Hydropower Project

December-2010

O veral l Gu id an c e Mrs. Ku mu d i ni Ban g era

Head mi stres s

Hori z on A c ad emy

Gan g apu r R oad , N ash i k - 1 3 .

Pro j ec t I n c h arg e Mrs. San g i ta Bad gu j ar

Cl a ss T eac h er

I CSE Grad e - I A

Prep ared By Ma st. N ei l Parkh e

Stu d en t of I CSE

Grad e - I A

Su p port By Mr . & Mrs. Parkh e

Paren t of N ei l

S chool Name

Horizon Academy
1
Gangapur Road, Nashik-
Nashik - 1 3.
 PREFACE
Here I’m very glad to submit my another project on Hydropower. I submit my first
project on Stars and Planets which is prepare under Diwali assignment on Nov.
2010. It likes very much to Headmistress, Class teacher and all school staff, and I
present it in School’s General Assembly on 6-Dec-10. Another side my class
teacher, Mrs. Sangita is interested to prepare report on hydroelectric power
project. Since she has impress on my first project, she decided to allot me one more
project on Hydroelectric power. I accept this challenge & make this report.

There are many sources to produce energy (electircity) like Solar, Wind,
Geothermal, Biomass, Hydro, Coal, Oil, Gas and Uranium. Out of this sources this
report deals with source like Hydro (hydro means water) and energy produce from
water is called hydropower energy.

This report describes, what is hydropower, how it work, Generation methods,

components, advantages & disadvantage of hydropower and India’s largest
hydropower plants. For this report I referred about 17 websites & the list of sites are
given here in reference Para.

I am very thankful to my Headmistress Mrs. Kumudini Bangera and my Class

teacher Mrs. Sangita Badgujar who trust me and again give an opportunity to
prepare this report. I special thanks to my parents who really help me to prepare
this report. With their help only it was possible to get prepare this report.

Neil Parkhe
ICSE, Grade-IA

31-Dec-2010

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 CONTENTS

SR. NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 SOURCES OF ENERGY 1

3.0 HYDROPOWER ENERGY

3.1 History of Hydropower 2

3.2 What is Hydropower 3

3.3 Generation Methods 4

3.4 Type of Hydropower Plant 6

4.0 HOW HYDROPOWER WORKS 6

4.1 Hydroelectric power plant components 7

4.1.1 Inside Hydropower Plant 8

4.1.2 Inside Hydropower Generator 8

4.2 Factors Affecting on Electricity Generation 10

4.3 Facts of Hydroelectric Power 10

5.0 ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE 11

6.0 HOW IS POWER MEASURED 12

7.0 WORLD’S LARGEST HYDROPOWER PRODUCER 13

8.0 HYDROPOWER STATIONS IN INDIA 13

9.0 REFERENCES 15

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 Hydropower Project

1.0 Introduction
Electricity - most people don't understand what it is. They just turn on the light
switch or start the appliance or push the button and something works. It's only when
there is no electric power available that we start to consider the importance of it in
our daily personal and working lives. Without it, we would be burning wood and coal
to heat our homes and businesses and using oil and candles to light our way in the
dark. Only since the invention of the electric generator have humans been able to
advance in every aspect of modern life. In fact, modern living is defined by electric
power.
Electricity is a manufactured product. It is not something you pump out of the ground
or mine or collect from the sun or wind. Electric power is manufactured from a
rotating machine that we call an electrical generator. After it is generated, it is then
delivered through copper wires to where it is utilized.
Power is a basic part of nature and it is one of our most widely used forms of energy.
We get power, which is a secondary energy source, from the conversion of other
sources of energy, like coal, natural gas, oil, water, nuclear power and other natural
sources, which are called primary sources. Beginning with Benjamin Franklin's
experiment with a kite one stormy night in Philadelphia, the principles of power
gradually became understood. In the mid-1800s, Thomas Edison has invented electric
light bulb. Edison's invention used power to bring indoor lighting to our homes.

2.0 Sources of Energy

Sources of electricity are everywhere in the world. Worldwide, there is a range of
energy resources available to generate electricity. These energy resources fall into two

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 main categories, often called renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Each of
these resources can be used as a source to generate electricity, which is a very useful
way of transferring energy from one place to another such as to the home or to
industry. Renewable and nonrenewable energy sources can be used to produce
secondary energy sources including electricity and hydrogen.
a) Renewable energy: An energy source that can be easily replenished
• Solar energy from the sun, which can be turned into electricity and heat.
• Wind
• Geothermal energy from heat inside the Earth
• Biomass from plants, which includes firewood from trees, ethanol from corn, and
biodiesel from vegetable oil
• Hydropower from hydro turbines at a dam
b) Nonrenewable Energy: An energy source that we are using up and cannot recreate
• Oil
• Natural gas
• Coal. They're called fossil fuels because they were formed over millions and millions
of years by the action of heat from the Earth's core and pressure from rock and soil
on the remains (or "fossils") of dead plants and creatures like microscopic diatoms.
• Another nonrenewable energy source is the element uranium, whose atoms we split
(through a process called nuclear fission) to create heat and ultimately electricity.

