Field Visit to Yugadanavi By IET YP UoM Chapter

Field Visit to Yugadanavi  By IET YP UoM Chapter

A field visit to Yugadanavi power station organized by the IET YP chapter of the University of Moratuwa took place on the 18th of November 2017, with the participation of 75 undergraduates from levels 2, 3, and 4 of the Electrical Engineering department and Chemical and Process Engineering department. Prof. Rohan Lucas also participated in bringing this field visit to success.

The Yugadanavi Power Station (also known as Kerawalapitiya Power Station) is a large oil-fired power plant which is located in Kerawalapitiya, in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. This is owned by LTL Holdings and it is an independent power producer (IPP). Yugadanavi is one of the CCGT (combined cycle gas turbine) power stations in Sri Lanka that utilizes two gas turbines and a steam turbine. The power station contributes 300 MW to the national grid.

The proceedings were commenced at 9.30 am. Safety instructions were given and the team was split into two groups with approximately 37 undergraduates for each group. The schedule contained both a presentation session (~1 hr 30 mins) and a field tour (~1 hr 30 mins). Presentation regarding the power plant was presented by Eng. Sasanka Herath. The history of the power plant, its contribution, technology and methods used in power generation, and also the theoretical approaches applied were explained.

After the presentation, participants were given an extensive visit to the plant explaining diverse internal structures and operations of advanced systems and machinery. During the visit, participants were able to gather knowledge based on the operation of steam turbines, gas turbines, cooling systems, controlling systems, and also the safety precautions taken inside the plant. Refreshments were given and the session was concluded with the presenting of a token of appreciation to the instructed engineer.

Even though departments of electrical engineering and chemical engineering have thermal power-related modules, most of the time undergraduates do not get an opportunity to gain practical exposure to thermal power plants. So, this field visit was a great opportunity for all the participants. During this visit, participants were able to clarify their problems regarding the subject matter. The field visit was concluded with great success achieving valuable experience and knowledge for young engineering undergraduates who are supposed to sustain the prospective pedigree of the energy sector of Sri Lanka.