studied.
Alternative A1: The dam located at the upstream most location of the project boundary
The project will be a simple Run-of-River (ROR) project with a free flow overflow weir. The
waterways are proposed to be a combination of headrace pipe and tunnel.
The total length of the waterways is about 11.8 km with a gross head of 165m.
Alternative A2: The dam is located near Sisneri
The project will be Peaking Run-of-River (PROR) project with the peaking capacity of six
hours. The dam will consist of gated barrage and earthen dam. The waterways is proposed
to be completely tunnel.
The total waterway length is about 5.5 km with a gross head of 98m.
Alternative A1 is a RoR project with a head/waterway length ratio of 14. Alternative A2 is a

PROR project with head/waterway length ratio of 17.8. Hence, more head is available with
Alternative A2 and since PROR projects are in priority from the government, this is chosen to
be the project scheme for Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project.
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Figure 6-1: Project scheme alternatives
6.2 Project Layout Alternatives

With the finalization of the location of the dam and the powerhouse, further study was
conducted to finalize the project layout. Both of the banks of the river is considered for the
layout and the geology, waterway length, settlements and cost factors are accounted in the
selection of the final layout.
In this study, two alternatives are studied. The first alternative L1 is with the waterway on the
left bank of the river and the other alternative L2 with the waterway on the right bank of the
river. The descriptions of both the alternatives are described below.
6.2.1 Alternative L1
In this alternative, the project components are proposed to be located on the left bank of the
river.The dam is proposed u/s of the suspended bridge at Sisneri with a side intake on the
left bank. Settling basin is proposed about 320m d/s of the intake. The waterways consist of
pressurized concrete culvert, headrace tunnel and penstock pipe. The powerhouse is
proposed on the banks at Bhal Khola village. A tailrace of about 300m is proposed after the
powerhouse. The total waterway length is about 7.3 kms.
The elevation difference between the river water elevation at headworks and tailrace is 98m.
6.2.2 Alternative L2
In this alternative, the project components are proposed to be on the right bank of the river.
The dam location is same as in Alternative L1. The side intake is proposed on the right bank
with settling basin at about 230m d/s of the intake. The waterways consist of headrace pipe,
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tunnel and penstock pipe. The powerhouse is proposed on the right bank of Sani Bheir River
at Bhal Khola village. The total length of the waterways is 6.45 kms.
The elevation difference between the river water elevation at headworks and tailrace is 95m.
Figure 6-2: Project layout alternatives

Comparison table of the project component description for both the alternatives is presented
in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Comparison of the project layout alternatives
Project component Alternative L1 Alternative L2

Headworks
River elevation 1055 masl 1055 masl
Diversion structure
Type Concrete barrage and earthen Concrete barrage and earthen dam
dam
Top elevation of dam 1058.5 amsl 1058.5 amsl
Length of the earthen dam 35 m 35 m
Length of the barrage 38 m 38 m
Height 18.5 m from the river bed 18.5 m from the river bed
No. of gates 3 3
Gate dimensions 8m (W) and 10m (H) 8m (W) and 10m (H)
Intake
Type Side Intake orifice type Side Intake orifice type
No. of Opening 4 4
Size opening 4.0 m x 4.0 m clear opening 4.0 m x 4.0 m clear opening
Approach culvert
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Length 316 m 230 m

Dimensions 5.2m (W) and 5.2m (H) 5.2m (W) and 5.2m (H)
Settling basin
No of bays 3 3
Uniform Length 85.0 m 85.0 m
Width 11.0 m 11.0 m
Depth 7.0 m average 7.0 m average
Waterways
Headrace culvert
Length 495 m
Dimensions 5.2m (W) and 5.2m (H)
Headrace pipe
Length 2500 m
Dimensions 5.8m diameter
Headrace tunnel
Length 6345 m up to surge shaft 3850 m up to surge shaft
Diameter 5.0 m finished (Horse shoe 5.0 m finished (Horse shoe shape)
shape) Fully concrete lined
Fully concrete lined
Surge shaft
Type Orifice type m
Diameter 16 m
Height 55 m
Penstock
Length 195 m up to trifurcation
Diameter 4.0 m
Powerhouse
Type Surface Surface
River elevation 957 masl 960 masl
6.3 Selection of the layout

In the Alternative L2, the geology is not suitable for tunnel on the right bank at headworks,
hence, a buried headrace pipe is proposed to a suitable location for the tunnel inlet. The
headrace pipe will be aligned on the fields of the village and hence land acquisition will be
higher than for Alternative L1. With more land acquisition required, social interactions and
cost will be higher. Similarly, the headrace pipe has to cross a stream flowing from the north
direction for which additional cost will be incurred.
Comparing the length of the waterways, both the alternatives have almost equal waterway
length. Even if L2 has half of the waterways as headrace pipe, the cost for transportation and
installation of 5.8m diameter pipe will almost be similar to the cost of tunnel with increased
maintenance cost during the operation period.
Regarding the head, L1 has 3m more head than L2.
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After the study of all these issues, alternative L1 is chosen as the final layout for Sani Bheri 3
HPP considering the head, social issues and geology of the area.
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7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN
7.1 Design Basis

A brief summary of site condition, design criteria and concept for the major components of
Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project are discussed in this chapter. The major components of
the project are: Diversion dam, side intake, approach culvert, settling basin, headrace
culvert, headrace tunnel, surge shaft, penstock, powerhouse and tailrace, electro-mechanical
equipment, and 132 kV transmission line and switchyard. All the components are proposed
on the left bank of the river. The project’s civil structures has been broadly classified into
three groups, namely, headworks, water conveyance system and powerhouse complex.
7.2 General arrangement of Project Component

The overall layout of the project is prepared for the installed capacity of 46.72 MW with the
design discharge of 51.0m3/s. The main civil components of the project are: diversion dam,
side intake, approach culvert, settling basin, headrace culvert, headrace tunnel, surge shaft,
steel penstock pipe, powerhouse and tailrace structure respectively.
A 38m long gated barrage and 35m long earthen dam shall divert the design flow. A side
intake having four orifices 4.0m x 4.0m is proposed. A low pressurized approach culvert of
length 316m delivers water to the settling basin. Three bay settling basin is proposed with
85m length, 11m width and 7m depth on the left bank of the river.
A low pressurized concrete headrace culvert of length 495m will convey water from settling
basin to the headrace tunnel. The tunnel is horse shoe shaped and is 6345m long. A orifice
type surge shaft is proposed at the end of the tunnel with an internal diameter of 16m.
A 4.1m diameter steel penstock of 195m length will deliver discharge to the 3 units of turbine
in producing the power.
The powerhouse and the tailrace structures are placed on the left bank of the Sani Bheri
River. A powerhouse of 48m x 16m size will be constructed in the plain area at an elevation
of 950 masl. Three units of vertical axis Francis Turbine are proposed in the powerhouse.
The tailrace water level after turbine is fixed at 944 masl.
7.3 Civil Works
7.3.1 Diversion during Construction

The river diversion shall be done in two stages. In the first stage diversion, the river will be
diverted from the right bank. A temporary cofferdam shall be constructed upstream of the
weir axis to divert the river flow into the channel. During this stage, construction of barrage
and intake shall be done. In the next diversion stage, the river will be allowed to flow from the
barrage openings, thus construction works on earthen dam can be undertaken.
7.3.2 Headworks
Headworks consist of peaking reservoir, barrage, earthen dam, intake, undersluice,
approach culvert, and settling basin. The components are described below.
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7.3.3 Peaking Reservoir

The peaking reservoir is proposed in the river itself upstream of the diversion dam. The Full
Supply Level (FSL) is proposed at 1056.5 masl and Minimum Drawdown Level (MDL) is
proposed at 1050 masl. The total depth of the live storage is thus 6.5m. The total volume of
the reservoir is till FSL is 1.12 million cubic meters whereas the total live storage is 0.87
million cubic meters. The live storage volume is sufficient to provide energy at full capacity for
6 hours a day in the lean season.
The reservoir shall be operated from FSL to MDL during the dry season only when the
sediment in the river is less and energy is required during the peak hours. The dry season is
considered for the months of December till May.
During the monsoon season (i.e. June till mid-October), the reservoir will be operated at the
MDL of 1050 masl also referred here as Monsoon Operation Level (MOL). In this season,
because of high rainfall and river discharge, sediment in the river is high. Hence, by
operating at the lower level, risk of live storage depletion is minimized.
The volume-elevation chart is presented in Figure 7-1.
Figure 7-1: Volume-Elevation Curve for the reservoir
7.3.4 Barrage
The barrage and earthen dam is located about 120 m u/s of the suspended bridge nearby
Sisneri. A gated concrete gravity barrage is proposed as the suitable diversion structure for
this purpose.
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The length of the barrage is 38m in length and the operating deck is 18.5m above the river
bed level. The operating deck is proposed at 1058.5 masl that is 2m above the FSL. The
barrage is proposed with three gates to pass the flood and flushing the sediment deposited in
the reservoir. The size of the openings is proposed to be 8m width and 9m high. The
openings are sized to pass the 100 year return period flood of 1100 m3/s as a free flow. The
openings are to be controlled by the provision of radial gates.
A stilling basin is proposed d/s of the barrage gates to dissipate the energy before releasing
the water into the river d/s stream. The length and depth of the stilling basin provided are
50m and 3m respectively from the river bed.
The stability of the barrage has been checked with the water elevation of the design flood.
The barrage shall be constructed completely with concrete. Similarly, the d/s slope of the
weir is proposed to have high strength concrete of at least C50 with steel fibres to protect
from scour.
The seepage protection beneath the barrage is proposed to be controlled by grouting works.
At present a preliminary estimate has been made, however, drilling and permeability test in
the barrage foundations are necessary to finalize the grouting possibility, type and depth.
7.3.5 Earthen Dam

An earthen dam is proposed at the right bank of the barrage as a part of the diversion dam
structure. The earthen dam is proposed to reduce the cost of the diversion structure as
complete concrete structure will cost high. Since, the three barrage gates are sufficient to
pass the flood, the rest diversion structure is proposed to be and earthen dam.
The earthen dam is chosen as the earth material for the dam is easily available at the site.
The dam will have the base length of 81m and the width of 17.6m at the foundation to 35m at
the top. The top of the dam will have an elevation of 1058.5 masl.
The core of the dam will be constructed of impervious clay core and to prevent the surface
wearing, a layer of rock riprap is proposed.
7.3.6 Dam Height Optimization

A dam height optimization study was carried out to determine the height of the dam. The
optimization was carried out by estimating cost of the dam at different heights against the
revenue generated.
The cost of the dam was estimated based on the volumes of concrete, reinforcement and
formworks. Similarly, the incremental revenue is based on the energy increased for every 1m
increment in the gross head of the project.
The optimization resulted in the optimum height of about 18m.
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Figure 7-2: Dam height optimization
7.3.7 Intake
Side intake with four orifices is proposed. The dimensions of the orifice are 4.0m length and
4.0m height. The orifices are designed to have flow velocity of 1m/s at the design flow.
Coarse trash rack is proposed in front of the intake orifices to avoid trashes during the high
flows.
Four vertical sliding gates are proposed for the flow control. The operation platform is
proposed at 1058.5 masl above the designed flood elevation.
The intake sill is proposed at an elevation of 1043.75 masl.
Intake gate will be closed and plant operation is stopped if the flood at river exceeds 1 in 5
years return period operation flood.
A trash passage channel is proposed above the intake to divert the floating trash d/s of the
barrage.
7.3.8 Under Sluice

An undersluice is proposed below the intake to remove bed load in front of the intake. Two
openings of size 2.0m width and 0,75m height are proposed below the intake. The sluice
channel will deliver the flushing water d/s of the barrage. The sluice channel will be controlled
by a gate at the end of the channel.
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7.3.9 Approach Culvert

A low pressurized approach culvert is proposed to feed the three bays of settling basin. The
culverts are proposed with the size 5.2m x 5.2m and the longitudinal slope is 1 in 600.
Vertical sliding gate is proposed at the beginning of the culvert for the flow control.
7.3.10 Settling basin

The settling basin is designed to remove suspended sediments of particle size greater than
0.2mm is diameter. The efficiency is estimated to be 90% removal of the above mentioned
particle size.
Three basins are provided so that the power plant can be operated partially during the
flushing of one basin.
The total length of the settling zone is 85m with width of each basin as 11m. The average
flow velocity is designed to be below 0.2m/s for the design discharge. The inlet transition is
designed to have an inlet angle of 12°. The length of the inlet transition zone is 36m.
The flushing of the basin is proposed as conventional gravity flushing and intermittent. At the
end of the settling basin 2.0m diameter pipes are provisioned to flush the deposited
sediments back to the Sani Bheri River.
The settling basin is proposed to be covered. Since the project is a PROR, the water
elevation varies from 1056.5 masl to 1050.0masl. During the lean season, the sediment in
the river is minimum and the settling basin will be pressurized but during the monsoon the
settling basin will be a free flow basin. Hence, the floor of the basin is proposed at
1051.0masl.
Foundation preparation of the settling basin is the critical element. The basin will be founded
on a farm land and hence good compaction with the selected material is required for the
foundation. The compaction shall be done in layers of 15cm with selected cohesion less
materials. An in-situ density tests shall be carried out to have the bearing capacity of at least
200kn/m2.
7.4 Water Conveyance System

