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Saturday, February 9, 2013

Place To Visit In Nepal


Welcome to Nepal, a Kingdom of high Himalayan mountains and deep valleys, lush jungles exotic wildlife, people of diverse origin and their own specific cultures. No wonder Nepal is known through so many names. The land of Everest, the highest mountain in the world, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. the only Hindu Kingdom in the world and so on. But what attracts so many to Nepal is it's beauty and the simplicity of its people.

Roughly rectangular in shape, the Kingdom of Nepal is a landlocked country that is situated between China in the north and India in the east, west and south. The land extends roughly 885 km east to west and 193 km north to south



Altitude ranges from near sea level to 8,848 meters above it - the summit of Mt. Everest, the highest peak of the planet. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems: steamy jungles and terraced valleys, forested hills, frozen peaks and high altitude deserts. Tropical flowers frame views of not-so-distant snow peaks, tigers and rhinos wander around lush jungles while snow leopards patrol barren mountain slopes. Nepal's topography can be divided into three different geographic regions based on the rising elevation from the sea level. Each region has its own diverse environment, people and culture and their own special identity



The Himalayan Region

Places to visit within this region



Rara Lake (Mugu)

  • Annapurna Region

  • Everest Region

  • Langtang Region

  • Jhomsom

  • Rara lake (mugu)

  • Remote areas

 


    Hilly Region

    Places to visit within this region


    Fewa Lake (Pokhara)
    • Kathmandu Valley 

    • Pokhara valley

    • Tansen

    • Gorkha


    
    Chitwan National Park

    Terai Region

    Places to visit within this region

    • Janakpur
    • Chitwan
    • Lumbini (birth place Of Lord Buddha) 
    •  Illam (Eastern Part of Nepal)
    • Bardai National Park


    

    Thursday, February 7, 2013

    Panauti Hydro Power Project


    Introduction


    Hydropower


    Hydropower or water power is power derived from the energy of falling water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes. Since ancient times, hydropower has been used for irrigation and the operation of various mechanical devices, such as watermills, sawmills, textile mills, dock cranes, domestic lifts and paint making.

    Since the early 20th century, the term is used almost exclusively in conjunction with the modern development of hydro-electric power, which allowed use of distant energy sources. Another method used to transmit energy used a trompe, which produces compressed air from falling water. Compressed air could then be piped to power other machinery at a distance from the waterfall. Hydro power is a renewable energy source.

    Water's power is manifested in hydrology, by the forces of water on the riverbed and banks of a river. When a river is in flood, it is at its most powerful, and moves the greatest amount of sediment. This higher force results in the removal of sediment and other material from the riverbed and banks of the river, locally causing erosion, transport and, with lower flow, sedimentation downstream.


    Hydro electricity


    Hydro electricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy, accounting for 16 percent of global electricity generation – 3,427 terawatt-hours of electricity production in 2010 and is expected to increase about 3.1% each year for the next 25 years.

    Hydropower is produced in 150 countries, with the Asia-Pacific region generating 32 percent of global hydropower in 2010. China is the largest hydroelectricity producer, with 721 terawatt-hours of production in 2010, representing around 17 percent of domestic electricity use. There are now three hydroelectricity plants larger than 10 GW: the Three Gorges Dam in China, Itaipu Dam across the Brazil/Paraguay border, and Guri Dam in Venezuela

    The cost of hydroelectricity is relatively low, making it a competitive source of renewable electricity. The average cost of electricity from a hydro plant larger than 10 megawatts is 3 to 5 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. Hydro is also a flexible source of electricity since plants can be ramped up and down very quickly to adapt to changing energy demands. However, damming interrupts the flow of rivers and can harm local ecosystems, and building large dams and reservoirs often involves displacing people and wildlife. Once a hydroelectric complex is constructed, the project produces no direct waste, and has a considerably lower output level of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) than fossil fuel powered energy plants


    Types of Hydro Electricity power production


    Conventional (dams)


    Most hydroelectric power comes from the potential energy of dammed water driving a water turbine and generator. The power extracted from the water depends on the volume and on the difference in height between the source and the water's outflow. This height difference is called the head. The amount of potential energy in water is proportional to the head. A large pipe (the "penstock") delivers water to the turbine.

