Design of desilting tank for small hydropower projects - A review

Abstract

Small Hydropower (SHP) being most reliable and environmentally benign energy technology for electricity generation plays an important role in development of a region/nation. Major portion of hydropower potential in India lies in Himalayan region. The Himalayan rivers carry large amount of sediments (silt), which are harmful for the hydro mechanical equipment of SHP One of the important components of SHP schemes is the desilting tank, which protects the hydro mechanical equipments from the harmful silt carried by the conducting system. Desilting tanks are used on water treatment plants and hydropower channels to remove objectionable sediment of a specified size and quantity. In the present study, an attempt has been made to review the different types of model developed to evaluate different types of parameter required for the designing of desilting tank. The present review also attempts to cover the cost aspect of desilting tank. It has been found that earlier authors have developed models for design and costing of desilting tank, which can be used for planning purpose.