The waterways consist of headrace culvert, headrace tunnel and penstock pipe.
Headrace culvert
A pressurized approach culvert is proposed convey discharge from settling basin to the
headrace tunnel. The culverts are proposed with the size 5.2m x 5.2m and the longitudinal
slope is 1 in 600.
Headrace tunnel
Headrace tunnel on the left bank hill is proposed as a main waterways system for Sani Bheri
3 HPP.
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A horshoe shaped tunnel is proposed for the project as the rock in the project area is not of
very good quality (details in the Geology report). The tunnel is proposed to be completely
concrete lined because of the weak rock.
An optimization study on the tunnel size resulted in the finished diameter of 5.1m. However,
a tunnel of size with internal diameter 5.0m is proposed for the project. The c/s area of the
tunnel is 21.57 m2 and the length of the tunnel is 6430m from the inlet portal to the surge
shaft.
Figure 7-3: Tunnel size optimization
7.4.1 Steel Penstock Pipe

A mild steep penstock pipe is suitable for this hydropower project.
7.4.1.1 Optimization of the penstock diameter
The optimization study of the penstock diameter considered the following input parameters:
• Length of the pipe: 180m

• Yield strength: 350 N/mm2
• Ultimate tensile strength: 510 N/mm2
• Allowable design stress: 170 N/mm2
• Life period: 25 years
• Corrosion allowance: 2mm
• Welding efficiency: 90%
• Cost of pipe (all complete): NRs. 175/kg
• Surge pressure: 40%
The result of the optimization with the above input parameters provides the optimum
diameter as 4.2m.
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Figure 7-4: Penstock pipe optimization results
7.4.1.2 Selected pipe diameter and thickness
Even though the optimum pipe diameter is 4.2m, a diameter of 4.1m is proposed which will
increase the flow velocity to 4.01 m/s and is very much under the limit. This will have cost
saving in quantity of steel and transportation of the pipe. The thickness varies from 16mm to
28mm.
7.4.2 Anchor blocks in penstock alignment

The whole of the penstock is buried. The pipe has only two bends and will be anchored by
blocks. As per the geology of the area, the whole of the penstock alignment will be founded
on bed rock. The penstock will be buried at the end of the construction.
The shape of the blocks has been governed by the topography and the bend angle. All the
blocks will be constructed of plum concrete with C20 grade. Anchorage bars will be provided
around the bend and temperature and shrinkage bars will be provided on the surface of the
blocks.
All the blocks will be stable regarding sliding, overturning and bearing of the foundation.
7.4.3 Powerhouse and Tailrace

The surface powerhouse is proposed to be constructed on the terrace of the right bank of the
Sani Bheri River at Bhal Khola village. It consists of building containing turbines, generators
and accessories, and tailrace conduit. A switchyard will be constructed outside the
powerhouse for stepping up transmission voltage.
The powerhouse consists of a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure that houses the
machine floor, control section and all the mechanical and electrical equipment. The size of
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the powerhouse is 48.0 m x 16.0 m x 35.0 m. Three generating units of 15600 kW installed
capacity each will be accommodated in the powerhouse. There will be provision for the
auxiliary plants and service area. A concrete raft foundation is provided for the machine
foundation in the powerhouse.
A rectangular concrete conduit of 5.2 m x 5.2 m has been proposed to convey water from
powerhouse to Sani Bheir River. The length of this tailrace conduit is 230 m.
7.5 Generating Equipment

This chapter deals with detail design and study of Electro-mechanical equipment along with
required switchgear materials to be installed for Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project.
The generating equipment proposed to be housed inside power house is broadly

differentiated into (i) mechanical equipment comprising of main inlet valves, turbines,
governors, pressure oil supply system, cooling water supply system, and water drainage &
dewatering system , (ii) electrical equipment comprising of generators, excitation system,
neutral grounding devices, control & protection panels, SCADA system, MV/LV indoor
switchgears, station service/auxiliary transformers (dry type), and battery & battery charger
(iii) ancillary equipment comprising of overhead travelling crane, diesel generating set, oil
handling and purifying equipment, firefighting system, ventilation and air conditioning system,
and compressed air supply system, and (iv) miscellaneous materials comprising of power
cables, control and instrumentation cables. Power transformers, high voltage switchgears,
steel structures, etc. are also major parts of generating equipment located at outdoor
switchyard.
7.5.1 Turbine Type Selection

The selection of type of turbine primarily depends upon the net head available and design
discharge. For the rated net head of 102.8 m and design discharge of 17.0 m3/s, Vertical
Francis Turbine is the choice of the turbine as presented in Figure: Turbine Selection Chart.
From the Figure it seems that we have to select the Vertical Francis Turbine and additionally,
due to arrangement and factor of safety Vertical Francis Turbine is the best choice for it.
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Figure 7-5: Turbine Selection Chart
The selection of unit capacity is based on the assumption that minimum number of units
could be installed for the more economic development of the project, reliability of generation,
and minimum loss of power during maintenance and operational efficiency at different stage
of time. Unit capacity is generally determined by considering the available discharge
throughout the seasons, load demand, type of operations, efficiency of the machine, etc.
Single unit is not preferred due to the fact that total generation loss will occur in the time of
the unit breakdown and hence three units will be suitable for the Project, considering the
minimum discharge which is 65.25 % of the Rated Design Discharge for each turbine that is
11.53 m3/sec. of Feburary. Considering the above factors, three (3) units’ arrangement is the
best option for the Project. Therefore, the study of Sani Bheri 3 Hydropower Project reveals
that the installation of three (3) generating units will be more economical and reliable for the
following reasons:
• With three (3) turbines, the peak power is the same as with four turbines and partial load
efficiency will also maintain the required standard and be fine.
• In dry season, one unit shall run at nearly 2/3 of full load and hence the turbine
performance and efficiency will be high for selection of three turbine as it relates to
higher efficiency (i.e Efficiency Greater than 88 %) of the generating units.
• The required repair and maintenance works of the power units (which are in idle
condition) can be performed in the yearly dry season in such a way that with the
exception of a temporary reduction of the plant power, no energy loss will occur.
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7.5.2 Power Calculation
The Shaft Power Output of each Turbine is calculated by the following relation:
P(turbine) = 9.81 x Qdesignx Hnet x ηt kW
Where,
P(turbine) = Turbine Output, kW
g = Specific weight of water = 9.81 kN/m3
Qdesign = Design Discharge, m3/sec = 17.0 m3/sec
Hnet= Net Head = m
ηt = turbine efficiency = 92 %
Therefore,
P(turbine) = g x Qdesign x Hnet x ηt kW
= 9.81 x 17.67 x 102.8 x 0.92 kW
= 16,304.96 kW
Adopted Turbine output = 16,305 kW
Turbine output @ 10% COL = 17,935.5 kW
Similarly, the Plant Installed capacity is determined by multiplying the Turbine output by
generator efficiency (0.97).
Plant Installed capacity = P(turbine) x ηg kW
= 16,305x 0.97 kW
= 15,734.325 kW ~ 15,734 kW
= (15,734/0.85) = 18,510.58 kVA
Adopted Generator output=18,510 kVA
Generator output @ 10% COL = 20,361 kVA
Therefore, the Installed capacity of the plant is 3 x 18,510 x 0.99 x 0.85 KW = 46,728.495
kW. Thus, the adopted capacity of plant is 46.7 MW.
7.5.3 Turbine Components
Runner
The runner will be of the reaction type. The turbine runner shall be of integrally casted disc
type having stainless steel quality with 13-4 Cr-Ni material. The blades are manually ground
to the hydraulic shape. The runner will be designed to withstand the loads imposed by any
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combination of fully open wicket gate operation at any speed including maximum runaway
speed and maximum head without exceeding the stress limits.
Runner shall be coupled with shaft through shear pin & central bolt. The runner and shaft
coupling are realized by several pins that transmit the torque. This design with central bolt
and shear pins consists of a central bolt from draft tube side to fix the runner to the shaft. The
torque transmission to the shaft shall be done via shear pins. The Francis runner is shown
below.
Spiral Casing
The spiral case is a welded structure which is semi embedded vertically. Major components
of the spiral case are its segments, stay rings and stay vanes. Stay ring is a welded steel
plate designed to direct water from spiral casing to the wicket gate. The stay ring is provided
with adequate number of fixed stay vanes. The spiral case also consists of an inlet flange for
connection to the main inlet valve. It incorporates foundation feet and anchor bolts for
levelling the foundation feet. A hand hole for inspection purpose is included. In addition, a
drainage pipe connection at the lowest point of spiral case as well as a by-pass connection is
provided.
Connection tabs for instrumentation and air relief valve at the top most point of the spiral
case are provided.
Spiral case and stay rings are designed to withstand maximum transient pressures under the
worst condition of head and load with adequate safety margin. Hence, the spiral case will be
pressure tested in workshop at 1.5 times of the design pressure.
The spiral case is fabricated according to IS 2062 standard.
Head Cover
The function of head cover is to seal the turbine room from water leakages and take the axial
load acting on the runner crown side chamber. In addition, it contains the wicket gate
bearings and gives support to the shaft seal housing. It also contains the runner seal wearing
rings. The contact surface at the wicket gate blade position is corrosion protected by facing
plates. The wearing ring provides a seal between the runner and the stationary part of the
turbine and is bolted to the head cover assembly. Inspection holes are provided to check the
seal gaps.
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The head cover consists of head cover, facing plates, coupling connection with stay ring,
hole for wicket gate stem bearing, coupling provision for runner crown seal wear ring, holes
for relief pipes, connection for clearance check at crown seal position and coupling provision
for shaft seal.
The head cover is a single plate design made of Structural Carbon Steel plates according to
IS 2062.
Bottom Ring
Bottom ring contains the wicket gate lower stem bearings. Welded discharge ring assembly
consists of the bottom ring and discharge ring welded together. The wearing ring shall be
bolted with the discharge ring from the draft tube side.
Bottom ring and discharge rings are made of Structural Carbon Steel plates according to IS
2062.
Wicket Gates
The wicket gates are machined according to hydraulic shape and are mounted between the
Head Cover & Bottom Ring. To allow for smooth movement of the Wicket Gates, self-
lubricating bearings are used. The self-lubricated bearings are mounted in the bearing
housing. A thrust ring is provided at the upper stem. The wicket gates are casted from ASTM
A 743 Grade CA-6 NM.
Draft Tube
The draft tube shape is hydraulically optimized and is of circular shape design. As an
embedded part, the draft tube is normally assembled at site depending upon its size. The
draft tube cone is of welded steel plates and have machined flanged for bolting with turbine
discharge ring. The draft tube is reinforced sufficiently on the outside by means of suitable
ribs.
All parts of draft tube are made of Carbon Steel Plates according to IS 2062.
7.5.4 Turbine-Generator arrangement
The turbine runner will be directly mounted on the extended shaft of the generator. For
smaller sized machine, this type of arrangement is usually adopted and has benefits like
easy installation, lesser space for turbine-generator and is economical.
Table 7-1: Francis Turbine Details
S.N. Description Parameters
1 Type Vertical Francis
2 Design Discharge 17.0 m3/s
3 Net Head, rated turbine 102.8 m
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4 Rated efficiency 92 %
5 Rated Output 16,305 kW + 10% COL
6 Synchronous speed 300 rpm
7 Critical Speed 540 rpm
8 Rotation from Gen.Side 15% above runaway speed
Figure 7-6: Vertical Arrangement of Turbine and Generator
7.6 Electrical Equipment
7.6.1 General
The purpose of the study pertaining to electrical equipment is to identify and dimension the
principal components of the powerhouse electrical equipment for safe and economic plant
operation of Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project. The powerhouse electrical equipment of the
project includes generators, transformers, switchgears, protection schemes, control systems,
earthing systems, lighting systems, communication systems, etc. The ratings of the
equipment are designed safely to cope with all normal and fault conditions, avoiding any
overstressing of material and equipment. Also, equipment will be of standard design
(IEC/IEEE/IS/BS whichever is applicable), providing highest degree of safety, reliability,
availability and ease in operation.
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7.6.2 Generator
Self-excited, self-regulated, vertical axis, three phase, cylindrical pole synchronous
generators built in accordance with IEC standard are proposed to be used. The generators
will have capacity to incorporate sufficient flywheel inertia to achieve stable frequency control
when running in isolated mode. The generator shall have anti-friction / sleeve bearing.
The stator core of the generator will be constituted of stacking of laminations made of silicon
alloy steel sheets. In the axial direction the stator core is subdivided into a number of partial
stacks separated by spacers. These spacers form radial cooling ducts allowing the cooling
air to pass. Stator winding of the generator is a double layer, multi-turn lap type coil winding.
The stator winding is short pitched to suppress harmonics and to obtain nearly sine wave
curve. It will be made of individually insulated stranded copper conductors, stacked and form-
pressed to constitute coils or half coils with the design cross section. Each coil will be
insulated for the full generator voltage.
The rotor will be of the cylindrical pole type and built in accordance with the best practice and
designed to withstand safely all overloads and other stresses encountered during abnormal
operating or runaway speed conditions. The poles will be built of thin steel laminations,
bolted under high pressure and furnished with dovetails for fastening to the rotor rim. Rotor
will be designed so as to allow dismantling of the poles without excessive disassembly of the
stator or rotor.
The damper winding will be installed on pole faces with interconnecting type windings in
order to maintain the stable operation of the generator. The generator will be capable of
withstanding, without damage, a 30-second, 3-phase short circuit at its terminal when
operating at rated MVA, at rated power factor and at 10% over voltage with fixed excitation.
The generator shaft will adopt single shaft structure. It will have maximum rigidity and
strength so as to guarantee no abnormal deformation and vibration at various speeds (inclu-
ding maximum runaway speed) when run together with the turbine. The generator shaft shall
be made of a high-quality medium carbon steel, properly heat treated and accurately
machined all over and polished at the bearing surfaces and at all accessible points for
alignment checks. A complete set of test reports covering metallurgical strength & ultrasonic
tests performed on each shaft shall be furnished.
The generators will have enough electric heaters and de-humidifiers and arranged in fan
shield of generator to protect them from moisture during shut down and to enable a start up
at any time without drying procedure. Insulation and other parts of the generators will not be
damaged when electric heater runs.
Resistance type temperature detectors of PT-100 simplex / duplex type shall be installed
between the upper and the lower layer of the same phase and are symmetrically distributed
in the stator winding over all three phases to indicate the temperature obtained during
operation. An auxiliary terminal box having suitable terminal blocks shall be mounted on the
generator frame to terminate the resistor element connections. The temperature detector
leads shall be kept flexible to facilitate disconnecting them without breakage.
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Table 7-2: Generator Data
1 Type Cylindrical pole, synchronous
2 Capacity 18,510 kVA + 10% COL
3 Number 3
4 Power Factor 0.85
5 Generator Voltage 11 kV
6 Generator Current 971.52 A
6 Frequency 50 Hz
7 Class of Insulation F
8 Protection IP54
9 Excitation System Type Brushless
10 Efficiency 96.5 %
11 Heating class B
12 Number of Poles 20
13 Synchronous Speed 300 rpm
Generator fire protection will be provided by CO2. The activation of the CO2 fire protection
system will be conditional to the operation of the flame or smoke detectors in the generator
hall combined with the operation of the generator differential protection or a manual push
button instruction. Upon receipt of a signal from the fire detectors and of the generator
differential relays, an alarm will be initiated. The CO2 release will only be initiated after a
preset time delay in order to allow evacuation of the personnel in the hall at that moment
unless the operation is aborted by manual interruption instruction.
The generator shall have following major protection systems:
a) Reverse power relay,
b) Loss of field relay,
c) High speed trip relay,
d) Generator differential protection relay,
e) Under and over frequency relays,
f) Loss of synchronization relay,
g) Field ground detect relay,
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h) Negative phase sequence relay,

