Currently Funded Project
School of engineering
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DoCG: Determining Environmental Flows for Kaligandaki Basin
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Investigators
Prof. Dr. Ramesh K Maskey (Team Leader)
Prof. Dr. Subodh Sharma
Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Jha
Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha
Dr. Rajendra Gyawali
Dr. Dhiraj Giri
Mr. Kumud Raj Kafle
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Collaborating Partners
WWF-Nepal
a. Ugan Manandhar, Deputy Director, WWF
b. Bhawani Dongol, Program Manager, WWF
c. Dipesh Joshi: Program Officer, WWF
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Funding Agency
USAID through WWF-Nepal
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Outputs
a. Hydrology: The scope for this group will be to identify and preview previous hydrological modeling studies and assess their usability; to set up the model and calibrate it under existing conditions of land and water use; examine the feasibility of different ways of modeling the past natural and present day flows, using observed data.
b. Hydraulics: Hydraulic cross-sections provide the link between ecological knowledge and flows. If the fish ecologist can define species’ habitat requirements in terms of depths, current velocities, or river widths, then the hydraulic model can convert these parameters into specific flows in cubic meters per second at the site. The accuracy of the hydraulic analysis is crucial to the confidence in flow recommendations. The most detailed ecological knowledge will be rendered useless if the conversion to required flows via the hydraulic analysis is flawed. Ideally, the Hydraulic Cross Section surveys and hydraulic modeling should be done by one team; however where this is not possible, two teams can be engaged.
c. Fluvial Geomorphology: The fluvial geomorphology thematic group (deals in the science of sediment transport, channel shape, constitution and physical changes in rivers) has to analyze the sediments in the river, and judge the effects (net erosion or sedimentation) that will result from different flow regimes. A modification of the flow regime will definitely result in a change in the sediment transport dynamics and channel changes in the long term. Input from this group is most useful to specify high-flow requirements.
d. River Health: This thematic group will develop a methodology to assess River Health based on which it will assess the natural and present health of the river, and will describe the desired future state. The group will also ascertain the likely change to river health due to modifications in flow regimes. The group will generate data on water quality parameters; assess the river health and support other groups in defining desired river health; and assess various types of pollution loads in different stretches.
e. Biodiversity: In addition to secondary literature or research available in the public domain, there is a need to undertake quick primary surveys to reinforce and validate the secondary literature and enhance the confidence level of the biodiversity team. The responsibilities comprise: assessing present biodiversity condition in terms of differences between the required condition and survey results; and describing measured depths, average velocities and substratum types most commonly associated with sensitive species and families, and/or with maximum biodiversity. Biodiversity includes freshwater species and systems, and terrestrial systems/species affected by rivers.
f. Socio-cultural aspects and livelihoods: Identifying socio-cultural flow requirements is mostly a subjective process of gathering people’s opinions through interviews and stakeholder consultations. This is an important part of the EFA in order to promote understanding and support for the recommended flows. This will comprise evaluation of livelihood activities and implications on e-flows of the river; representation of the river morphology in mythology, folklore, folk art and popular art and literature; historical evidence of civilization along the river, and its influence on society; and cultural importance of the river with focus on rituals and festivals.
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Budget
TOTAL NPR: 3,717,574 (Nepali Rupees Three Million Seven Hundred Seventeen Thousand Five Hundred and Seventy Four Only)
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
10% Overhead to Corpus Fund
Large number of students involvement as Interns
Job Opportunity -
Remarks
Project jointly undertaken by School of Engg with the School of Science and the School of Arts and administered directly by the Directorate of RDC for the nature of the project being multidisciplinary and as directed by RDC Policy.
