The Bhivpuri Hydropower Project is a 3 x 24 MW installation located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. The station sources water from the Thokerwadi reservoir, from where a 3 km long tunnel followed by 6 penstocks conveys water to the existing powerhouse.

The renovation project involves replacement of the existing 6 x 12 MW generating units with 3 x 24 MW units to enhance capacity and modernise the facility. A new water conductor arrangement has been developed, comprising a new tunnel of approximately 200 m branching from the existing tunnel and a single penstock of about 1.5 km length leading to the new powerhouse.

The new penstock system incorporates special components including trifurcation and Y branch arrangements, with a butterfly valve provided at the upstream end for penstock protection. The new generating units are vertical axis six jet Pelton turbines operating under high head conditions. The generators are rated at 24 MW, 11 kV, operating at 750 rpm with static excitation and numerical protection systems. The control system is fully automated, enabling remote operation from a central control room.

TCE’s scope