i) Over voltage/Under voltage relay, and
j) Stator earth fault relay.
7.6.3 Generation Voltage Level

The generated voltage for Sani Bheri 3 Hydropower Project is 11 kV. Switchgear panels will
be located inside the control room together with switchgear components (like VCBs, CTs,
PTs, etc.). These switchgear panels will have in-built bus bar cabinets housed in its back.
Each generator’s output terminals will be connected to this 11-kV bus bar system with XLPE
power cable of adequate size. The switchgear and other protection and control components
will accompany them in the switchgear panel to complete the incoming generation power
circuit.
The switchgears will be provided with housing to install the required set of current
transformers and potential transformers for metering and protection.
Each generator will be synchronized on 11 kV vacuum circuit breaker. All the generator
circuit breakers and fuse switches will be arranged in one continuous row accessible from
the front side with sufficient space on both side of the switchgear assembly for safe
operations. Individual switchgear panels for each generator incomer and outgoing feeder will
be provided to complete the generation level switchgear system.
This switchgear system will work in co-ordination with the control panels accommodated in
the control room.
7.6.4 Generator Braking

Generator shall be provided with hydraulic operated brakes of sufficient capacity to bring
rotating parts of generator and turbine to stop from 30 % of rated speed.
7.6.5 Generator Grounding

The principle objective of grounding synchronous generator system is the protection of the
generator and associated equipment against damage caused by abnormal electrical
conditions. Grounding in Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project is achieved by the intentional
insertion of resistance on the secondary of Neutral Grounding Transformer as shown in SLD.
Each generator unit will be equipped with transformer, self-ventilated, dry, resistive type
grounding system. The rated voltage of the resistor shall be 110 V and shall be made up of
alloy of Chrome, Aluminum and Iron.
7.6.6 Excitation and Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

Each generator of Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project will be equipped with brushless
excitation system consisting of a 3-phase AC exciter and silicon diode type rotating Rectifier
Bridge mounted on the generator shaft extension. The system shall be complete along with
surge suppressor, automatic voltage regulator of solid-state type with Thyristor Bridge and
field suppression equipment, etc.
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The protection against voltage spikes shall be provided. The AVR shall have fast response
and anti-hunting features. The AVR shall be provided with cross compensating devices for
parallel operation of generators.
The excitation transformer of sufficient size, with 11 kV on primary side shall be used. The
Transformer shall be of dry type.
The excitation shall be suitable for maintaining the voltage for a grid voltage variation of ±
10% & for a frequency variation of ± 5%. The AVR shall be sensitive enough to track and
respond the changes up to +/- 0.5% of normal voltage (average of 3 phases) of the
Generator when operating under steady load conditions (for any load) or excitation within
operating range and shall initiate corrective action without hunting. The response time of
excitation system shall be less than 20 ms.
After the initial maximum voltage following any load rejection up to 100% of rated load, the
AVR shall restore the terminal voltage to a value not more than 5% above or below the
voltage being held before load rejection and shall maintain the voltage within these limits
throughout the period of generator over speed.
The AVR shall have the following features:
a. Two auto channels with one manual mode for voltage control
b. Voltage / frequency during accelerating and decelerating of machine
c. Power factor / KVAR control mode
d. Reactive power shedding
e. KVAR limit
f. Short circuit limit
g. Diode failure indication
Besides these, equipment for limiting and regulating (both automatic/manual mode) on
generator rotor current shall be included. Voltage setting devices and necessary control
switches shall be included. This equipment shall be of a tropical design and shall work
satisfactorily at a temperature of maximum 40°C.
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Figure 7-7: Excitation System
7.6.7 Power Transformers

Power transformers are used to step-up the generated power so as to evacuate the
generated power to the nearest substation. The main transformer in Sani Bheri 3
Hydroelectric Project shall have two (2) numbers of 3-phase, outdoor, oil immersed, and
ONAN type, each of 14.50 MVA, for step up the voltage from 11 kV to 132 kV.
Table 7-3: Data for Power Transformer
1 Number of Transformers 2
2 Type 3-phase, outdoor, oil immersed
3 Cooling ONAN
4 Rating 30 MVA
5 Rated Voltage Primary side – 11 kV and Secondary Side

-132 kV
6 Maximum Voltage (Line to Line) Primary side – 12 kV and Secondary Side

-145 kV
7 Current on HV side and LV side HV side 121.44 A and LV side 1457.28 A
7 Type of Tap changing On Load on High Voltage side
8 Tap Changing Range ±10% in Steps of 2.5
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9 Principal tapping 132 kV
10 Vector Group reference YNd11
11 Efficiency ≥ 99 %
The transformer will be installed outdoor. The transformer will be oil immersed and designed
for the cooling system as specified. The transformer will be capable of operating continuously
at its rated output at all tap positions without exceeding the temperature rise limits.
The incoming side (low voltage side) will be suitable for terminating appropriate sized XLPE
cables inside the cable terminating chamber. The termination arrangement will include cable
terminations for delta connection of the transformer windings besides the phase cable
termination. The outgoing side high voltage terminals will be brought out through high voltage
bushing for connecting to other high voltage apparatus of the switchyard. The neutral points
will be brought out on suitable bushings installed and will be solidly grounded via appropriate
conductors. Following Protections are implemented in Power Transformers at Sani Bheri 3
Hydroelectric Project.
a) Transformer differential Protection (87T)
b) Restricted Earth fault Protection (64T)

c) Thermal Protection (49)
d) Pressure Relief device (63)
e) Buchholz (gas operated relays) protection

f) Low Oil level alarm
g) Over voltage/Under voltage protection
h) Over Frequency/Under Frequency protection
i) Rate of Change of Frequency Protection
7.6.8 Station Transformer

Auxiliary transformer or station supply transformers provide electrical supply to the power
house electrical equipment. The auxiliary transformer, used for station power supply, shall be
three phase, indoor, dry epoxy resin moulded type of 400 kVA.
Table 7-4: Data for Station Transformer

1 Number of Transformers 1 x 3-Phase
2 Type Indoor
3 Cooling Dry type
4 Rating 400 kVA
5 Rated Voltage (Line to Line) Primary side – 11 kV and Secondary side -
0.4 kV
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6 Type of Tap changing Off Circuit Tap Changer (OCTC)

7 Tap Changing Range ±5% in Steps of 2.5
8 Principal tapping 0.4 kV
9 Vector Group reference Dyn11
7.6.9 Switchgears
Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project consists of two (2) numbers of AC generators each rated
11 kV, 50 Hz, 13,330 kVA, 0.85 power factor (lag) and connected to 132 kV system outdoor
switchyard through two (2) numbers of 3-phase power transformers each rated at 14.50
MVA. Each generator output is connected to the 11 kV busbar through a 11 kV switchgear
consisting of vacuum circuit breaker (VCB).
Each generator shall be synchronized with 11 kV Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB). All the
generator circuit breakers and fuse switches will be arranged in one row accessible from the
front side with sufficient space on both sides of the switchgear assembly for safe operations.
There will be following number of switchgears in PH.
a. 3 No. of 11 kV Generator output switchgear

b. 2 No. of 11 KV Transformer incoming switchgears
c. 1 No. of 11 kV switchgear for auxiliary transformer
d. 1 No. of 11 kV switchgear for dam-site distribution transformer
e. NGT & LAVT panels with LA, PTs and surge protection capacitor of appropriate ratings
Each switchgear comprises of:
a. Vacuum Circuit Breaker

b. Cable box for incoming and outgoing XLPE insulated copper cables
c. Current transformers
d. One unit of voltage transformer sets for synchronization for each generating unit.
e. NGT & LAVT panels with LA, PTs and surge protection capacitor of appropriate ratings
f. Air insulated three phase bus-bar system, extensible to make connection with the bus-
bars of other adjacent panels
Table 7-5: Data for Generator and Transformer Incomer Circuit Breaker

1 Type Vacuum, Metal Enclosed, Cubicle Indoor
Type
2 Rated Voltage 12 kV
3 Rated Current 1250 A
4 Frequency 50 Hz
5 Insulation level (Power Freq. withstand/BIL) 28 kV/75 kVpK
6 Short Circuit Breaking Current 25 kA rms
7 Short Circuit current Duration 3 secs
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8 Operating Sequence O-0.3 sec-CO-3 min-CO

9 Closing Coil & Opening Coil Supply Voltage 110 VDC
10 Motor Supply Voltage 230 V AC
7.6.10 Current Transformer (CT)

The current transformers will be of dry, synthetic resin insulated type. All secondary
connections will be connected to a terminal block which will be located in a dust-proof and
watertight terminal box and will be clearly labeled. An earth connection to the housing will be
provided.
The indoor current transformers will be designed to carry continuously a current of 120% of
the rated current. The rated current of the secondary windings will be 1 A.
Table 7-6: Details of 11 kV Current Transformer
1 Rated current ratio 1200/1 A
2 Burden During Detail Engineering
3 Accuracy Class 0.5-Instruments,5P20/PS-