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DoCG: Estimation of above ground forest biomass and carbon stock using UAV images
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Investigators
Uma Shankar Panday
Ramesh Kumar Maskey
Nawaraj Shrestha
Shashish Maharjan
Ganesh Prashad Dhakal
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Collaborating Partners
KU and ICIMOD
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Funding Agency
ICIMOD through Small Scale Application (SSA). SSA is funded by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
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Outputs
• Forest Biomass Estimation
• UAV hardware
• Software for Geo-referencing UAV images
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Budget
US$ 33,338.50 + US$ 5,300.00 = US$ 38,638.50
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
• Faculties development by learning /exploring/finding new information, insight and knowledge
• Students’ learning via internships to the project as well as through faculty involvement in research work which provides new information
• Passed student(s) get chance to work on research project
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Remarks
NA
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DoCSE: MOOC for Higher Education in Nepal
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Investigators
Manoj Shakya, Assistant Professor
Sushil Shrestha, Assistant Professor -
Collaborating Partners
NA
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Funding Agency
International Development Research Centre ( IDRC)
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Outputs
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on "Fundamental of Programming Using C"
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Budget
NRs. 2,860,836.00
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
1. Establishing a Digital Learning Research Lab (DLR Lab )
a. A Dell Server
b. iMac
c. Laptop
d. Printer
2. Online materials for our Undergraduate students -
Remarks
We will be publishing papers after the completion of research.
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DoCSE: Nepali OCR
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Investigators
Dr. Bal Krishna Bal
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Collaborating Partners
Nepal Association of Blind
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Funding Agency
DAP (Direct Aid Programme) of the Australian Embassy, Nepal
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Outputs
Working prototype of Nepali OCR
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Budget
NPR 15,09,500/-
Overhead: 171500 (11.7% of Gross)
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
Equipment purchase laptops, printers, furniture at the time of office set up (when needed). IPR of the product is jointly shared.
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Remarks
Project Duration:
Start: Oct 1, 2016
End: August 31, 2017
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DoEEE 2017: Promoting Energy Efficient Lightening Education in Nepal and Bhutan (ELNAB)
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Investigators
Diwakar Bista, Project Manager
Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa -
Collaborating Partners
Aalto University (Aalto),Finland
Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier (UPS), France
National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece
Kathmandu University (KU), Nepal
Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), Bhutan
Nepal Engineering Collage (NEC), Nepal,
Sagarmatha Engineering Collage, (SEC) Nepal
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Funding Agency
ERASMUS +
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Outputs
Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education
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Budget
Euro 73525/-
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
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Remarks
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DoME: Curricula Development of Interdisciplinary Master Courses in Energy Efficient Building Design in Nepal and Bhutan
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Investigators
Dr. Hari Prasad Neopane Coordinator at KU
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Collaborating Partners
• Lund University (LU), Sweden,
• University of Innsbruck (UIBK), Austria,
• Tallinn University of Technology (TUT), Estonia,
• Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal,
• College of Science and Technology, Royal University of Bhutan, Bhutan,
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Funding Agency
• European Union, Erasmus+
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Outputs
• Initiate and strengthen education in the area of energy efficiency.
• Support modernization, accessibility and internationalization.
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Budget
• Total: 714 380,00 € and for KU: 149 264,00 €
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
Going to develop new master program on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
• Going to support existing Master programmes with development of laboratories.
• Going to develop appropriate laboratory components and field experiment tools.
• Going to establish training courses.
• Going to strengthen collaboration between all partner countries
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Remarks
• N/A now
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DoME: Development of guidelines for welding repair of hydro-turbines
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Investigators
Amod Panthee
Nirmal Acharya
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Collaborating Partners
North Hydro & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Butwal, Nepal
Turbine Testing Lab, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
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Funding Agency
RenewableNepal Programme
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Outputs
Standard guideline to carry out the repair of hydraulic turbines at Nepalese industries
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Budget
NRs. 1,201,000 (One million two hundred one thousand rupees only)
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
Technical competence in repair of turbines
Economic operation of hydropower due to low cost of repair compared to installation of new turbine
Industrial development
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Remarks
NA
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DoME: Development of guidelines for welding repair of hydro-turbines
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Investigators
Amod Panthee
Nirmal Acharya
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Collaborating Partners
North Hydro & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Butwal, Nepal
Turbine Testing Lab, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
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Funding Agency
RenewableNepal Programme
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Outputs
Standard guideline to carry out the repair of hydraulic turbines at Nepalese industries.
