Industrial Visit to Srisailam Hydro electric power station

Industrial Visit to Srisailam Hydroelectric Power Station

On October 6, 2024, the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) organized an industrial visit to the Srisailam Hydroelectric Power Station for fourth-year students of the Electrical and Electronics Department at Rajeev Gandhi Memorial College of Engineering and Technology (RGMCET). 

 Overview
A total of 100 students, guided by four faculty members, participated in this insightful tour. The group arrived at the power plant by 11:00 AM, eager to learn about its operation.

Key Highlights
Control Room Automation: The visit began in the control room, which has undergone a significant upgrade from manual operation to full automation following damage from severe floods. Bhargava Lakshmi, an Assistant Engineer, provided an informative overview of the control systems.
  
Power Generation: The plant has two banks, with the right bank (Andhra Pradesh) housing seven units, each generating 110 MW, totaling 770 MW. Power generation is contingent upon water levels, requiring a minimum height of 834 m for optimal operation.

Operational Mechanics: Water from the dam flows through the penstock to strike turbine blades, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. Thyristor-based power electronics devices are utilized for field excitation to generate EMF, producing 11 kV, which is then stepped up for transmission via bus bars.

Monitoring and Maintenance: The control room is equipped with seven relays and circuit breakers, allowing for immediate fault detection and alarm notifications. If a fault occurs, the system automatically trips, enabling manual observation of issues later. Large cranes are also available for maintenance tasks.

 Conclusion
The event was a resounding success, with attendees expressing appreciation for the opportunity to gain practical insights into hydroelectric power generation. The experience enriched the students’ understanding of the field, fostering a deeper interest in power electronics and engineering.