3.0 Hydropower Energy

3.1 History of Hydropower
Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of energy. It was used thousands of years ago
to turn a paddle wheel for purposes such as grinding grain. Hydropower has been used
since ancient times to grind flour and perform others tasks.Because the source of
hydroelectric power is water; hydroelectric power plants must be located on a water
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 source. Therefore, it wasn't until the technology to transmit electricity over long
distances was developed that hydropower became widely used.
Water Wheels and mills were found in most of the early cultures. Water wheels
were mostly used to grind grains in ancient India and water powered mills was also
used to saw timber and stone in Imperial Rome. Today, hydropower is considered as
renewable energy and is used to produce electricity.
Hydropower is the most important and widely-used renewable source of energy.
Hydropower represents 20% of total electricity production. China is the largest
producer of hydroelectricity, followed by Canada, Brazil, and the United States.
Untapped hydro resources are still abundant in Latin America, Central Africa, India
and China. Worldwide, an installed capacity of 777 GWe supplied 2998 TWh of
hydroelectricity in 2006. This was approximately 20% of the world's electricity, and
accounted for about 88% of electricity from renewable sources. The first hydro
plant was built at Niagara Falls in 1879.

3.2 What is Hydropower?

• Hydro means water. Hydropower is the energy we make with moving water.
Moving water has a lot of energy. We use that energy to make electricity.
• Gravity—the force of attraction between all objects—makes the water
move. Gravity pulls the water from high ground to low ground. The rain that
falls in the mountains flows down the valleys to the oceans.
• The water cycle will keep going forever. The water on earth will always be
there. We won't run out of it. That's why we call hydropower a renewable
energy source.

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 The Water (Hydrologic) Cycle
• Moving water can be used to make electricity. First, a dam is built across a
river. This stops the water and makes a big lake behind the dam. This lake is
called a reservoir.
• When gates in the dam are opened, water flows down big pipes called
penstocks and turns giant wheels, called turbines. The turbines power
generators to make electricity.
• Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower;
the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of
falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy.
The basic concept is that moving water turns a turbine, which in turn spins a
generator to produce electricity. In a typical hydro system, water drops from the
upstream to create flows that drives turbine. Turbines are connected to electricity
generator working as wind turbines. The more pressure creates more power.

3.3 Generation Methods

There are four basic ways by which hydroelectric power is generated from water.
Dams: This method extracts the potential energy of water collected in dams. Water
turbines and generators are driven to extract such energy. The amount of power

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extracted depends upon the volume of water as well as upon the difference between
the height of the water source and the water outflow. Such difference in height is
known as head and the potential energy of the water is directly proportional to the
head.

Dam

Pumped Storage: Under this method, electricity is generated by moving water

between reservoirs located at different heights. This method is useful for supplying
electricity on occasions of high peak demands. When the demand is high, water is
released from a higher to a lower reservoir by running a turbine and in times of low
demand, water from lower reservoirs are pumped up into higher reservoirs.
Run-Of-The-River: As opposed to pumped storage, run-of-the-river electricity
stations are not designed to store water and they have a much smaller reservoir
capacity than pumped storage stations. The rest of the mechanism, using elevation and
drop of water sources, is similar to pumped storages.
Tidal Power Generation: Power plants generating tidal power harness the energy
generated by daily rise and fall of water due to the tidal phenomenon.

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3.4 Type of hydropower plant
Capacity wise there are four types of hydropower projects:
• Large- large hydroelectric power stations, facilities from over a few hundred
megawatts to more than 10 GW is generally considered large hydroelectric facilities.
• Small- small hydro project is a generating capacity of up to 10 megawatts (MW).
• Micro-Micro hydro is a term used for hydroelectric power installations that typically
produce up to 100 KW of power.
• Pico-Pico hydro is a term used for hydroelectric power generation of under 5 KW.

4.0 How Hydropower Works

Hydroelectric energy is produced by the force of falling water. The capacity to
produce this energy is dependent on both the available flow and the height from
which it falls. Building up behind a high dam, water accumulates potential energy.
This is transformed into mechanical energy when the water rushes down the sluice
and strikes the rotary blades of turbine. The turbine's rotation spins electromagnets
which generate current in stationary coils of wire. Finally, the current is put through
a transformer where the voltage is increased for long distance transmission over
power lines.
This method extracts the potential energy of water collected in dams. Water
turbines and generators are driven to extract such energy. The amount of power
extracted depends upon the volume of water as well as upon the difference between
the height of the water source and the water outflow. Such difference in height is
known as head and the potential energy of the water is directly proportional to the
head. To obtain very high head, water for a hydraulic turbine may be run through a
large pipe called a penstock.