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Budget
NRs. 1,201,000
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
Technical competence in repair of turbines
Economic operation of hydropower due to low cost of repair compared to installation of new turbine
Industrial development
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Remarks
NA
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DoME: Development of guidelines for welding repair of hydro-turbines
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Investigators
Amod Panthee
Nirmal Acharya
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Collaborating Partners
North Hydro & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Butwal, Nepal
Turbine Testing Lab, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
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Funding Agency
RenewableNepal Programme
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Outputs
Standard guideline to carry out the repair of hydraulic turbines at Nepalese industries
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Budget
NRs. 1,201,000 (One million two hundred one thousand rupees only)
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
Technical competence in repair of turbines
Economic operation of hydropower due to low cost of repair compared to installation of new turbine
Industrial development
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Remarks
na
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DoME: Development of sand erosion proof 20 kW micro- hydro class cross- flow turbine and its site demonstration in Nepal
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Investigators
a) Project Leader: Hari Pd. Neopane
b) Research Fellow: Nirmal Acharya
c) Ph.D Research Student: Oblique Shrestha
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Collaborating Partners
a) Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU), Busan, Republic of Korea
b) Donggu Infra Co. Ltd., Busan, Republic of Korea
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Funding Agency
Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)
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Outputs
a) The expected outcomes from this research will be utilized in the field of Micro Hydro power plants where cross-flow turbine is selected.
b) The test rig can be operated to analyze sediment flow pattern inside runner.
c) Performance analysis will be executed on the rig to find out best possible erosion friendly blade profile without decreasing the overall performance of the turbine.
d) 20 kW cross- flow turbine will be installed and tested in the suitable site.
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Budget
• NPR 6.6 Million
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
a) Rotating Disc Apparatus (RDA) will be manufactured which will have the provision to test the sediment erosion.
b) Dedicated cross- flow test rig will be set up in the Turbine Testing Lab (TTL), SoE, KU which will serve for the experimental purposes.
c) Different types of blade material and coatings will be analysed in this project. The results obtained might be used in the Material Science, a coursework in Mechanical Engineering Department.
d) On the broad aspect, this project will serve as the international collaboration for long based research in hydropower development and technology transfer in Nepal.
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Remarks
na
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DoME: Incubation of Turbine Design Services as a Spin-off Company from TTL and Developing Competences for Designing and Manufacturing Francis turbines for Low Head Applications
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Investigators
Sailesh Chitrakar
Binaya Baidar
Ravi Koirala
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Collaborating Partners
Balaju YantraShala Pvt. Ltd.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
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Funding Agency
RenewableNepal Programme
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Outputs
• Simplified tool for hydraulic and mechanical design along with basic dimensioning of low and high head Francis turbines for micro hydro turbine manufacturers will be developed.
• Start of commercialization with establishment of Turbine Design Services as an autonomous company primarily dedicated for turbine design
• Involvement of fresh graduates and exploration of opportunities for young researchers in the path of new career in designing
• Motivation to local manufacturers for introducing Francis turbine in micro hydro plants in Nepal
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Budget
910,000 NPR
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
Contribution to Hydropower development
The project is aimed towards development of self-sustainability for all kind of Francis turbine design and standard enhancement of Nepalese micro turbine manufacturers. Adding to the existing competence of high head Francis design, an equivalent but contradicting design algorithm for Low Head Francis Turbine will be designed which brings the entire domain of Francis turbine under the design competence. Additionally, with the manufacturing of the demo case by the local manufacturers’ micro Francis manufacturing capability will be developed.
Positive socio-economic effects
This project aims at developing competences among the Nepalese manufacturers in turbine manufacturing. Moreover, a business model added to it is an additional feature of this proposal where the research outcomes will be commercialized in the form of Turbine Design Services. The new company is expected to create job opportunities for young researchers and also enhance the strength of local manufacturers, giving a positive impact on the overall socio-economic status.
Commercialization prospects of the project product/services
The commercialization of the services will develop the new company as a self-sustaining body that is able to handle all the operation cost and researchers salary in a regular basis.
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Remarks
NA
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DoME: Incubation of Turbine Design Services as a Spin-off Company from TTL and Developing Competences for Designing and Manufacturing Francis turbines for Low Head Applications
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Investigators
Sailesh Chitrakar
Binaya Baidar
Ravi Koirala
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Collaborating Partners
Balaju YantraShala Pvt. Ltd.