    Pumped-storage


    This method produces electricity to supply high peak demands by moving water between reservoirs at different elevations. At times of low electrical demand, excess generation capacity is used to pump water into the higher reservoir. When there is higher demand, water is released back into the lower reservoir through a turbine. Pumped-storage schemes currently provide the most commercially important means of large-scale grid energy storage and improve the daily capacity factor of the generation system. Pumped storage is not an energy source, and appears as a negative number in listings.

    Run-of-the-river


    Run-of-the-river hydroelectric stations are those with small or no reservoir capacity, so that the water coming from upstream must be used for generation at that moment, or must be allowed to bypass the dam. In the United States, run of the river hydropower could potentially provide 60,000 MW (about 13.7% of total use in 2011 if continuously available).

    Tide


    A tidal power plant makes use of the daily rise and fall of ocean water due to tides; such sources are highly predictable, and if conditions permit construction of reservoirs, can also be dispatch able to generate power during high demand periods. Less common types of hydro schemes use water's kinetic energy or undammed sources such as undershot waterwheels. Tidal power is viable in a relatively small number of locations around the world. In Great Britain, there are eight sites that could be developed, but they have the potential to generate 20% of the electricity used in 2012.

    Underground


    An underground power station makes use of a large natural height difference between two waterways, such as a waterfall or mountain lake. An underground tunnel is constructed to take water from the high reservoir to the generating hall built in an underground cavern near the lowest point of the water tunnel and a horizontal tailrace taking water away to the lower outlet waterway.


    Working of hydropower plant


    There are four parts of a typical hydropower plant which are:

    Dams


    The dam is made on a river to collect water. Whenever it rains, the water is collected into the dam so it serves as a water reservoir. The potential energy for further work is generated by the water level difference between the dams and the turbines because the water level in the dams is very high. Dams also control the water flow through penstocks.

    Turbines


    The next step is to convert this kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy. The water flows from a height throw the penstocks which are the channeled vessels to the turbines which have blades. The falling water has enough kinetic energy that when they strike hard with the blades of the turbines, they start spinning which means that the kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy. The turbines resemble a lot with the windmills in which wind energy is used instead of water. But the turbines use potential and mechanical energy of falling water to convert into work.

    Generators


    The shafts of the turbines convert the mechanical energy into electric energy. Basically, the generators work on the principle of magnets which is that when you pass a magnet near a conductor, electric current flows through it.


    AC Generator principle:

    It is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When a coil rotates in a uniform magnetic field, the associated flux changes and an induced emf is generated according to faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.


    Suppose a coil of wire of area A is rotated in a uniform magnetic field of strength B. Suppose N is the number of turns of the coil. Let w be the uniform angular velocity with which coil is rotating inside a field. Suppose at instant t, ө be an angle between normal drawn to the plane of the coil and the direction at field B.

    Now,Φ= normal component of B×A

    = B.cosө × A

    W e know, ө=wt

    So, Φ= Bcos(wt) × A

    According to Faradays law of electromagnetic induction,

    Induced emf (E) = {-d (N Φ)}/dt ……………………….1

    For N turns, = NΦ = NBAcos(wt) …………………2

    So E = {-d(NBAcos(wt)}/d t= NBAw sin(wt)

    Indiced emf becomes maximum whe n sin(wt) = +1

    So, E0 = +NBAw

    So E = E0sin(wt)


    Construction:

    AC generator consists of the following parts:


    1. Armature:

    It is a rectangular coil ABCD wounded over a soft iron core in large no. of turns. The soft iron core is used to increase the magnetic flux. The two ends of the coil are connected to slip rings C1 and C2 .The coil together with the rings can rotate in the magnetic field. The axis of rotation of the coil is in the plane of coil but perpendicular to the magnetic field.

    2. Field Magnet:

    It may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet of concave poles which produces strong uniform magnetic field between the two poles.

    3. Brushes:

    Two graphite flexible brushes B1 and B2 are always I n contact with the slip rings. As the armature rotates, the slip rings C1and C2 slip against the b rushes so that the contact is kept all the time. These brushes are connected to two terminals P and Q and external load RL.

