Abstract: The safe operation of penstocks in hydro-plant is unneglectable. A monitoring system for the safe operation of hydro-plant penstocks is designed in this research based on analyzing the present situation and problems in the monitoring of penstocks safe operation and clarifying the design principles. Two monitoring system structures based on wired LAN (local area network) and wireless network are proposed, and the compositions are shown by diagrams. The system is described in aspects of working principles, functional modules, program design and etc., and in particular, the test point arrangement is expounded. The function relationship for the vibration response transfer between penstocks and expansion joint is also briefly analyzed. The system offers a reference for the safety monitoring of penstocks in hydro-plant.

Key words: hydropower plant, penstocks, safe operation, monitoring system, vibration response, design scheme