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 When the water reaches the end of the penstock, it turns a water wheel or "turbine"
at enormous speeds. The turbine rotates, via a connected shaft to an electrical
generator, and this generator creates electricity. It is the turbine and generator
working in combination that converts "mechanical energy" into "electric energy".
The current is then passed onto the transformer, converting it to a small current at a
high voltage, and through the transmission lines to substations where the voltage will
be reduced and the electricity distributed to customers. High voltage is needed
because a large amount of energy is needed to transport electricity over long
distances.

4.1 Hydroelectric power plant components:

1. Dam: Holds back water, forming a reservoir. This reservoir may be used for

recreational purposes, like Lake Roosevelt is to the Grand Coulee Dam.

2. Intake: Gates on the dam that allows the water into the penstock, a thin passage that

carries the water to the turbine. It is within the penstock that water builds pressure.

3. Turbine: the force of falling water causes the turbine's large blades to turn, which

turns an attached generator.

4. Transformer: converts the current from the generator into more useable voltages.

5. Transmission lines: conducts electricity from the plant for distribution.

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4.1.1 Inside Hydropower Plant

4.1.2 Inside Hydropower Generator

1. Water flows through the dam and turns a large wheel called a turbine. The turbine
turns a shaft which rotates a series of magnets past copper coils and a generator to
produce electricity. The process produces clean renewable energy.
2. The Kaplan Head is the hydraulic associated with adjustable blades on the turbine.
Adjustable blades operate efficiently despite variations in water flow and energy
demands.
3. The rotor is a series of magnets. It's the rotating portion of the generator where the
magnetic field is created.

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4. The stator is the stationary part of the generator made of coils of copper wire.
Electricity is produced as the rotors spin past the stationary wiring.
5. The shaft connects the turbine to the rotor section of the generator. All three
elements, the turbine, shaft, and rotor turn at the same speed of 90 revolutions per
minute.
6. The wicket gates are a series of 20 adjustable vanes, resembling vertical blinds. They
control the volume of water flowing through the turbine.
7. The 172 ton hydraulic turbine resembles a large water wheel. The turbine converts
the energy of falling water into mechanical energy to drive the generator.

Hydropower Generator

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4.2 Factors affecting on electricity generation

The amount of electricity a hydroelectric plant generates depends on several factors.

The two main ones include:
Amount of hydraulic head: hydraulic head refers to the distance between the water
surface and the turbines. The greater the distance from the water surface to the
turbine, the more electricity that can be generated. Generally, the distance the water
falls correlates with the height of the dam. Because potential energy is dependent on
height, the difference in distance between the water surface and turbine is an
important factor in how much electricity can be produced.
Volume of water: more falling water will generate more power. Thus, large rivers
have the potential to produce more electricity. Again, the volume of water has a
correlation to potential energy. As the volume of water increases, so does the mass of
the water, increasing the amount of potential energy.

4.3 Facts of Hydroelectric Power

The following are some well known facts about hydroelectric energy.
• Hydroelectricity was generated for the first time in the year 1882. The world's first
hydroelectricity station was situated in Wisconsin. This power station used water
from the Fox River to generate electricity.
• One of the most interesting hydroelectric power facts for kids and adults alike is that
China is the generator of the largest amount of hydroelectricity, more than any other
country in the world! China has also built hydroelectric power stations in many other
countries.

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 • One very encouraging hydroelectricity fact is that many countries around the world
use hydroelectric power on a daily basis. Prominent among them are Brazil, Russia,
Canada, Tanzania, North Korea, Iceland and New Zealand.
• Hydroelectric power stations can successfully function for a very long time.
• Most state-of-the-art hydroelectric power stations are capable of recovering their set
up cost within eight years of starting their operations.
• The hydroelectric dams provide flood control along with electricity.
• Hydro-power is the world’s biggest renewable energy source.
• Hover dam (which was constructed in 1936) is even visible from space.
• About 20% of worlds electricity needs are met through hydroelectric power
generation.
• China is the leading producer of electricity. United States is at fourth position.
• Australia has a hydroelectric power station working since 1885.