Protection
4 Insulation Level:
5 Impulse withstand voltage (Peak) 75 kV
6 Power frequency withstand voltage (1 min, rms)

28 kV
7.6.11 Voltage Transformer (PT)

The indoor voltage transformers will be of the single-phase dry synthetic resin type. All
primary and secondary connections will be clearly marked. An earth connection to the
housing will be provided. Earthing of the cores and the neutrals will be done on the
transformers and not on the terminal boxes. The windings for measuring purposes will be
designed for accuracy according to class 0.5/0.2 as per the voltage level. The voltage
transformers will have an additional secondary winding for earth fault protection, connected
in open delta with a resistive burden. The accuracy class will be 3P/6P.The secondary will be
provided with miniature circuit breakers with alarm contacts and primary will be protected
with a fuse.
The burdens of all windings will not be less than 125% of the overall computed (design)
burden of the connected apparatus including cables.
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Table 7-7: Details of 11 kV Potential Transformer
S.N. Particular Specifications

1 Type Indoor, dry synthetic resin type
2 Rated primary voltage 11 kV/√3
3 Rated secondary voltage 0.11 kV/√3
4 Impulse withstand voltage (peak) 75 kV
5 Power Frequency withstand voltage(peak) 28 kV
6 Frequency 50 Hz
7.6.12 Lightning Arrestors

The lightning arresters will be of the gapless metal oxide type. The generator will be
protected against incoming voltage surges by means of lightning arresters connected
between phases and earth.
The outdoor lightning arresters will be mounted on steel structures and will be fitted with a
pressure relief device. Surge counters shall be supplied. The earth conductor from the
arrester to the counter, as well as the terminal of the counter, will be suitably insulated or
screen protected against accidental touching.
The Lightning Arrestors for the protection of generator will be of rated arrestor voltage of 10
kV.
Table 7-8: Details of 11 kV Lighting Arrestor

1 Type Indoor, gapless Zno arrestor
2 Frequency 50 Hz
3 System voltage 11 kV
4 Rated voltage 10 kV
5 Impulse withstand voltage (peak) 75 kV
6 Power frequency withstand voltage 25 kV
7 Nominal discharge current 10 kA
7.6.13 Governor
Each turbine is controlled by a microprocessor controlled proportional integral derivative
(PID) governor in combination with the oil pressure unit to operate the turbine guide vanes
for regulation of the unit. The main features of the governor include:
a. Programming capabilities for automatic control of guide vane openings to regulate

maximum output of turbine
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b. Shutdown of the unit in case of emergency

Governors are provided for the automatic control of the turbines during load variation. The
electronic governors in combination with the oil pressure unit acts on the turbine guide vanes
for regulating the turbine flow. Each electronic governor has its own oil pressure unit/system.
The oil pressure unit consists of a sump tank, N2 filed accumulator pressure tank, and gear
pumps.
For maintaining oil pressure in the system, a jockey pump is supplied. Essential controls and
piping connections to the governor relay valve and servomotors of the turbine guide vane is
also provided. The capacity of governor pumps and servomotors for wicket gate and inlet
valve shall be suitably selected. Further discussions on oil pressure unit are provided on
succeeding sections.
The governor panel and oil pressure unit will be located on the turbine floor near to the
turbine.
Conceptual governing system architecture is presented as below
Figure 7-8: Governing System Architect
7.6.14 Powerhouse Electric Overhead Travelling Crane

One Powerhouse Electric Overhead Travelling Crane of 10/35T capacity to handle the
equipment inside the powerhouse will be installed. The capacity of main hoist (35 ton) is
determined considering a single piece generator. The auxiliary hoist of 10 ton will be used for
lifting smaller loads inside the powerhouse during installation as well as operation period.
The crane will be complete with drives for cross travel, long travel and lifting motion, runaway
rails of adequate size, end carriages & gantry rail. All motions operated from a pendant,
operated by an operator on the machine hall floor.
The gears will be helical type and all bearing and other wearing surface will be splash oil
lubricated. The DC Electromagnetic shoe with EHT braking system will be provided.
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7.6.15 Diesel Generator

It is proposed that one emergency generator set be installed in the diesel generator building
to provide an emergency source of power in the event of a system and power outage. The
diesel generator would be of adequate rating to supply sufficient power to enable the black
starting of one unit, and the operation of drainage pumps, a governor oil pump, a bearing oil
pump, an air compressor for governor system, and feed the battery chargers. The diesel
Generator for power house purpose will be of 175 kVA, 400 V, 50 Hz, 3-phase type. The
diesel generator shall have heating class B, insulation class F and IP23 type of Protection of
enclosure.
7.6.16 DC Power Supply

For the utmost reliability, the Control, Protection, Alarm, and Tele-metering equipment will be
fed from a dc supply. The emergency lighting can be dc, autonomous individual units or with
UPS (uninterruptable power supply). For the purpose of this study, a dc battery supplied
emergency lighting has been selected. The DC Auxiliary system in Sani Bheri 3 Hydropower
Project will have 110V/1000 Ah DC battery bank. A DC–DC converter shall generate 48 V
DC, from110 V DC system and 24 V DC, if required. The NiCd maintenance free batteries
with rated life of at least twenty (20) years are used for DC Auxiliary system of Sani Bheri 3
Hydropower Project.
One no. of float and float cum boost charger (SCR controlled) operating on 3-phase, 415 V,
50 Hz, AC supply of solid-state design to charge the battery shall be used. The operation of
the charger shall be automatic. Normally, float charger will be feeding the load and charging
battery. In case battery requires boost charging the same shall be done automatically.
The following meters shall be provided in the charger
A.C Voltmeter 0 – 500 V

D.C. Ammeter
D.C Voltmeter 0-200 V, DC
Centre zero DC Ammeter 50 A- 0 – 50 A for battery.
AC supply failure relay
Rectifier fuse failure relay
Charger failure relay
Battery earth fault relay
Over current Relay.
Auxiliary Relay
7.6.17 Grounding / Earthing System

Adequate earthling is necessary to be provided inside the powerhouse and the switchyard.
The grounding/earthling grid will be designed such that the touch and step potentials will be
within the safety margin. The overall grid earth resistance will not exceed 1 ohm.
The low grounding resistance will be achieved by increasing the grounding area i.e.,
interconnecting the powerhouse ground system with the tailrace pond and other areas (as
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satellite area). The ground resistivity measurements will be required which will be performed
during the detail design of the grounding grid.
Power House roof shall be provided with lightning spikes properly connected to ground mat.
7.6.18 Black Start/ Island Mode Operation

The power plant shall have black start facilities and shall be able to operate in islanding
mode operation. The detail of islanding mode of the operation shall be as fixed in the
connection agreement or as per the NEA grid code.
7.6.19 Communication System

For communications between Sani Bheri 3 Power house, other power houses / substations
together with the Load Dispatch Center (LDC) of NEA, trunk dialing telephone system either
CDMA, V-SAT communication or Landline phone will be used.
In the control room one or more telephone services will also be installed for trunk dialing
communications with the LDC and other substations.
An automatic PABX telephone system is envisaged for the communication between different
sections of powerhouse, offices, the residence of operational staffs, guard house and head
work area.
7.6.20 Illumination
400V/230V, 50 Hz, 4-wire star connections supply will provide single phase supply for the
illumination circuits for normal lighting. The normal lighting in the rooms of the power house
through corresponding Distribution Boards (DBs) will be by energy efficient LED fixtures.
Apart from this arrangement, emergency DC supply circuits and fixtures will provide
illuminations, in critical areas when supply from Station auxiliary transformer fails. In the
entrance incandescent lamp lighting fixtures will be installed. The lighting level / illuminations
designed are presented below:
• 450 lux – for the Control room, Office room, Electrical workshop, Mechanical workshop,
service bay in the Alternator/Generator floor.
• 300 lux – for the LV-switchgear room, MV- switchgear room, Battery room and other
facilities.
• 200 lux – for the pump pits and surge shaft area.
• 150 lux – for the stair cases.
Socket outlets will be provided in the office room; control room; battery room and service
bay, alternator and turbine floor.
7.6.21 Control and SCADA System

The computer supervisory and control system at Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project shall
adopt the full distributed mode in open environment in accordance with international open
system concepts so that compatibility of selection of various computers, translatability of
system expanding and renewal of equipment shall be assured. The open environment shall
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include application development environment, user interface environment and interlink of

system environment, which shall comply with the specifications of the open environment
recommended by international open system organizations.
The computer supervisory and control system shall have station control level and local
control unit level.The station control level, real time supervisor and control center of the plant
shall be responsible for automatic functions of the whole plant (AGC, AVC, generating
optimization control etc.), historical data process (various operation tables, operation
archives of important equipment and various operating parameters etc.) and man machine
dialogue of whole plant (operation monitor of plant equipment, accident and failure alarm,
manual intervention of operating equipment, modifying and setting of various parameters for
the Computer Supervisory and Control System). Station control level shall be made up of the
relevant equipment located at computer room and central control room. The computer will
adopt dual computers for redundancy and hot standby. At normal condition a computer
works and the other is backing-up. When master computer receives failure, the computer is
changed-over by back-up.
The local Control unit (LCU) shall have turbine-generator local control unit. Each LCU shall
manipulate production procedures and accomplish the supervision and control functions
under controlling. LCUs will be connected with the production procedures by means of input
and output interface, with the network by communication interface and exchanging
information with control level through network. The information shall be exchanged among
LCUs. LCUs may be independent from control level relatively. They shall directly finish real
time data acquisition and pre-processing, supervision, adjustment and control etc. of unit
equipment conditions with station control level divorced.
The operator’s console in the central control room shall be equipped with CRT display that
displays operation conditions of the power station. When the power station is under normal
operation, the operator can monitor the conditions of each equipment in the power station.
The major monitoring items shall be as follow:Operating conditions and output of generating
units
a. Operating conditions of auxiliary equipment of the generating units

b. Operating conditions of the transformers
c. Status of circuit breakers, disconnectors, and earthing switches.
d. Operating conditions and transmission power of power lines
e. Opening level of gates, inlet valves, etc.
f. Operation mode of station service power, and
g. Other important parameters
When the system receives any fault or the equipment has abnormality during operation, the
supervisory control system shall automatically give alarm in both sound and picture striking
to the eye to indicate nature, location, time and abnormal parameter values of the event.
7.7 Switchyard at Power House

132 kV outdoor type switchyard shall be constructed near the powerhouse to evacuate the
generated power. The switchyard components shall be suitable for hot, humid and
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moderately polluted environment. The switchgear system for this switchyard shall be
equipped with circuit breakers, current transformers, potential transformers, disconnecting
switches with/without earthing and lightning arrestors and synchronous check relay, etc. for
132 kV incoming and outgoing circuits. The switchgear system here will work in coordination
with the associated control panels accommodated in the control room and shall ensure the
overall protection of the switchyard.
Table 7-9: Data for Transformer outgoing Circuit Breaker
1 Type SF6, Metal Enclosed, Cubicle

Outdoor Type
4 Frequency 50 Hz
Table 7-10: Data for 132 kV Bus Bar Outgoing/Incomer Circuit Breaker
1 Type SF6, Metal Enclosed, Cubicle

Outdoor Type
4 Frequency 50 Hz
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Table 7-11: Data for 132 kV Isolator

1 Applicable standard IEC
2 Type 3 pole, single throw,
outdoor, Center Break
3 Frequency 50 Hz
4 Rated voltage 132 kV
5 Rated current
Continuous at 40-degree C ambient 1250 A
Short time current for 3 sec 40 kA
6 Insulation level
Impulse withstand voltage 650 kV
b) Power frequency withstand voltage (1 min, rms) 275 kV
7 Main contacts
Material of fixed contacts copper alloy
Coating of fixed contacts Silver plated
Material of moving contacts
Coating of moving contacts Silver plated
Material of the contacts of the copper alloy
earthing switch
Coating of the contacts of
the silver
earthing switch plated
8 Operating mechanism Motor and Manual
operated
9 No of operations switch can withstand without Minimum 1000
deterioration of contacts
10 Auxiliary power supply
Space heater and cubicle 230 V, 1-Ph
Control circuit 110 V DC
Operating motor 400/230 V AC
11 Local operating device provided Yes
12 Insulator
Reference standard IEC
Creepage distance in air 900 mm
Number of Stacked/type 1/Solid Core Post Type
13 Enclosure protection IP-55W
Thickness of sheet (minimum) 2 (for steel) mm
3 (for Al. alloy) mm
14 Earthing switch
Operating mechanism Manual
Type of interlocks furnished Electrical & Mechanical
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Table 7-12: Details of 132 kV Potential Transformer

