Nation Development with Small Hydro Power Generation-A Review Dr. Sridharan P.*, Dr. Kuppuswamy N.** *Associate Professor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maharaja Engineering College, Avinashi, Coimbatore-641654 **Principal, Maharaja Engineering College, Avinashi, Coimbatore-64165 Online published on 3 May, 2016. Abstract Recent advancements in technology, design and manufacture of equipment for small power generating sets have facilitated harnessing the resources of small hydro potential in India. Large number of firms are now manufacturing standard turbo-generating units to suit different head, discharge and other parameter requirements. Cavitation in water systems is due to the formation of cavitation bubbles, which results from local pressure falling below the vapour pressure of the flowing water. Cavitation occurs in areas of accelerated flow such as the gap between turbine blade tips and the turbine housing or on the suction side of runner blades. Cavitation can also occur in the gap between the blade roots and hub and in the hub vortex behind the turbine runner. In hydraulic machines, efficiency is reduced considerably due to cavitation and this alters the flow pattern. Loss of energy is caused due to vibration and noise. Pitting of the surface causes loss of material. In hydraulic turbines, the power output is reduced due to cavitation, since the force exerted by water on the turbine blades decreases. Top Keywords Small Hydro Power, Vibration, Cavitation, water Hammer, Kyoto protocol. Top |