Hydro power plants use the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity. There are several types of hydro power plants including conventional dams, run-of-river plants, and pumped storage facilities. Hydro power plants work by converting the kinetic energy of falling or flowing water into mechanical energy to spin turbines which are connected to generators to produce electricity. Larger hydro power plants over 30 MW are classified as large hydro, those between 100 kW to 10 MW are small hydro, and below 100 kW are micro hydro plants.
2. Hydropower is the use of fast-running
water to produce electricity or to
power machines.
This is achieved by converting the
gravitational potential or kinetic
energy of a water source to produce
power.
It is a method of sustainable energy
production.
4. Power Plants The hydropower plant is used
to convert the kinetic energy of
water into electrical energy.
The kinetic energy developed
in the water flow due to the
gravity of falling water from
higher to lower head.
The kinetic energy is used to
rotate the turbine and the
turbine is connected with an
alternator to generate electrical
energy.
5. Types
Impoundment Facility
It uses a dam to store river water in a
reservoir. Water released from the reservoir
flows through a turbine, spinning it, which
in turn activates a generator to produce
electricity.
The water may be released to meet
changing electricity needs or other needs,
such as flood control, recreation, fish
passage, and other environmental and water
quality needs.
6. Diversion Facility
A diversion or a run-of-river facility,
channels a portion of a river through a
canal or a penstock to utilize the natural
decline of the river bed elevation to produce
energy.
A penstock is a closed conduit that
channels the flow of water to turbines with
water flow regulated by gates, valves, and
turbines.
A diversion may not require the use of a
dam.
7. Pumped Storage
These facilities store energy by
pumping water from a reservoir at a
lower elevation to a reservoir at a
higher elevation.
When the demand for electricity is low,
the facility stores energy by pumping
water from the lower reservoir to an
upper reservoir. During periods of high
electrical demand, the water is released
back to the lower reservoir and turns a
turbine, generating electricity.
8. Types based on Plant Size
1. Large Hydropower
Facilities that have a capacity of more than 30 megawatts (MW).
1. Small Hydropower
Projects that generate between 100 kilowatts and 10 MW.
1. Micro Hydropower
A micro hydropower plant has a capacity of up to 100 kilowatts. A small or micro
hydroelectric power system can produce enough electricity for a single home, farm,
ranch, or village.