    Working:

    The working of a generator can be described as follows:

    1) Initially, when wt = 0, i.e. the plane of the coil becomes perpendicular to the field, emf = 0. So, E = E0sin (wt) = E0 sin0 = 0. The electric current flows through DCBA and from B2and B1 through RL.

    2) After time t = T/ 4, the coil becomes parallel to the magnetic field, wt = 90, E = E0. The electric current flows through DCBA and from B2 and B1 through RL.

    3) After time t = T/2, the coil becomes inverted, wt = 0, E =0. The electric current flows through ABCD and from B1 and B2 through RL.

    4) After time t = 3T/ 4, the coil becomes horizontal, wt = 90, E = E0. The electric current flows through ABCD and from B1 and B2 through RL.

    5) After time t = T, the coil comes to original position, wt = 0, E = 0. The electric current flows through DCBA and from B2 and B1 through RL.

    Thus the output emf is alternating in nature.


    Rotor and stator


    The rotor having field pole rotates on a specific speed. When it rotates it passes the field poles across the stator to make sure that it has the same effect of electric field. The water should keep on moving constantly to make sure that the amount of electricity produced is great. Static water cannot generate electricity.

    Transmission lines


    The electricity via power lines is transferred to substation which provides it to the consumers.

    So, the process is of great importance. It should be performed in a right manner to ensure the great production of electricity. This process is not much costly as no fuels are produced and not much health hazardous chemicals are produced by it. But the research is still going on.


    Panauti Hydro Power Station


    Panauti Hydropower Station is the third hydropower station constructed in Nepal. It is a run-of-river scheme on Roshi Khola (river) having installed capacity of 2.4 MW with 3 units of 0.8 MW each. This power station lies at Khopasi of Kavre district located 35 km east of Kathmandu.

    The power station was commissioned in the year 1965 A.D. with designed annual generation of 6.97 GWh. The project was completed with the assistance from USSR Government.

    Some of the features of Panauti Hydro Power Station

    Salient Features
    Type : Peaking Run of the River
    Designed Head : 60 meter
    Installed Capacity : 2.4 MW
    Discharge of Each Unit : 1.61m3/s
    Length of Canal : 3.721 km.
    Internal Diameter of Penstock : 1400 mm
    Length of Penstock : 370 meter
    Type of Turbine : Francis
    Rated Voltage of Generator : 6.3 KV
    Rated Speed : 1000 rpm
    Turbine Generator Set : 3 Nos.
    Turbine Capacity: 850 KW
    Transmission Voltage: 33 KV
    Step Up Transformer: 6.3/33 KV 2x 1.5 MVA
    Project Inception Date: 2017 BS
    Project Completion Date: 2022 BS
    Project Financed by: USSR and Nepal Government
    Project Construction Cost: NRs. 2.7 Cores


    Methodology:


    v For the completion of this project, we referred to different books and found out more about the topic

    v We consulted the internet to gain further information on the topic.

    v We asked our friends to tell us about the sites to find information to the topic.

    v We requested my family members and friends to help me in different ways for the completion of the project.

    Recommendations:


    Panauti Hydropower station, although being the third hydropower stations in Nepal, is not producing as much current as it is expected to be.This is one of the causes for load-shedding in Nepal. It is the result of ill or no management of the water resources and the machines that get damaged with time. So, we strongly recommend the officials to repair these machines as soon and as well as possible because the cost of repairing these machines is definitely less than the economic loss Nepal faces each day due to the lack of electricity.

    We would like to recommend to the government to take these measures to ensure the loss of water as it is the run of the rive type of hydro power and to produce the installed capacity of electricity.

    Bibliography:


    1) www.Google.com.np/Panauti Hydro Power Station.

    2) Principles of Physics, Grade XII by Manu Kumar Khatry, Manoj kumar Thapa, Bhesa Raj Adhikari, Arjun Kumar Gautam and Parashu Ram Poudel, second(revised) edition, 2012.