1 Type Outdoor
2 Rated primary voltage 132 kV/√3
3 Rated secondary voltage 0.11 kV/√3
4 Insulation Level 275 kV/650 kV
5 Frequency 50 Hz
7 Accuracy 0.2 – Instruments,3P-
Protection
Table 7-13: Details of 132 kV Current Transformer
1 Rated current ratio 150/1 A & 300/1 A
3 Accuracy Class 0.2-Instruments,5P20/PS-

Protection
4 Insulation Level:
Impulse withstand voltage (Peak) 650 kV
Power frequency withstand voltage (1min, rms)

275 kV
Table 7-14: Details of 132 kV Lightning Arrestor

1 Type Outdoor, gapless Zno arrestor
2 Frequency 50 Hz
3 System voltage 132 kV
4 Rated voltage 110 kV/phase
5 Insulation Level 275 kV/650 kV
6 Nominal discharge current 40 kA
7.8 Inter-connection Point

132 kV outdoor type switchyard shall be constructed at NEA Planned Baphikot Substation
(220/132 kV) to evacuate the generated power. The switchyard components shall be suitable
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for hot, humid and moderately polluted environment. The switchgear system for this
switchyard shall be equipped with circuit breakers, current transformers, potential
transformers, disconnecting switches with/without earthing and lightning arrestors, metering
units, etc. for 132 kV outgoing circuits as per the arrangement and standard of the already
installed electrical equipment over there; complete connection scheme shall be finalized
during the connection agreement. A single line diagram for the standard Interconnection
arrangement is provided in the List of Electrical Drawings. The switchgear system here will
work in coordination with the associated control panels accommodated in the control room
and shall ensure the overall protection of the switchyard.
7.8.1 Metering Scheme at Interconnection Substation

To measure import and export of energy between User and Owner’s system, Bi-directional
(Import and Export) Energy Meters (Main and Check Meters) shall be installed at proposed
substation as shown in SLD. The Main and Check Meters shall be able to record the
followings:
Voltage (KV)
Current (A)
Power Factor (Lead and Lag)
Frequency (Hz)
MW or KW
MWh or KWh (import and export)
MVAr or KVAr (import and export)
In addition, KW meter, KVAr meter, PF meter, Ammeter and Voltmeter shall be installed at
control panel inside control building of substation for 132 kV system to measure respective
quantities.
7.9 Power evacuation/Transmission Line

Sani Bheri 3 Hydropower Project shall construct 132 kV single circuit ACSR WOLF conductor
transmission line (approximately 4 km) up to the switchyard of proposed Baphikot substation.
Main and Check meters of accuracy class 0.1 shall be installed at NEA’s proposed Baphikot
-220 kV Substation at Rukum West District, Province No.5, Nepal for the purpose of
Revenue Metering.
7.10 Hydromechanical Works
7.10.1 General
The purpose of the study pertaining to hydraulic steel structures is to identify and dimension
the principal components of the hydraulic steel structures for safe and economic plant
operation of Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project.
Hydromechanical works to be done at Head Works, Settling basin, Tunnel Inlet, and Tailrace
of sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project mainly consist of the following:
Head Works
• Barrage
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• Undersluice gates
• Stoplogs
• Intake gates
• Trashracks
• Stoplogs
• Gravel flushing gates and stoplogs
• Approach tunnel inlet gates
• Settling basin Flushing gates
Tailrace
• Tailrace outlet gates
7.10.2 Description of the Hydraulic Steel Structures

7.10.2.1 Hydraulic Gates, Stoplogs and Trashracks
Hydraulic gates will be provided at different locations of headwork, settling basin, and tailrace
for regulation of discharge, maintenance of the structures and emergency purpose. Hydraulic
gates will be fixed wheel, radial gates, and sliding and/or flap type. Vertical lift fixed wheel
and slide type of gates are proposed according to their function and purpose.
7.10.2.2 Barrage Radial Gate

Three sets of hydraulically operated radial gate shall be proposed in weir bays sluice bay at
bedload flushing channel at left bank of river above weir axis adjacent to intake orifice. Gate
helps to seal the undersluice channel and control sedimentation in front of the intake. Other
details are as follows.
Sill Elevation El 1040.00 masl
Soffit Level El 1049.00 masl
Design Head 18.50 m
Width 8.00 m
Height 9.00 m
Quantity 3 Sets
7.10.2.3 Barrage stoplogs

A gantry crane operated stoplog shall be proposed at upstream of radial gate. Stoplog helps
for the maintenance of undersluice channel and the radial gate. Other details are as follows.
Sill Elevation El 1040.00 masl
Soffit Level El 1049.00 masl
Design Head 18.50 m
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Width 8.00 m
Height 9.00 m
Quantity 3 Sets
7.10.2.4 Intake Gates

Vertical lift fixed wheel type gate will be provided at intake for regulation of flow. It shall
consist of gate leaf, guide frame, guide rollers, and hoisting equipment. It will be made of
structural steel as stated above and will be of all welded construction. Rubber seals will be
provided for water tightness of the gates. Guide frame of gate will consist of a sill beam, side
frames, and lintel beam. Hoisting equipment of suitable capacity will be provided for lifting
and lowering the gate. The principal dimensions and main features of the gates are
presented below:
Clear width : 4m
Height : 5.20m
Sill elevation : El. 1041.50
Total number of gates : 4
7.10.2.5 Intake Coarse Trashracks

The intake trash-rack shall prevent larger floating, or semi-floating matters entering the intake
and settling basins.
Four sets of trashrack will be provided at the Intake for the purpose of preventing injurious
matter and floating matter going to the water turbines and other equipment. Clear opening
(width between bars) of the rack bars will be smaller than the smallest opening between the
runner blades. Trash rack will be designed to withstand the impact forces, static loads and
vibration phenomena which are likely to occur due to the flow of water through rack bars.
Suitable trash cleaning equipment will be provided at coarse and fine trashracks.
Each trash rack will be made of structural steel plates spaced parallel to each other by
spacers. It will be supported by horizontal beam, built up type construction and fixed by the
steel bolts, nuts and washer. Rack bar spacing will be of suitable size.
It will consist of the bar elements, supporting beams and all other necessary components.
The trashrack panels will be fixed on the supporting beams using corrosion-resisting bolts,
nuts and washers. The bars elements of the trash rack will be of rectangular section bars.
Suitable thickness of the bars shall be used. All bar elements shall be rigidly fixed on the
supporting beams to prevent vibration.
Supporting beams will be of I-beam, H-beam, built-up and/or angle type steel construction
and all or both ends of the beams shall be embedded in the concrete structure. The
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maximum deflection of the supporting beams shall be less than 1/500 of the clear span at the
center under full load.
7.10.2.6 Stoplogs at Intake

Stoplogs will be provided for repair and maintenance of Intake gate. It will be handled by the
gantry crane at Intake. They will be stored partly in the upper section of the stoplog slot and
in the separate storage pit if required near the operating deck.
7.10.2.7 Approach Culvert Inlet Gates and Stoplogs

Vertical lift fixed wheel type gate will be provided at approach culvert inlet. It shall consist of
gate leaf, guide frame, guide rollers, and hoisting equipment. It will be made of structural
steel as stated above and will be of all welded construction. Rubber seals will be provided for
water tightness of the gates. Guide frame of gate will consist of a sill beam, side frames, and
lintel beam. Hoisting equipment of suitable capacity will be provided for lifting and lowering
the gate. The principal dimensions and main features of the gates are presented below:
Clear width : 5.20m
Height : 5.20m
Sill elevation : El. 1040.96 masl
Total number of gates : 1
7.10.2.8 Settling basin flushing Gates

The gates shall consist of gate leaf, guide frame, guide rollers, and hoisting equipment. The
gates will be made of structural steel as stated above and will be of all welded construction.
Rubber seals will be provided for water tightness of the gates. The guide frame of gate will
consist of a sill beam, side frames, and lintel beam. The hoisting equipment of suitable
capacity will be provided for lifting and lowering the gate.
7.10.2.9 Penstock protection Valve

In order to ease of maintenance of penstock pipe and powerhouse equipment, butterfly valve
is provisioned at the downstream of the surge shaft. This valve prevents problem of
dewatering of the water filled in the headrace tunnel during the maintenance period. The
provision of such gate found much beneficial to protect the penstock pipe.
7.10.2.10 Tailrace Gates

Tailrace gate of size of 4.70m wide and 6.70m high are provided at the outlet of the
powerhouse. This gate prevents the back water flow from the Sani Bheri River in the case of
flash flooding and helps in during maintenance. Vertical gates are operated by a hoisting
mechanism.
7.10.2.11 Steel Penstock Pipe

The steel penstock of Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project will consist of straight pipes, bends,
branches (manifolds), seepage rings, manholes and other necessary components. The
internal design pressure will be the sum of the static water pressure and water hammer.
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Density of the steel is 7850 kg/m3. Penstock will be designed to take of internal and external
pressure by shell itself. Total length of penstock pipe is 180m and the internal diameter of the
pipe is 4100mm. Thickness of the steel penstock pipe will vary from 16mm to 28mm.
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8 POWER AND ENERGY
8.1 General
This chapter deals with the power generation from the project. The energy from the plant is
computed based on the available hydrological data, gross head available and head loss in
different forms (entrance loss, friction loss, transition loss, bend loss and exit loss). The prime
factor in generation of electricity is the discharge which in fact varies daily and seasonally.
Moreover, the efficiency of the turbine and hydraulic loss of head also vary with variation of
discharge. The generation of monthly energy considering the above factors has been
discussed in this chapter.
8.2 Methodology
Energy generation varies according to the available discharge in the river. There will be daily
and seasonal variation in the flow and hence will be the production of energy. The water
surface elevation (FSL and MDL) will also be different according to the season which is
considered in the estimation of energy.
The plant capacity of this project at 40% exceedance flow is 46.30MW and the
corresponding design discharge is 51 m3/s. The generated energy will be sold to Nepal
Electricity Authority (NEA).
8.3 Energy Definition

The various terms used are defined below:
8.3.1 Dry Season Energy:

It is defined as the portion of the hydrologically available energy during the months Paush,
Magh Falgun and Chaitra (Mid Dec – Mid Apr). These months are the driest months of the
year in Nepali calendar.
8.3.2 Wet Season Energy:

It is defined as the energy generation above the dry season energy limited by the installed
capacity. In other words, wet season energy is the difference between the energy based on
the average hydrology and the dry season energy.
8.4 Head Loss

As our project is a medium head plant, small increase or decrease of headloss brings major
changes in the energy and power output of project. Hence, a precise headloss calculation is
required to forecast energy and power output of the project. Headloss occurs in a flow
according to the type and shapes of the structures, water passes through. There are
basically two types of losses
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8.4.1 Major Loss

Major loss is caused by the friction caused by the surface on which the water passes
through. Major loss occurs most in tunnel during operation. Apart from tunnel, major loss
occurs in penstock, settling basin floor, etc.
8.4.2 Minor Loss

Major loss is caused by the friction caused by the surface on which the water passes
through. Major loss occurs most in tunnel during operation. Apart from tunnel, major loss
occurs in penstock, settling basin floor, etc.
Minor losses occurs when water passes through structures like trash racks, bends, bell
mouths, etc. which directly obstructs the flow of water. All the minor losses are the function of
V2/(2g),
Minor losses= Ko X V2/(2g)
Where,
V= velocity of flow
g= acceleration due to gravity
Ko= Headloss coefficient
Headloss coefficient Ko differs from type of structure.
For trash racks it depends upon the angle and spacings of bars.
For inlet and outlet transitions, Ko depends upon ratio of inlet and outlet diameters.
For horizontal and vertical bends, it depends upon angle of bend and the ratio of radius of
bend to the diameter of pipe.
The headlosses for different discharge estimated in Sani Bheri 3 HPP is presented in
Table 8-1: Headloss estimation

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Head loss (m) 1.33 1.18 1.23 2.01 6.26 9.19 9.05 9.05 9.05 8.98 3.34 1.80
8.4 Outage
The outage of Sani Bheri 3 HPP is considered as 2 % which is a usual practice by NEA.
8.5 Maximum installed capacity and energy generation

The design discharge for the project is 51 m3/s and the maximum installed capacity is 46.72
MW with net head taken as 101.81 m and rated efficiency for turbine and generator as 92%
and 97% respectively. Similarly, the efficiency of the transformer is taken as 99%. The
summarized energy sheet depicted in Table 8-2 presents clear picture of energy generation
for the project.
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Table 8-2: Energy generation in Sani Bheri 3 HEP

Installed Capacity (kW): 46720
Design Discharge 51 m3/sec Rated Eff.
Minimum Release 1.37 Turbine 92.0%
Outage + Losses 2% Generator 97.0%
Installed Capacity 46720 kW Transformer 99%
Design Discharge 51 m3/sec Combined 88.35%
River Operation Hours Net Energy (kWh) Contract Energy (kWh)

