Kithulgala Hydropower

Within November 2021, our grade went on a 3 day IB orientation trip to Kithulgala. We combined the typical IB orientation trip with a science component. On Thursday, our second day at Kithulgala we explored the science aspect of the trip.

For the first part, we visited a small local hydropower plant. This was an interesting experience because we were able to see all the concepts we studied in physics, in action. We were fortunate enough to view the 2 turbines generating 2,000 kW of power. We asked one of the local technicians about the specifications of the turbines, such as the head height, and flow rate, which are essential to the generation of power. We later used this information to calculate the efficiency of the turbine, which we discovered to be about 80%.

On our way down to the bus, we stopped at a large hydropower dam being built for a hydropower plant several kilometres down the river. It was fascinating to see the same properties of the small scale hydropower plant, at a large scale. We used some of the information we were able to observe and research to calculate the potential amount of energy the large power plant could generate.

After lunch, the science groups separated and the physics group set off to generate our electricity from a small turbine we placed under flowing water. We did several experiments to determine the effect of head height on power generated from 2 different turbines. We found that the Pelton wheel turbine produced a lot more power than the Francis wheel, it was about twice as efficient. We used our data to calculate the potential maximum amount of energy we could generate from our water flow. And we calculated the efficiency of our turbines, which was about 1%, which is expected if you look at the number of inefficiencies within the system.

Our exploration into hydropower was aided by our trips to hydropower plants, and our investigation into the effects of flowrate and head height on power generation.

IB Orientation Trip


Summary:
In November 2021, our grade went on a 3 day IB orientation trip to Kithulgala. We combined the typical IB orientation trip with a science component. We arrived at Kithulgala ready for action, we went straight from our bus to the river where we did some group river activities to warm up. After going through some introductions, we went whitewater rafting along Sri Lanka’s best whitewater rapids. There were 5 main rapids in total, and the final two were exhilarating, as we ducked for cover, trying not to fly out of the raft.

Once done with our rafting expedition, we hiked within the forest to the canyon for lunch. Our next adventure was the canyon. We were first briefed on safety then plunged right into the action. We slowly worked our way down, sliding, crawling, swimming and jumping. We were each given jobs to aid each other along the way, such as instructions, and grabbing people out of the water. Our adventure down the canyon made our grade even closer as we developed trust amongst ourselves.

After successfully making it down the canyon in groups of 4 we floated down the river to Borderlands camp, where we would be resting. We got to experience sleeping in nature, with nothing but a mosquito net separating us from the wilderness.

IB Learner Outcomes

During this trip, I achieved several IB learner outcomes. The main 2 beings; 1, demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. And 5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively.

IB Learner outcome #2
The IB orientation was challenging, both physically and mentally, and we were all put out of our comfort zones. An example of where a challenge was undertaken, and I developed new skills would be the jumps at the canyon. I was challenged mentally to jump from a height into a narrow area of water. However, I persevered and moved out of my comfort zone.

IB Learner Outcome #5
One main skill I developed during the trip was working collaboratively. Throughout the entire trip, every activity relied on group work, and most of the activities would not have been possible without teamwork. Within the canyon, without working collaboratively, It would have been a lot more challenging, and dangerous for us. During the trip, I worked with different people and learned skills revolving around group work.