    Sunday, January 20, 2013

    Jai Gorakhnath

    Gorakhnath Temple
    Gorakhnath Temple

     The Pashupatinath Temple complex on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river is a sprawling site in Nepal enclosing some 281 hectares. Within its premises are hundreds of other temples and shrines dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. Just across the river, and up on the hill going up the main stairway, is the gorakhnath complex. You will find that this site is a favored habitat of numerous monkeys. The Gorakhnath Temple is built in the Shikhara style with a trident on top, and it is surrounded by other temples, sculputers, statues of Lord Shiva and Nandi, and many Shiva Lingas. It is located close to the 17th century Guheswari Temple dedicated to goddess Kali.

    Gorakhnath holds a special place in the religious histroy of Nepal due to the fact that he was the patron deity of the once ruling Shah kings. He is also worshipped here as an avatar of Shiva. History has it that he was an 11th to 12th century Nath yogi who was originally a Vajrayana Buddhist. He later became a follower of Shaivism. A disciple of Matsyendranath, he is said to be the 'father' of Hatha Yoga and a number of tantric texts including 'Avadhuta Gita' are attributed to him. He is believed to have attained samadhi at Poyur (Girnar) in India

    Saturday, January 19, 2013

    HISTORY OF NEPAL AND PEOPLE




    Kal Bhairava
     There is evidence that Nepal was inhabited in prehistoric times, there has been little archeological research on early indigenous peoples. In the 8th century BC, migrants from India settled in the region of Kathmandu. Indian influence in the region was further consolidated by the Licchavi Dynasty (300-900 AM), who introduced Hindu traditions and culture (including the caste system). By the 13th century, three kingdoms, all under the control of the Malla Dynasty, dominated the Kathmandu Valley. Over the next five hundred years, the Malla rulers proved to be important patrons of the arts, building elaborately-decorated temples and palaces that survive to this day. Throughout the centuries,penetrable boundary to the north, while endemic malaria in the Terai kept out attacks from the south. 

    King Prithivi Narayan Shah
    King Prithivi Narayan Shah
    Nepal's kingdoms were unified in 1769 by Prithvi Narayan Shah, an ancestor of Nepal's present-day king. Inspired by India's independence, a nationalist movement grew in Nepal in the 1940's, but the king remained in control of the country. It was not until 1991 that a new constitution was introduced and multiparty elections were held for the first time.




    Nepal's 26 million inhabitants belong to dozens of different ethnic groups. They can be divided roughly into Hindu peoples (who live mainly in the lowlands) and Buddhists, who live in mountain villages close to Tibet. Hindus, who make up 90 percent of the population, dominate political and religious life. But Buddhism has a special connection to Nepal: Siddhartha Gautama, who was later revered as the Buddha, was born in the Terai in 543 BC. Perhaps the most well-known Buddhist ethnic group are the Sherpa, who have long been associated with Himalayan mountaineering expeditions. The vast majority of Nepal's population makes a living from subsistence agriculture.

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    LOCATION, GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE


    Map Of Nepal
    Nepal
    Nepal, home to Mount Everest, is dominated by the world's most imposing mountains. Although the country become an exceptionally popular destination for travelers, whether they are in search of climbing challenges or spiritual enlightenment. 




    Nepal can be divided into three geographical regions, each stretching from east to west across the country. The southernmost strip of land, the Terai, is bordered to the north by Himalayan foothills and to the south by the Ganges River. The area was originally covered with tropical vegetation, but has been almost completely converted to agricultural production. The Terai  is the breadbasket of Nepal and is covered with farms.




    Nepal's Flag
    Nepal's flag
    The central section of Nepal is formed by the Mahabharat Chain, a range of mountains that reach modest altitudes of 2,000-3,000 meters. Farming has become an important activity in the area; terraced farms produce rice, corn and wheat. The Kathmandu is home to Nepal's capital and other historic cities.
    The Himalayas stretch across the northern section of Nepal. Eight of the ten highest peaks in the world are located here, and most are covered with permanent snowfields. The area is sparsely populated, with little vegetation above the tree-line (4,200 meters).

    The climate varies considerably with elevation. May to October is monsoon season, when rain soaks the Terai and snow falls on the Himalayan peaks. Mid-October to mid-December is prime mountaineering weather: the skies are clear and sunny, temperatures range from warm in the lowlands to crisp in the mountains. March and April are also good months for mountain treks, although temperatures in Kathmandu and the Terai tend to be steamy.