Months No Of Days Discharge Available flow Plant flow Non Head Power (kW) Outage (kWh)
Total Peak Peak Off-Peak Wet Total Peak Non-Peak Wet Total
(m3/sec) Peak (m)
Baisakh 31 31.71 30.34 51.00 14.28 5.5 8.78 104.65 46,720 7,886,102 12,588,677 20,474,780 409,496 7,728,380 12,336,904 - 20,065,284
Jesth 31 60.81 59.44 51.00 24.00 5.5 18.50 104.65 46,720 3,815,856 12,835,152 17,761,075 34,412,083 688,242 3,739,539 12,578,449 17,405,854 33,723,842
Asar 32 136.61 135.24 51.00 24.00 5.5 18.50 96.83 43,232 - 32,870,408 32,870,408 657,408 - - 32,213,000 32,213,000
Shrawan 31 204.43 203.06 51.00 24.00 5.5 18.50 96.83 43,232 - 31,843,208 31,843,208 636,864 - - 31,206,343 31,206,343
Bhadra 31 183.25 181.88 51.00 24.00 5.5 18.50 96.83 43,232 - 31,843,208 31,843,208 636,864 - - 31,206,343 31,206,343
Aaswin 31 100.17 98.80 51.00 24.00 5.5 18.50 96.83 43,232 - 31,843,208 31,843,208 636,864 - - 31,206,343 31,206,343
Kartik 30 45.83 44.47 51.00 20.93 5.5 15.43 96.83 43,232 - 26,868,119 26,868,119 537,362 - - 26,330,757 26,330,757
Mangsir 29 24.83 23.46 51.00 11.04 5.5 5.54 104.65 46,720 3,561,466 3,588,213 7,660,369 14,810,048 296,201 3,490,236 3,516,448 7,507,162 14,513,847
Poush 30 17.10 15.73 51.00 7.40 5.5 1.90 104.65 46,720 7,631,712 2,639,080 10,270,792 205,416 7,479,078 2,586,299 - 10,065,377
Magh 29 13.67 12.31 51.00 5.79 5.5 0.29 104.65 46,720 7,377,322 389,795 7,767,117 155,342 7,229,775 382,000 - 7,611,775
Falgun 30 13.71 12.35 51.00 5.81 5.5 0.31 104.65 46,720 7,631,712 429,743 8,061,455 161,229 7,479,078 421,148 - 7,900,226
Chaitra 30 16.77 15.41 51.00 7.25 5.5 1.75 104.65 46,720 7,631,712 2,428,826 10,060,538 201,211 7,479,078 2,380,249 - 9,859,327
Average 70.74 45,535,882 34,899,487 180,689,594 261,124,962 5,222,499 44,625,164 34,201,497 177,075,802 255,902,463
Dry Season Energy 78,826,661 kWh 30.80%

Wet Season Energy 177,075,802 kWh 69.20%
Total Annual Energy 255,902,463 kWh 100.00%
Dry Season Peak Energy 44,625,164 kWh
Dry Season Off Peak Energy 34,201,497 kWh
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9 CONSTRUCTION PLANNING AND SCHEDULING
9.1 General
Feasibility study shows that the project is technically and financially viable and worth for
implementation. Financial analysis has been carried out to check the feasibility of this project.
Accordingly the implementation schedule of Project has been prepared for the construction
of the project.
Critical sequences of major project activities following the take-over of the project
implementation are as follows:
• Detail engineering and tender documents preparation
• Infrastructure development (Access roads and construction camps)
• Excavation of construction audits
• Tendering of main civil works, electromechanical and hydro-mechanical works
• Mobilization of construction equipment and construction materials
• Excavation of headworks, headrace tunnel and powerhouse site
• Concreting in headworks and powerhouse, support/lining of headrace tunnel
• Construction of headworks, headrace tunnel and powerhouse structures
• Construction of surge Shaft and installation of penstock pipe
• Installation of hydro-mechanical/electro-mechanical equipment’s
• Dry and wet test
• Commissioning
Project construction schedule and cost estimate of the project are prepared on the basis of
the present study. It will be refined during the detailed engineering of the project.
9.2 Preparatory Works
9.2.1 Access Road

For headworks and powerhouse sites of the project area, access road needs to be
constructed. Total of about 2.0 km of access road needs to be constructed to reach
powerhouse, headworks, surge shaft and portal area.
9.2.2 Construction Power

11 kV transmission line is the cheapest mode of power required for the construction of
project. The other source of construction power could be Diesel Generator installed at
different work fronts of the project. Tentative breakdown of power requirement at different
work fronts is presented herewith. 11kV transmission line is expected to feed the power for
the project construction purpose. At present, 11kV line has extended up to Musikot Khalanga
which is 10km away from the Project area.
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Construction power required will be approximately 1.5 MW at peak load. The number and
capacity of transformer are estimated, as mentioned in the Table below.
Table 9-1: Power Requirement for Construction Purpose
Description Number Unit Remarks

400kVA transformer 2 No Headworks site
250kVA transformer 2 No Power house site
250kVA transformer 1 No Employers camp and contractor camp at

headworks
250kVA transformer 1 No Contractor camp & labor camps at PH site.
9.2.3 Construction Camps

Project will require big work force during construction. There will be separate temporary and
permanent camp facilities at different working sites. In general, there will be three major
camp sites, namely the headworks, mid audit and the powerhouse site. Construction camps
at three different construction sites will be needed during the implementation of the project
9.2.4 Water Supply system

Water supply system is planned to off take water for the camps at three locations. For all
three locations intake structures with filtration plant will be installed. In the headwork area,
nearby available source will be used for the contractor camp and labour camp. For the
employer’s permanent camp and office existing water supply line will be used for the
purpose.
9.3 Construction Scheduling of Individual Structures
9.3.1 Diversion during construction and construction of weir and intake

Construction works at the headworks start with construction of coffer dams and diversion
canal. Cofferdam height will be as such that the dry season flood will not overtop it. It will be
trapezoidal in section made of the excavated material. It will comprise of clay material as
center core to control the seepage, filling with excavated material and boulder riprap at the
outer sloping surface exposed to the river flow for protection against scouring.
Once river diversion work is complete the construction work will commence from the
excavation at the left bank at the intake, flood guide wall areas. After the excavation the
foundation work for upstream flood guide wall, undersluice, right part of diversion weir and
intake will commence. The part of construction of all these structures will be completed within
a single first dry season so that monsoon flow will not affect the construction at the upper
parts of undersluice, intake, etc. Remaining other structures will be started after the monsoon
is over.
9.3.2 Settling Basin

Excavation works will be completed at required reach and in parallel with the concrete works
but fairly before. There will be separate crew for handing the construction of these works. It
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will be started from the parallel sections. It will be divided into panels having expansion joints.
The transition section and the gate structures will be completed at the later stage of the
works. The bottom portion of flushing conduit works will be completed before
commencement of works of head pond. The head pond and spillway works will be completed
in parallel.
9.3.3 Headrace tunnel

The tunnel excavation method will be conventional drilling and blasting or any other modified
method. The tunnel excavation work will be carried out at an average of 50m per month per
face. To meet the construction schedule it is necessary to execute the excavation work from
all work faces at the same time.
Horse shoe shaped tunnel will be fully concrete lined and the finished size will be 5.2 m
diameter section. Shotcrete lining will be carried out simultaneously with the tunnel
excavation as a primary support. In shear zone or fault zones, steel rib support will be
provided immediately after full face drill and blast or heading and benching. Total
construction time for the completion of headrace tunnel has been estimated as 42 months.
9.3.4 Surge Shaft

A pilot shaft will be made at the center of surge shaft with series of drill holes from top level
of surge shaft down upto its full depth. Around 2m diameter pilot shaft will be made with
charging drill holes from bottom and blasting the segment of 2-3 m at a time. Once the pilot
shaft is made, second stage of excavation will be executed by enlarging to the full size
diameter of the surge shaft from top. Enlargement will be done by conventional drilling and
blasting with lowering 2m in each cycle of blast and followed by shotcrete and rock bolting.
Muck will be disposed from the pilot shaft down to the surge shaft bottom and will be
removed through outlet portal.
Total time required for the excavation of surge shaft including excavation, rock bolting and
shotcrete lining is estimated about 10 months. Concrete lining will be executed after
completion of excavation works.
9.3.5 Penstock excavation and Pipe installation

Upper short stretch horizontal penstock is connected to lower transition of surge shaft. The
exposed penstock portion will be excavated from top to the bottom as open surface
excavation as per the design shape and size. The excavation and installation of steel
penstock is scheduled in 18 months’ time.
9.3.6 Powerhouse, tailrace and switchyard

The work at powerhouse, tailrace canal and switch yards will be relatively simple and is not
the critical activity if the detail design of the electro-mechanical work is available in time.
Hence, after the financial closure of the project, the EPC contract for the electro-mechanical
works should be awarded so that the needed design for power sizing and foundation work is
available in time.
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Powerhouse works will commence with protection works at the upstream end that will ensure
safety from river flood and seepage to the powerhouse area. Excavation work will be
followed by foundation concrete, installation of sump pits and other hydro-mechanical items,
superstructures, installation of electro-mechanical item and final finish work. In parallel the
work at tailrace canal and switch yard will be carried out.
9.3.7 Electro-mechanical Works

EPC contract for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing and commissioning
will be awarded immediately after the financial closure of the project. It is estimated that the
fabrication and transportation to the site will be completed within 36 months from the date of
contractual agreement.
9.3.8 Transmission line Works

At present, total 30months have been scheduled for the survey license, design, fabrication
and installation single circuit 132 KV transmission line from Powerhouse to substation.
Transmission line could also be a double circuit connecting all the hydroelectric projects
proposed on Bheri River basin and eventually evacuated at the same location. A joint
process with the other project is necessary to accomplish this work done. Nevertheless, it is
estimated that the transmission line will be ready by the end of completion of the whole
project.
9.4 Material Handling
9.4.1 Construction Material and their handling

Major local and other construction materials required for the project consists of the following:
• Cement
• Coarse aggregates
• Fine aggregates
• Reinforcement bars
• Explosives
• Diesel
9.4.2 Local Construction Material

9.4.2.1 Sand
Required quantity of sand available within 10km range from the construction site is sufficient
for this project. Other borrow areas along the Sani Bheri River in the downstream are the
potential sources of sand and aggregates from where the deficit quantity of sand can be
extracted.
9.4.2.2 Gravel
Required quantity of aggregate available from the potential borrow areas within 5 km range
from the construction site is sufficient for this project. Other borrow areas along the Sani
Bheri River in the downstream are the potential sources of aggregates from where deficit
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quantity can be fulfilled. Rest of aggregates required shall be obtained from the quarry site
and by processing of the excavated materials.
9.4.2.3 Rubble Stone

Rubble stones required for cofferdam, diversion weir intake structure and gabion works will
be collected from the river banks of Sani Bheri River within the project area.
9.4.3 Other Construction material

9.4.3.1 Cement
Required quantity of cement can be purchased within Nepal or may be required to import
from India and other countries. The total distance for haulage from Nepal/India border to
project site will be around 250 km.
9.4.3.2 Steel and Structural steel

Reinforcement steels available in the local market from the steel factories of Nepal will be
managed to the extent possible. Only the deficit quantity of reinforcement steel and structural
steel should be imported from India and other countries.
9.4.3.3 Explosives
For the underground excavation work, emulsion type explosives should be used for the
better performance. Such explosives will be managed from the Nepal Army and alternatively
imported from Indian market. To achieve better result of tunneling works the explosives play
vital role. For the surface excavation in rock and boulder blasting, explosive products of
Nepal Army will be utilized. All types of detonators need to be imported from Indian market.
9.5 Contract Packages

Construction of the project is broadly separated into five different lots and work packages in
each lot are as follows.
Lot No 1 – Infrastructure Works
Package 1.1: Access Road
Package 1.2: Construction power
Package 1.3: Construction Camp
Lot No 2 – Civil Works
Package 2.1: Surface works: Headworks structures, settling basin, Anchor block,
Powerhouse, tailrace etc
Package 2.2: Underground works: Headrace tunnel, surge shaft, construction adits, penstock
tunnel etc.
Lot No 3 – Hydro-mechanical works
Package 3.1: Design, manufacture, supply and installation of gates, trash racks, stoplogs,
valves, hoists and cranes.
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Package 3.2: Fabrication and erection of penstock pipe and accessories.
Lot No 4 – Electromechanical works
Design, manufacture, supply and installation of electrical and mechanical equipment (turbine,
generators with accessories, transformers and electrical auxiliaries)
Lot No 5 – Transmission line
Design, supply and installation of transmission towers and stringing as well as construction of
sub-station facilities.
9.6 Overall duration of the Project construction

