Training program by General Electric (GE) Renewable Energy

A 5 days training program from January 7^th to 11^th, 2019 was held in Department of Mechanical Engineering conducted by GE Renewable Energy for the students of Mechanical Engineering (Hydropower) and researchers of Turbine Testing Lab. The program was co-ordinated by Prof. Hari Prasad Neopane, Associate Dean of School of Engineering from Kathmandu University and Ms. Sonia Gill from GE (India). This training program was the first event conducted after the MoU signed between KU and GE Renewable Energy in September 2018.

The training was given by two GE’s hydropower experts: Mr. Jonathan Bedrossian (Lead Engineer) from France and Mr. Marcio Pinheiro (Principal Engineer) from Switzerland. The training featured various mechanical components of hydro turbines and generators. The event was divided into two parts. In the first part, Mr. Jonathan covered the turbine technologies, whereas in the second part, Mr. Marcio gave the training on components of generators. There were 40 participants taking part in the training, out of which, 30 participants were the final year Mechanical Engineering (hydropower) students.

The training covered the details of the electro-mechanical components found in hydropower plants, including distributor, inlet, pit liner, runner, shaft seals, guide and thrust bearings, draft-tube, hydro-mechanical components, generator’s rotor and stator.

The program was acclaimed by students and researchers. Prof. Hari Prasad Neopane – Associate Dean of SoE quotes that “This training given by Marcio Pinheiro and Jonathan Bedrossian from GE Renewable Energy was very insightful and interactive. The content of the trainings as well as the tools proposed were concrete and interesting. This training and shared information during the sessions was a real eye-opener for all the participants. We really enjoyed all the session. We look forward to working with GE Renewable Energy in the days to come.” According to a student of final year Mechanical Engineering (Hydropower), “We got a good insight about Hydro Power topics and in depth knowledge of the components and challenges faced in actual industrial scenario. This knowledge will be certainly useful to us our future career”.