FREQUENCY CONVERTERS FOR LIFT IRRIGATION PROJECTS

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BHEL has designed and manufactured a 4 KV, 7.5 MW Static Frequency Converter (SFC) for use in the Alimineti Madhava Reddy lift irrigation project at Srisailam Left Bank Canal at Puttamgandi, Nalagonda District of Andhra Pradesh. The SFC is designed for sequentially starting four 18 MW, 11 KV synchronous motors. These motors drive the pumps that lift water from the Krishna River to a reservoir, from where a system of canals further distributes the water. The SFC system converts grid power supply to a variable voltage, variable frequency AC power supply to drive the motor during starting. The voltage and frquency are gradually raised till they match the grid. The Motor is then synchronized and the starting system is disconnected. It facilitates smooth starting of large capacity pump sets without any adverse impact on the electrical grid and also results in the longer life of the pump sets. The system had been installed and commissioned in September, 2001 and has been working satisfactorily.

The design has been proved to be useful in the Nalagonda District in Andhra Pradesh, which is a perennially drought affected area. This Static Frequency Converter was designed considering high temperatures prevalent in these areas.

The Government would consider to extend the technology in Mehboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh if and when such proposal is received from the state Government concerned.

This information was given in the Lok Sabha today by Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in a written reply to a question by Shri A.P. Jithender Reddy.