All preparatory works including tender documents preparation, land acquisition, construction
of camp and infrastructure development will be carried out in the detail engineering phase.
Main construction work of the project is scheduled in 4 years duration from contract award to
commissioning. Proposed construction schedule for Project is presented in Table 9-2.
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Main Report
Table 9-2: Proposed Construction schedule for Project
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10 COST ESTIMATES
10.1 Introduction
This section of the report describes the methodology used for derivation of the project cost
and the estimated costs. This final estimate is based on the detailed layout and study of the
optimum project configuration selected from the optimization studies. The rates are based on
different projects in Nepal, Planned or under construction in the past five years. The rates are
based on 2020 price level.
Quantity take offs were carried out on the final drawing with plan metering, as required. The
estimate process was carried out in parallel with Construction Planning presented in chapter
9 as these activities are complementary to each other.
10.2 Criteria, Assumptions and Cost Components

The following criteria and assumptions are the basis used for cost estimation:
• The cost estimate and financial analysis has been based on the NPR.
• The exchange rate US $ 1 = NPR 117.0 used
• All costs has been first estimated on a per unit basis for each of the components and
then added to obtain the entire project cost.
• Lump sum costs adopted where breakdown cost is not available.
• Material costs reflect real costs incurred at other projects of similar size or having
similar scope of works.
• Construction material obtainable from the local market whereas some of the steel
items and all of the electromechanical equipment need to be imported.
• Some skilled and all of the semi-skilled and unskilled manpower can be obtained
locally.
• The unit costs include profit, and overhead, which the contractor would charge.
• VAT has been excluded for electromechanical equipment, interconnection equipment

and transmission line as VAT has been waived for Hydro-electric projects.
• 1% of custom tax added.
• Contingency sum added on civil, hydro-mechanical, electromechanical and

transmission line.
It is expected that an open competitive bidding supposed to be for awarding the contracts
and the project will not be forced to use higher rates for any reason.
10.3 Estimating Methodology

The project is divided into a number of major components for the estimating process as
follows:
• Main civil construction works, including on site access
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• Weir, intake, settling basin
• Tunnel
• Surge Shaft
• Penstock Pipe
• Powerhouse and tailrace
• Permanent electromechanical equipment
• Turbine
• Generator
• Transformer
• Auxiliary equipment
• Gates, Valves and Hosing devices
• Switchyard and Transmission line
• Construction Camp
• Engineering and Management costs
• Resettlement, Land Acquisition and Environmental Provisions
• Physical Contingencies
• Taxes and insurance
10.4 Civil Works Estimate

For civil construction works, a contractor type estimate was prepared. The estimating
process was carried out in the following steps:
• Division of the project into a number of distinct structures like head works, settling
basin, headrace tunnel, surge shaft, penstock pipe, powerhouse, switchyard and
tailrace etc.
• Identification of distinct construction tasks or measurable pay items, such as

overburden excavation, rock excavation, stone masonry, and fill work, concrete works
etc.
• Calculation of the appropriate quantity of each item from map and drawings
• Development of unit rate construction works based on prevailing market rates

appropriately adjusted for the project area, adopted method of construction as
described in the section –Construction Planning and standard norms and practices of
the country.
• Calculation of cost for each activity by multiplying quantity obtained.
• Calculation of cost for each structure by summing up costs estimated for different
component.
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10.5 Resources Costs
10.5.1 Labor Rates

For estimating purposes, the labor force was subdivided into four categories of workers,
namely unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled. It is also assumed that work force
required for the project will be from the local market and only specific skilled labor will be
from outside.
Considering the overall construction requirements of the project, a 6 days X 10 hour in a

week was selected as the basis for planning and estimating the major construction activities.
10.5.2 Construction Equipment

The access roads required is to be constructed first to transport the heavy machineries and
equipment. For rate analysis purpose, equipment rates are derived from the Cost Reference
Guide for Construction Equipment, a widely used publication.
10.5.3 Construction Material

It has been assumed that most of the construction material likes cement, reinforcement steel
will be supplied from local market and specific materials like penstock liners, gates will be
imported from India or overseas. The more complex items such as drilling material will be
imported from overseas (industrial countries).
10.5.4 Electrical and Mechanical Equipment

The costs of the electrical and mechanical equipment are estimated by a combination of
methods including:
• Interpretation of budget prices supplied by potential suppliers, mainly for the large
and more expensive equipment such as turbines, generators, power transformers,
and main inlet valves.
• In-house estimates using established international prices and/or relationships for

routine items. The in-house information is based on years of collection of price data,
and often eliminates the errors of variations of prices occurring due to changes in
supply and demand.
• Percentage of lump sum provisions on a ratio basis based on experience, for lesser
miscellaneous items.
10.5.5 Switchyard and Transmission Lines

The costs of the switchyard components are based on:
• Partly on budget prices supplied by potential suppliers, and
• Partly on in-house estimates using established international prices
• The cost of the transmission lines were based the current costs incurred in
transmission line construction by NEA.
10-3
Main Report
• A provision has been made for the health and security item covering the costs of
overalls, construction boots, helmets and gloves as well as consumables at the first
aid centers supplied by contractors and owner.
10.5.6 Unit Rates

Unit rate have been derived for the major construction activities. Standard norms of practice
and consultant’s in-house experience have been utilized in derivation of the unit rates. The
prices of material and other equipment were obtained from local market and also collected
from projects under construction. The unit rates of civil construction for fiscal year 2018/2019
being referred in this study.
10.5.7 Contingencies
The estimated costs include contingencies which allow for unforeseen cost increases that
may become necessary as more information is obtained and evaluated. In view of the extent
of investigations carried out to date, the present stage of preliminary designs and cost
analysis performed, the following contingencies have been allowed:
• Underground Civil works 12 %
• Surface Civil works 8%
• Hydro-mechanical 5%
• Electromechanical and Transmission 5%
10.5.8 Environmental Programs

An allowance of 1.25 % of the total construction cost for environmental programs have been
included.
10.5.9 Engineering and Management

An allowance of 6 % of the total construction cost has been included to cover the following:
• Detailed field investigations
• Preparation of detailed designs and tender documents
• Preparation of detailed construction drawing
• Prequalification of tenders
• Evaluation of tenders
• Supervision of construction, testing and commissioning
• Management of procurement
• Administration of construction contracts
• Measuring the work
• Reviewing and approving contractor’s submittals
10-4
Main Report
• Cost of owner’s and consultant’s equipment, supplies
10.5.10 Total Estimated Cost

On the basis of the analysis described above, the cost of the Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric
Project, including contingencies, engineering and administration, has been estimated at NRs.
8,250,127,277.77 excluding IDC which is divided into following group subheadings presented
in Table 10-1. The construction period of this project is estimated to be of 4 years excluding
the licensing and financial closure. The total expenditure on the first year will be 20% and the
remaining will be spending on the next three years. These cost disbursement includes
advances provided to suppliers and contractors.
Note: All the costs are in Nepalese Rupee.
Summary of the project cost is shown in Table 10-1
10-5
Main Report
Table 10-1: Summary of project cost

Total amount
S.No. Description Amount (NPR) VAT/Custom Remarks
(Nrs)
A Direct Cost
A1 Preparatory works
1 General 43,700,000.00 5,681,000.00 49,381,000.00
2 Preliminary Works 20,500,000.00 2,665,000.00 23,165,000.00
Access road construction and
3 maintenance 42,500,000.00 5,525,000.00 48,025,000.00
Sub-total 106,700,000.00 13,871,000.00 120,571,000.00
A2 Civil works
1 Diversion Weir and Sluice 398,960,127.10 51,864,816.52 450,824,943.63
2 Intake 137,451,342.69 17,868,674.55 155,320,017.24
3 Approach canal 92,379,543.40 12,009,340.64 104,388,884.04
4 Settling basin 334,661,648.54 43,506,014.31 378,167,662.85
5 Flushing canal and inspecton chamber 98,207,019.49 12,766,912.53 110,973,932.02
6 Tunneling works 2,674,969,400.25 347,746,022.03 3,022,715,422.28
7 Surge Tank 158,389,136.54 20,590,587.75 178,979,724.29
8 Pipe alignment(Anchor block) 37,319,650.00 4,851,554.50 42,171,204.50
9 Outlet Portal 9,347,187.50 1,215,134.38 10,562,321.88
10 Inlet Portal 13,452,701.25 1,748,851.16 15,201,552.41
11 Adit Portal 8,663,832.50 1,126,298.23 9,790,130.73
12 Powerhouse 210,451,811.32 27,358,735.47 237,810,546.79
13 Tailrace 143,060,603.67 18,597,878.48 161,658,482.15
14 Switchyard and Substation 25,000,000.00 3,250,000.00 28,250,000.00
Sub-total 4,342,314,004.25 4,906,814,824.80
A3 Hydromechanical works
1 Steel plates or Steel Pipe 28,262,082.00 282,620.82 28,544,702.82 Purchase
penstock pipe fabricatin and
2 installation 21,196,561.50 2,755,553.00 23,952,114.50
Gate stoplog, its accessories and
3 miscellaneous item 314,151,962.96 40,839,755.18 354,991,718.14
Sub-total 363,610,606.46 407,488,535.45
Electromechanical works all
A4 complete 1,229,377,500.00 12,293,775.00 1,241,671,275.00
Sub-total 1,229,377,500.00 1,241,671,275.00
Transmission line and

A5 interconnection
1 Transmission line 52,000,000.00 6,760,000.00 58,760,000.00
2 Construction power 50,000,000.00 6,500,000.00 56,500,000.00
Sub-total 102,000,000.00 115,260,000.00
Total 6,791,805,635.26
B Contingencies
B1 Physical
1 Civil underground works (@ 12%) 343,778,670.96 44,691,227.23 388,469,898.19
2 Civil surface works (@ 8%) 118,199,339.70 15,365,914.16 133,565,253.86
3 Hydromechanical works (@5%) 18,180,530.32 2,363,468.94 20,543,999.26
4 Electromechanical works (@5%) 61,468,875.00 6,146,887.50 67,615,762.50
Total 610,194,913.81
C Owners cost
Land acquisition and lease (@1.5% of
C1 Direct cost) 101,877,084.53 - 101,877,084.53
Environment and social cost (@ 1.25%
C2 of Direct cost) 84,897,570.44 - 84,897,570.44
Engineering design and supervision
C3 (@3% of Direct cost) 203,754,169.06 26,488,041.98 230,242,211.04
Administration and management (3%
C4 of Direct cost) 203,754,169.06 - 203,754,169.06
Project development (@ 2.5% of Direct
C5 cost) 169,795,140.88 - 169,795,140.88
C6 Insurance cost (@0.75%of direct cost) 50,938,542.26 6,622,010.49 57,560,552.76

Total 848,126,728.70
D Total Project Cost W/O IDC 8,250,127,277.77
E Estimated financing cost (@0.5% of 41,250,636.39
total cost W/O IDC)
F Estimated Interest During 919,213,962.26
Construction (IDC)
G Total Project Cost with IDC and
financing 9,210,591,876.42
10-6
Main Report
11 PROJECT EVALUATION
The ultimate aim of a power project is to produce power and energy at financially viable cost.
Financial analysis takes the view of the individual project participants. The financial costs
associated with project are based on normal accounting conventions. Thus, assets are
valued in terms of their engineering costs and are depreciated over their normal lives which
may be determined by law rather than technical or financial criteria.
Financial analysis is connected with the estimation of the financial implications of a proposed
development. It is based on the use of market prices and therefore includes any taxes or
royalties which will be levied on the factors of production and any subsidies, capital or
operating, which may be received as part of development. All costs are charged and all
revenues credited to the analysis in the actual amounts expended or received at the time of
expenditure. For this analysis the financial rate of return and cash flow is assessed from the
perspective of a utility owner/operator.
11.1 Decision Making Tools

Discounted cash flow method will be used for the financial analysis. Financial internal rate of
return (FIRR) is the decision making tool. Project is considered to be feasible if the internal
rate of return on the equity is acceptable to the developer. Other decision-making tools are
benefit cost ratio (B/C) and net present value (NPV), which are calculated from the net cash
flow. A discount rate of 10% is considered for the base case analysis.
Financial analysis is done for the leased period, which is 30 years. Base year for the cost
and benefit is taken as 2020.
11.2 Debt-Equity Ratio and Interest