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Funding Agency
RenewableNepal Programme
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Outputs
• Simplified tool for hydraulic and mechanical design along with basic dimensioning of low and high head Francis turbines for micro hydro turbine manufacturers will be developed.
• Start of commercialization with establishment of Turbine Design Services as an autonomous company primarily dedicated for turbine design
• Involvement of fresh graduates and exploration of opportunities for young researchers in the path of new career in designing
• Motivation to local manufacturers for introducing Francis turbine in micro hydro plants in Nepal
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Budget
910,000 NPR
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
Contribution to Hydropower development
The project is aimed towards development of self-sustainability for all kind of Francis turbine design and standard enhancement of Nepalese micro turbine manufacturers. Adding to the existing competence of high head Francis design, an equivalent but contradicting design algorithm for Low Head Francis Turbine will be designed which brings the entire domain of Francis turbine under the design competence. Additionally, with the manufacturing of the demo case by the local manufacturers’ micro Francis manufacturing capability will be developed.
Positive socio-economic effects
This project aims at developing competences among the Nepalese manufacturers in turbine manufacturing. Moreover, a business model added to it is an additional feature of this proposal where the research outcomes will be commercialized in the form of Turbine Design Services. The new company is expected to create job opportunities for young researchers and also enhance the strength of local manufacturers, giving a positive impact on the overall socio-economic status.
Commercialization prospects of the project product/services
The commercialization of the services will develop the new company as a self-sustaining body that is able to handle all the operation cost and researchers salary in a regular basis.
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Remarks
NA
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DoME: Turbine test rigs/ Francis turbine development and technology transfer
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Investigators
Hari Prasad Neopane
Sailesh Chitrakar
Binaya Baidar
Anup KC
Oblique Shrestha
Amod Panthee
Ravi Koirala
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Collaborating Partners
Krishna Grill and Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd.
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Funding Agency
Alternative Energy Promotion Center
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Outputs
• Development of test rigs at KU Turbine Testing Lab for performance testing of micro hydro turbines manufactured in Nepal.
• Design, development, testing and installation of Francis turbine in mini/micro hydropower plants in Nepal.
• Conduct engineering training to local technical personals for capacity development in the field of hydropower.
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Budget
9063000 NPR
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
• This project will establish turbine testing facility for micro hydro turbines manufactured in Nepal.
• Testing standards and testing procedures relevant to present context of Nepal will be developed.
• Francis turbine will be introduced to Nepalese MHP by designing and manufacturing Francis turbine with local capacity development.
• Engineering training will be provided to technical manpower associated with micro hydro to transfer state-of-art design and manufacturing technologies.
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Remarks
Attached: e-copy of proposal (both technical and financial) or email to research@ku.edu.np. Provide photos for the Gallery related to your project activities.
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KUBIC: Skill Based Training for Social & Economic Rehabilitation ( Acronym: TSER)
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Investigators
Ms. Supriya Koirala, Assist. Manager
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Collaborating Partners
Kathmandu University Technical Training Centre (KU_TTC)
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Funding Agency
The Boston Foundation
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Outputs
To provide skill based training in the affected community for the restoration of physical damage especially rebuilding community schools.
To provide business development/entrepreneurship training/workshop in the affected community to create local enterprise.
To identify proper local technology and resource utilization technique for commercial and social application.
