By Dr. Shekhar Aryal

Commencing from only 500 KW of electricity from Pharping Hydro Project in 1968B.S, gradually: 640 KW from Sundarijal Hydro in 1992B.S, 2400KW from Khopasi Hydro in 2023B.S, 21000KW from Trishuli Hydro in 2023B.S, 1088KW from Fewa Taal Hydro in 2024B.S, 10050KW from Sunkoshi Hydro in 2029B.S, 15000KW from Gandak Hydro in 2036B.S, 160000KW in 2038B.S and 232000KW in 2042B.S from Kulekhani Hydro, 1500KW from Seti Hydroelectricity project, the pace of hydropower development in Nepal accelerated.

Approximately 90% of hydropower projects in Nepal use the Run-of-River system. Due to reduced electricity production in winter, the capacity remains between 600 to 1,200 megawatts. To address this and increase production in the future, the government is focusing on expanding projects through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. By the year 2035 (B.S. 2092), the goal is to generate 20,000 megawatts of electricity.

In a similar manner, to European Union power generation and management technology, if we could utilize Nepal's vast hydropower potential, it is estimated that 12,000-15000 megawatts of electricity could meet domestic demand, and the surplus could be exported to the international market.

The continuous engagement in research for development, construction, and new surveys, plays an essential role. My thesis, prepared as part of this research, includes a small report for designing a sand trap. Primary data from Butwal Power Company, and partial data from Kali Gandaki A(KGA), Middle Marsyangdi (MM), and Lower Marsyangdi (LM) hydropower projects underneath Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), which are Nepal’s projects. My thesis uses primary data from these projects and is now complete.

My Ph.D. thesis is titled ‘Sediment Erosion in the Guide Vanes of a Francis Turbine.’ Among the words used in this title, two words hold significant importance, and my entire research is centered around these two words. The two keywords used here are “Sediment Erosion” and “Guide Vanes” which is the main focus of my research.

In my research, the term “Independent Variable” refers to a factor that can be predicted but not exactly determined. Here, the term “Sediment Erosion” is considered the independent variable. On the other hand, the term “Dependent Variable” refers to the factor that can be determined exactly. In this context, “Guide Vanes” is the Dependent Variable.

For my study, a 3-D camera was used to correctly examine complications due to Sediment Erosion in both the “Guide Vanes” and the “Runner Blades.” It also includes discussions on solutions as well. The “Soft Coating Technique” is prepared through “Polymerization Technology,” while the “Hard Coating Technique” is prepared through “Ceramic Technology.” These two “Coating Techniques” are applied to “Guide Vanes” and “Runner Blades” to control the issues arising from “Sediment Erosion.” My research also highlights how these techniques can help manage such problems effectively.

The writer has a Ph.D. in Hydro-mechanical Sector

Email: shekhararyal78@gmail.com