Debt equity ratio of 70:30 is assumed as a base case with an interest rate of 9 % on debt. It
is assumed that the loan will have a construction period for 4 years during construction and
will be paid in twelve years from operation. Interest during construction (IDC) is capitalized.
The loan and the interest will be repaid in equal installment after the commencement of the
project. Since, all the loan amount will not be disbursed in the beginning of the year, the
interest is not calculated on the whole loan amount. The interest is calculated for 40% of the
loan amount in the first year, 40% of the loan amount in the 2nd year and remaining 20% of
the loan amount in the third year. More detailed calculations shall be done during the
financial closure of the project regarding disbursement of loan and service charges of the
bank.
11.3 Operation & Maintenance (O&M), Insurance and Other Costs

Operation and Maintenance (O& M) Cost including local development cost has been
calculated in capital cost estimate chapter. The O& M and insurance cost is estimated as
1.55% of construction cost and it is assumed that the cost will increased by 3% per annum.
11-1
Main Report
11.4 Electro-mechanical Replacement Cost

Electromechanical replacement cost is not considered for financial analysis of the project.
The electromechanical replacement cost will be managed from operation and maintenance
cost. Operation and maintenance cost is 1.55% of construction cost which is sufficient for the
replacement of electromechanical equipment if some amount of O&M cost is reserved each
year.
11.5 Royalties and Taxes

As royalties on installed capacity and energy are chargeable to the power plant having
capacity more than 10000 kW. The royalty on installed capacity is NRs 150/kW for first 15
years and NRs 1200/kW for remaining period. Similarly royalty on energy is 1.85% for first 15
years of operation and 10% for remaining period. In addition to this, income tax is levied for
the first 10 years of operation, 10% from 11 to 15 years and 20% after 15 years of operation
is considered. No custom and local taxes are considered on other items as these will be
purchased from the local market.
11.6 Annual Generation and Outage

Annual generation will be constant throughout the analysis period. Scheduled and
unscheduled outage including self-consumption is assumed to be 2% of the total generation.
11.7 Financial Analysis Results

Financial analysis of the Project is carried out to assess the financial viability of the Project.
There are different modes of financing. In this study, the project is analyzed assuming that
the project will be developed through local private developer using local currency. The
developer will arrange the required finance through commercial bank and equity. The project
will be developed according to the prevailing Hydro-electric policy of Nepal. The entire
energy will be sold to NEA through mutually agreed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Financial parameters like FIRR, NPV, BC ratio and RoE are computed from the net cash flow
of project.
The criteria and assumptions made in financial analysis are:
• O&M and insurance cost is considered as 1.55% of construction cost.
• Inflation rate 3% is applied for O&M.
• Taxable amount is equal to gross revenue less O&M cost, royalty, interest on loan
and depreciation value.
• Debt cover ratio is equal to gross revenue less tax, royalty, O&M cost and EM
replacement cost over interest on loan and loan repayment.
• Royalty applicable for small Hydroelectric project (>10 MW) is NRs 150/kW plus
1.85% of gross revenue for the first 15 years of operation and NRs 1200/kW plus
10% of gross revenue after 15 years according to policy of GoN.
Input parameters for financial analysis are presented in Table 11-1.
11-2
Main Report
Table 11-1: Input Parameters
Description Value Remarks
Project cost w/o IDC NRs. 8,291,377,914.16
Loan equity ratio 70:30
Loan in 2nd year 40 % Of total loan
Loan in 3rd year 40 % Of total loan
Loan in 4th year 20 % Of total loan
Annual O&M costs 1.55 % Of const. cost
Debt servicing period 12 Years
Dry Peak Energy 44.62 GWh
Dry off Peak Energy 34.20 GWh
Wet Energy 177.07 GWh
Dry energy rate 8.4 Nrs/kWh (for off peak hr)
Dry energy rate 10.55 Nrs/kWh (for peak hr)
Wet energy rate 4.8 Nrs/kWh
Escalation on Energy 3% each year for 8 years from

3%
Rate operation year
0% for first 10 years

Income tax 20%
10% for 11 to 15 years
Discount rate 10%
Interest rate on loan 9%
Installed capacity 46720 kW
Exchange rate 117 NRs/US$
Inflation rate on O&M

3% Per year
cost
Table 11-2: Results of financial analysis
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 14.09
BC ratio 1.41
Return on Equity (ROE) 20.12
Net Present Value ( NRs million) 2964
11-3
Main Report
Table 11-2 presents the financial indicators computed for the project. Minimal criteria of
financial feasibility are net present value (NPV) must be positive, benefit cost ratio (BC ratio)
must be greater or equal to one and financial internal rate of return (FIRR) must be greater or
equal to opportunity cost of capital. In this case opportunity cost of capital could be
considered as prevailing interest rate of bank. From the above criteria this project is
financially feasible. Utility or operator may want to know the rate of return on his investment
after bank financing. Hence return on equity (RoE) also presented in this financial analysis so
that operator can have idea about how much return he will get on his investment.
11.8 Sensitivity analysis

The financial return on the project is sensitive to various parameters that are assumed during
the study. To better understand the effect of each of these parameters and their impact on
the returns, a sensitivity analysis has been carried out. The sensitivity analysis looks at
varying interest rates, project cost over the construction period and variation in revenue
generation. The different parameters considered in the sensitivity analysis for both options
have been described more in detail below.
11.8.1 Interest rate

An interest rate of 9 % has been considered for the base case where as sensitivity analysis
has been carried out for interest rates of 10% as well.
11.8.2 Project cost variation

Sensitivity analysis has been carried out varying the project costs over the construction
period. For the present study, the project cost is increased by 10%.
11.8.3 Variation in energy generation

Sensitivity analysis has been carried out varying the energy generation. For the present
study, the dry energy generation is decreased by 10%.
11.8.4 Results
The result of sensitivity analysis for the selected is presented in Table 11-3. The base case
has been highlighted.
Table 11-3: Sensitivity analysis results

Interest rate 9% 10%
Cost increase by Cost increase by
Financial Cost increase by 10% and dry Cost increase by 10% and dry
Base Case Base Case
Indicator 10% energy decrease 10% energy decrease
by 10% by 10%
FIRR 14.09% 12.78% 12.54% 13.92% 12.63% 12.40%
B/C ratio 1.41 1.16 1.14 1.28 1.15 1.13
NPV (Rs) 2,964,650,900 1,257,624,582.60 1,082,515,650.34 1,945,772,040.69 1,167,899,222.46 992,790,290.21
RoE 20.12% 17.47% 16.99% 19.11% 16.52% 16.04%
11-4
Main Report
From the financial analyses of project; financially the project looks viable as the NPV is
positive. The benefit cost ration (BCR) is more than 1.0 thus on the safer side. The sensitivity
analysis reveals that the project is still feasible even with 10% increase in estimated cost and
10% decrease in estimated dry energy.
11-5
Main Report
12 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
12.1 Technical Features

Installed capacity of the Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project is 46.72 MW. This scheme
comprises of 38m long barrage with crest elevation at EL.1056.50m will divert the design
flow discharge to the intake at left bank of the River. An undersluice of width 2.00 meters
has been provided before the intake. The intake 4.0m width & 4.0m high will be provided.
Settling basin of the plant is located about at the distance of 300m from the intake. It is
Surface type. It has three basins with length 85 meters, width 11.0 m and 8.30 m height.
Total length of headrace tunnel of 5 m is 6430m. A surge shaft with finished diameter of 12m
and height of 47m is proposed at the end of headrace tunnel. Powerhouse is connected by a
180m long penstock having 4.10m diameter. Three Francis turbines of 15.60MW capacities
each will be installed in a surface powerhouse. 230 m tailrace discharges water back to the
Sani Bheri River.
About 3km long access road needs to be built to make access to the project area.
About 4 km long single circuit 132kV Transmission line is required to evacuate power from
this project’s powerhouse up to proposed Baphikot Substation of Rukum District.
12.2 Financial Features

Construction planning study shows that the project can be commissioned in FY 2077/78. The
total duration of the project from the commencement of its detail engineering design to its
completion is 5 years, while the total construction duration of the project after the award of
the main contract is estimated as 4 years.
Financial analysis is carried out with the assumption that the developer will invest it in local
currency. Developer Company will arrange the required finance through commercial banks
and equity. The project will be developed according to the prevailing Hydroelectric policy.
The entire energy will be sold to Nepal Electricity Authority through a mutually agreed power
purchase agreement.
Total annual energy generation after 2% outages comes out to be 255.90 GWh. Out of which
177.07 GWh is the wet energy and 78.82 GWh is the dry energy.
Cost estimate of Sani Bheri 3 Hydroelectric Project has been carried out based on 2020 price
level. Major cost components are divided into Land and support, Pre-operating expenses,
infra-structure works, main civil works, hydro-mechanical works and electromechanical works
& transmission line works. Cost of value added tax and contingencies have also been
considered in the cost estimate. Total construction cost of the project without interest during
construction as of 2020 is estimated at NRs. 8250.12 Million.
Financial analysis of the project is carried out to assess the financial viability of the project.
PPA is expected to follow the prevailing practice in Nepal. i.e. NRs. 8.40/kWh in the dry
season (off peak), NRs 10.55/kWh for dry season peak and NRs. 4.80/kWh in wet season
with annual escalation of 3% for eight times from the commercial operation date.
12-1
Main Report
Internal rate of return of the project works out to be 14.09%. Likewise, benefit cost ratio is
1.41 and NPV is NRs. 2964 million.
12.3 Conclusions
Proposed run-of-river project of 46.72MW on the Sani Bheri River, located on Rukum District,
is not only technically feasible but also financially attractive. Based on the feasibility study,
this project is recommended for implementation at the earliest.
12.4 Recommendations
Following are the recommendations made during this stage of the study:
• Hydrological review is necessary to confirm the design discharge and low flows. With
the measurement started by fixing gauge station some year back, data measurement
shall be continued and re-analysis is necessary based on recent measured data.
• Efficiency of the hydraulic structures largely depends on the quantity of sediment flow
in the river. The effective way of estimation of the sediment is the measurement
during the monsoon periods. It is recommended for the daily sediment measurements
during next monsoon.
• Geotechnical Investigations like geophysical survey and core drilling are also highly
recommended.
12-2

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SANI BHERI 3 HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

UPDATED FEASIBILITY STUDY

VOLUME I: MAIN REPORT

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

SANI BHERI HYDROPOWER COMPANY UNITS ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY

This project is planned to be commissioned by the end of FY mid of 2024, with

the project without interest during construction as of 2020 is estimated at NRs.

Salient Features of the project

Power and Energy

4.7 RIPARIAN RELEASE ..................................................................................... 4-11

7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN ................................ 7-1

7.9 POWER EVACUATION/TRANSMISSION LINE .................................................... 7-30

10.5.4 Electrical and Mechanical Equipment.....................................................10-3

Table 3-1: Established points by The DGPS points ............................................................ 3-2

Table 4-9: Long-Term Mean Monthly Flow by MHSP Method............................................. 4-7

Table 7-13: Details of 132 kV Current Transformer .......................................................... 7-29

Figure 5-13: Seismic Risk Map of India ............................................................................ 5-26

cm/s Centimetre per second

DoS Department of Survey

ºC Temperature in degree centigrade

1.2 Objective and Scope of Work

• Data/Information collection and review of past studies

 Update and collection of hydrological and sediment data

 Engineering geological mapping

 Identification of quarry sites for construction materials

• Project layout and optimization

• Project design and preparation of drawings

• Compute power and energy

• Construction planning, quantity and cost estimates and project evaluation

• Economic and financial analysis

1.3 Organization of Report

• Main report (Volume I)

• Drawings (Volume II)

The main report (Volume I) has following eleven chapters.

Chapter 2 Description of Project Area

Chapter 3 Field Investigation and Data Collection

Chapter 4 Hydrology and Sediment study

Chapter 5 Geology and Geotechnical investigation

Chapter 6 Project Scheme and alternate layout Study

Chapter 7 Project Description and Design

Chapter 8 Power and Energy

Chapter 9 Construction planning and scheduling

Chapter 10 Cost estimates

Chapter 11 Project evaluation

Chapter 12 Conclusion and recommendations

2 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AREA

2.2 Physical Features

SB3 Project Area

SB3HP Project area

Figure 2-2: Climatological Map of Nepal and location of Project area

a. Kathmandu – Tulsipur: 430 km

3 FIELD INVESTIGATION AND DATA COLLECTION

3.1 Topographical Survey and Mapping

• Topographical maps of headworks site, tunnel alignment, powerhouse site and

3.1.1 Available Maps

Topographic Maps from the Department of Survey, Topographic Survey Branch.

Scale : 1:25,000 Sheet No : 2882 – 06B and 2882-07A

• Identification of Nearest Trigonometric Points

Table 3-1: Established points by The DGPS points

Point Name Easting(m) Northing(m) Elevation(m)

DGPS-5 647320.827 3172120.626 987.13

• Monumentation of Control Points

Table 3-2: Coordinates and elevation of ground control stations