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Budget
US$ 30,500.-
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
na
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Remarks
na
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TTC- Pre- feasibility Study and Capacity Building For Bio-gas system in high elevation remote Himalayan villages for poverty reduction
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Investigators
Prof. Christoph Hugh
Dr. Sunil Kumar
Dr. Bivek Baral
Mr. Thomus Gross
Dr. Alex Zahnd
Mr. Abhisekh Khapre -
Collaborating Partners
- University of Applied Science & Arts Northwestern Switzerland
- Council for Scientific & Industrial Research NEERI, Nagpur India
- Kathmandu University
- RIDS Nepal -
Funding Agency
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)
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Outputs
- Identification, Characterization, Ownership and current use of available substrates
- Experiments on bio-gas production from available substrates
- Pre feasibility in Jumla
- Preliminary future scenario project -
Budget
10,000 Swiss (CHF)
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
- MSC. Supervision
- PhD. Involvement -
Remarks
At least 2 papers planned
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TTL: Energize Nepal (NPL-12/0032, ENERGIZE NEPAL)
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Investigators
Prof. Dr. Bhupendra Bimal Chhetri
(Institutional Contact Person)
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Collaborating Partners
• Kathmandu University, Nepal
• Hydro Lab Pvt. Ltd., Nepal
• SINTEF Energi AS, Norway
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
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Funding Agency
• The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
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Outputs
The expected major outputs are:
Output 1.1.1: Enhanced water conveyance system and instrumentation of Hydraulic laboratory for physical model studies
Output 1.1.2: Initiation of Numerical hydraulic and sediment modelling facilities using free software
Output 1.1.3: Initiation of basic facility for geological/geotechnical testing and studies
Output 1.1.4: Development of competent manpower in the Hydro Lab’s area of activities
Output 1.1.5: Increased level of awareness/ knowledge among stakeholders/ Knowledge shared among stakeholders
Output 1.1.6: Enhanced knowledge on suspended sediment simulation and initiated new research work
Output 1.1.7: IEC standard hydro turbine test rig installed and turbine performance testing procedure established at TTL
Output 1.1.8: Models of Francis turbine runners are fabricated and tested in the IEC standard test rig
Output 1.1.9: Development of competent human resources in the field of Hydro Turbines.
Output 1.1.10: Publications in national and international journals including conference proceedings.
Output 1.1.11: Preparatory studies for development of two centres for (1) electric power engineering, and (2) electricity trade research and facilitation completed
Output 1.2.1: New products and services developed through research
Output 1.2.2: New products and services introduced into the community/market
Output 1.2.3: National and international private sector industries and research institutions involved in research and its commercialization
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Budget
NOK 34.536 Mill. (NPR 440.33 Mill. or USD 4.317 Mill.)
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Direct/Indirect Benefits
• Enhanced capacity of the existing hydraulic laboratory through modified water conveyance system and instrumentation facilities for physical model studies.
• Numerical modelling facility in the field of hydraulics and sedimentation initiated with at least one numerical hydraulic model study conducted as a case using free software.
• Geological/ Geo-Technical facility initiated at the hydraulic laboratory with services for numerical modelling and elasticity modulus test.
• Two PhD studies supported that is related to Hydro Lab’s area of activities of which preference will be given to women or from disadvantaged groups and technical guidance to five Masters student in their thesis and research works.
• At least 8 opportunities available for enhancing knowledge/skills of employees on Hydro Lab’s area of activities.
• At least 14 knowledge sharing programs conducted/ attended in Hydro Lab’s area of activities.
• Cooperation maintained or established with other organisations within and outside the country related to the field.
• At least two peer reviewed research articles in Hydro Lab’s area of activities published in national and international journal including conference proceedings.
• At least one knowledge products/ information are developed/gathered through research works at the hydraulic laboratory.
• At least two proposals prepared for initiating new research works.
• IEC standard Francis Turbine Test Rig installed and turbine performance testing procedure established at Turbine Testing Lab in Kathmandu University.
• At least one model Francis runners fabricated and tested with the IEC Standard Rig at TTL as per IEC 60193 guidelines.
• Two PhD and Two Masters graduates in turbine design from which at least one will be a female or from disadvantaged groups.
• At least four number of publications in national and international journals including conference proceedings in the field of turbine design.
• Preparatory studies for development of two centres for(1)Electric Power Engineering, and(2) Electricity Trade Research and Facilitation completed.
• 10 new products and services related to renewable energy technology developed through research out of which at least three will be of hydropower, solar or biomass energy related technology
• Eight new products and services introduced into the community/market
• 20 national and international private sector industries and research institutions involved in research and its commercialization
• Four new industries established based on technology transfer and innovations in renewable energy, which may also include capacity enhancement of existing industry
• At least 20 researchers and/or students involved in R&D projects.
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Remarks
NA