5.0 Advantage and Disadvantage of Hydropower Energy

A) Advantages to hydroelectric power:
• Fuel is not burned so there is minimal pollution.
• Water to run the power plant is provided free by nature.
• Hydropower plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Relatively low operations and maintenance costs.
• The technology is reliable and proven over time.
• It's renewable - rainfall renews the water in the reservoir, so the fuel is almost
always there.
• Water sports, aquaculture, tourism etc are some of the other benefits.
• It is generated from a clean source.
• Once the dam is built, the energy is virtually free.
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 • No waste or pollution produced.
• Much more reliable than wind, solar or wave power.
• Water can be stored above the dam ready to cope with peaks in demand.
• Hydro-electric power stations can increase to full power very quickly, unlike other
power stations.
• Electricity can be generated constantly.
• Reservoirs of dams can be used irrigation, flood control and recreation
B) Disadvantages to hydroelectric power:
• High investment costs
• Hydrology dependent (precipitation)
• In some cases, inundation of land and wildlife habitat
• In some cases, loss or modification of fish habitat
• Fish entrainment or passage restriction
• In some cases, changes in reservoir and stream water quality
• In some cases, displacement of local populations
• Hydropower plants can negatively influence water quality and flow.
• The water that over flows from the dam causes major floods and the residents living
in that path are in mortal peril.
• Public opposition to building dams may slow down development

6.0 How is power measured?

Power is measured in units of power called watts. It was named to honor James
Watt, the inventor of the steam engine. One watt is a very small amount of power. It
would require nearly 750 watts to equal one horsepower. A kilowatt represents
1,000 watts. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is equal to the energy of 1,000 watts working
for one hour. The amount of power a power plant generates or a customer uses over
a period of time is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Kilowatt-hours are
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 determined by multiplying the number of kW required by the number of hours of
use. For example, if you use a 40-watt light bulb 5 hours a day, you have used 200
watts of power, or .2 kilowatt-hours of electrical energy.

7.0 World’s largest hydropower producer

Ten of the largest hydroelectric producers as at 2009
Country Annual hydroelectric Installed % of total
production (TWh) capacity (GW) capacity
China 652.05 196.79 22.25
Canada 369.5 88.974 61.12
Brazil 363.8 69.080 85.56
United States 250.6 79.511 5.74
Russia 167.0 45.000 17.64
Norway 140.5 27.528 98.25
India 115.6 33.600 15.80
Venezuela 85.96 14.622 69.20
Japan 69.2 27.229 7.21
Sweden 65.5 16.209 44.34

8.0 Hydropower Stations in India

There is abundance of Hydro power potential in India. As CEA only 37328.40 MW
has been harnessed so far. The percentage of Hydro Power capacity in overall energy
proportion is merely 24.7%. As per Sushil Shinde, Minister of power, Government
of India, hydro proportion compare to other sources of energy is not going to change
in near future. Development of hydro power resources is important for energy
security of the country. It takes about 10 years for developing a large size hydro
project from planning to commissioning. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has,

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therefore, prepared “Hydro Development Plan for 12th Plan (2012-17)” covering
planning of hydro power projects during 11th & 12th Plan period.
NHPC Limited (Formerly known as National Hydroelectric Power Corporation
Ltd.), A Govt. of India Enterprise, was incorporated in the year 1975 with an
objective to plan, promote and organise an integrated and efficient development of
hydroelectric power in all aspects. As on date NHPC Limited has become the largest
organisation for hydropower development in India.
At present the total number of large hydro power station in India is 173 (capacity
above 25 MW). List of top ten largest hydroelectric power stations in India is as
following:
Sl.No. Project State No. Of units Capacity
x size (mw) (mw)
1 Sardar sarovar- rbph hydro Gujrat 6*200 1200
electric power station
2 Sharavathy hydro electric power Karnatak 10*103.5 1035
station
3 Tehri hydro electric power Uttrakhand 4*250 1000
station
4 Indira sagar hydro electric power Madhyapradesh 8*125 1000
station
5 Koyna iv hydro electric power Maharashtra 4*250 1000
station
6 Dehar hydro electric power HimachalPradesh 6*165 990
station
7 Pochampad hydro electric power Andrapradesh 6*150 900
station
8 Purulia pss hydro electric power West Bengal 4*225 900
station
9 Kalinad hydro electric power Karnatak 3*135+3*150 855
station
10 Srisailam hydro electric power Andrapradesh 7*110 816
station

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9.0 References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroelectricity
http://www.crem-ltd.com/renewables_hydro.html
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuhy.html
http://www.energysavers.gov/renewable_energy/hydropower/index.cfm/
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hydroelectric-energy-advantages-and-
disadvantages.html
http://www.electricityforum.com/source-electricity.html
http://www.electricityforum.com/hydroelectricity.html
http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/hydro.htm#how
http://fwee.org/gen.html
http://www.odec.ca/projects/2006/wong6j2/hydroelectric.html
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm
http//:greenenergysources.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroelectricity
http://www.nhpcindia.com/English/Scripts/project_introduction.aspx
http://hydropowerstation.com/?tag=khopoli-hydro-electric-power-station
http://cea.nic.in/
http://www.odec.ca/projects/2006/wong6j2/hydroelectric.html

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