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In hydro Electric plants energy of water is utilized to move the turbines which in turn run
the electric generators. The energy of water utilized for power generation may be kinetic or
potential. The Kinetic energy of water is its energy in motion and is a function of mass and
velocity, while the potential energy is a function of the difference in level/head of water between
two points. In either case continuous availability of water is a basic necessity. To ensure this
water collected in natural lakes and reservoirs at high altitudes may be utilized or water may be
artificially stored by constructing dams across flowing streams. The ideal site is one in which a
good system of natural lakes with substantial catchment area, exists at a high altitude. Rainfall is
the primary source of water and depends upon such factors as temperature, humidity, cloudiness,
wind etc. the usefulness of the rainfall for power purposes further depends upon several complex
factors which include its intensity, time distribution, topography of land etc. however it has been
observed that only a small part of the rainfall can actually be utilized for power geeration a
significant part ois accounted for by direct evaporation, while another similar quantity seeps into
the soil and forms the underground storage, some water is also absorbed by vegetation. Thus
only a part of water falling as rain actually flows over the ground surface as direct run off and
forms the streams which can be utilized for hydro-schemes.
In inter-connected system the base load is supplied by hydropower when the maximum flow
demand is less than the stream flow while steam supplies the peak. When stream flow is lower
than the maximum demand the hydro plant supplies the peak load and steam plant the base load
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Hydro means water, Power is a conventional renewable source of energy which is clean free
from pollution and generally has a good environmental effect. However the following factors are
major obstacles in the utilization of hydro-power resources.
1. Catchment area:
The whole area behind the dam draining into stream or river across which the dam has been
built at a suitable place, is called catchment area.
2. Reservoir:
This is where water is stored for use as and when needed. The type and arrangement depends
on topography of the site. A reservoir is employed to store water which is further utilised to
generate power by running the hydraulic turbines.
Water held in upstream reservoir is called storage whereas water behind the dam at the plant is
called pondage.
3. Dam:
A Dam is a barrier to confine or raise water for storage or diversion to create a hydraulic
head. A hydro-electric dam diverts the flow from the river to the turbines and usually
increases the head. A reservoir dam stores water by raising its level. Dams are built of
concrete or stone masonry, earth or rock fill, or timber. Masonry dams may be solid-gravity,
buttress or arch type. A barrage is a diversion dam, especially at a tidal power project. A weir
is a low overflow dam across a stream for measuring flow or maintain water level, as at a
lake outlet. A dike is an embankments to confine water; a levee is a kike near the bank of a
river to keep low land from being overflowed.
4. Penstock:
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This is a conduit (conduits) that carry water to the turbines. They are made of reinforced
concrete or steel. A surge tank is installed next to each penstock for over flow control and
protection of penstock from bursting.
5. Water turbine:
Water turbines are used to convert hydraulic energy of flowing water into rotational
mechanical energy.
6. Generator:
This machine is used to convert rotational mechanical energy transferred from the turbine
through the shaft, into electrical energy. the produced electrical energy is transmitted to the
transformer for long distance transmission.
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2. It takes considerably long time for the erection of such plants.
3. Such plants are usually located in hilly areas far away from the load center and as such
they require long transmission lines to deliver power, subsequently the cost of
transmission lines and losses in them will be more.
4. Power generation by the hydro-electric plant is only dependent on the quantity of water
available which in turn depends on the natural phenomenon of rain. So if the rainfall is in
time and proper and the required amount of can be collected, the plant will function
satisfactorily otherwise not.
Types of Dams.
1) Fill Dams.
a. Earth dams
b. Rock-fill dams.
2) Masonry Dams.
a. Solid Gravity dams.
b. Buttress dams
c. Arch dams.
3) Timber Dams.
Hydraulic Turbines
A hydraulic turbines converts the potential energy of water into mechanical energy which
in turn is utilized to run an electric generator to get electric energy.
Slow 10 to 20
Pelton Normal 20 to 28
Fast 28 to 35
Slow 60 to 120
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Problems regarding Hydro-electric power plants.
Problem # 1
Problem # 2
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Problem # 3
Problem # 4