Objectives
Study the effects on performance of Francis turbine due to sediments in flow.
Study the changes in efficiency of turbine with
progression of erosion.
Propose a simplified erosion model applicable forFrancis turbines

Expected Outcomes
There are four major expected outcomes of the research. The first one is performance curves of Francis runner in sediment laden flow. This part of the study was conducted at Wuhan University (WHU) and
results showed that the maximum efficiency in case of sediment water was reduced in sediment laden flow. The second one is the location and severity of erosion in a Francis runner obtained through erosion testing of painted runner and guide vanes. This study was carried out at Turbine Testing Lab and the results showed the patterns of erosion affected area in runner and guide vane. The third one is the efficiency curves for the eroded runner after 30 and 60 hours of erosion. The fourth one is a relationship between the weight lost due to erosion and the hours of operation.
Supervisors from host and Partner Universities
Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa
Assistant Prof. Dr. Sailesh Chitrakar
Prof. Dr. Zhongdong Qian
Associate Prof. Dr. Zheiwei Guo
About Myself
Greetings! I am Ravi Poudel, a dedicated Masters by Research candidate involved in the Hydro Himalaya project at Kathmandu University. My current focus is on unraveling the mechanisms of sediment erosion in Francis runners and understanding its impact on turbine performance. With a wealth of experience gained during my tenure at Upper Tamakoshi H.E.P. from 2016 to 2021, I have honed my skills and knowledge in the field. I firmly believe in the power of hard work and perseverance to overcome challenges. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am an enthusiastic individual who values the importance of building connections
and fostering friendships. I thrive on expanding my network, welcoming opportunities to meet new people, and immerse myself in diverse cultures. Alongside my academic endeavors, I find joy in traveling and embracing the richness of cultural diversity. I am always open to forging new connections and
exploring the endless possibilities that come with collaboration and mutual understanding. Let’s connect and share our experiences!
Ravi Poudel
Masters Candidate
mravimecher@gmail.com
Batch: 2021