Chapter 4

Hydropower plants

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

definition of hydropower
Hydroelectric power (often called hydropower) is
considered a renewable energy source.
A renewable energy source is one that is not depleted
(used up) in the production of energy.
Through hydropower, the energy in falling water is
converted into electricity without using up the water.

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

water cycle
Hydropower energy is ultimately derived from the sun,
which drives the water cycle.
In the water cycle, rivers are recharged in a continuous
cycle.
Because of the force of gravity, water flows from high
points to low points.
There is kinetic energy embodied in the flow of water.

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

water at elevated natural storage

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

how it works?
1. From potential to kinetic

=
+

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

how it works?
1. From potential to kinetic

=
+

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

how it works?
2. From kinetic to mechanical

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

how it works?
2. From kinetic to mechanical

Kinetic energy

Mech. energy

= /

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

how it works?
3. From mechanical to electrical

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

how it works?
In summary
Flowing water is directed at a turbine,
utilizing the potential energy to be
kinetic energy in the flowing water.
The flowing water causes the turbine to
rotate, converting the waters kinetic
energy into mechanical energy.
The mechanical energy produced by the
turbine is converted into electric energy
using a turbine generator. Inside the
generator, the shaft of the turbine spins a
magnet inside coils of copper wire. It is a
fact of nature that moving a magnet near a
conductor causes an electric current.

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

types of water turbines

Kaplan rotor

Francis rotor

Turgo rotor

Crossflow rotor

Pelton rotor

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

classifications of Hydro power plants

Based on the size

Category
Large
Small
Mini
Micro
Pico

Capacity
> 10 MW
< 10 MW
< 1 MW
< 100 kW
< 5 kW

Based on the Head

Low
head
<
10 m

Medium
head
10. to 50
m

High
head
>
50 m

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

classifications of Hydro power plants

water turbines ~ head

Turbine
type

Low head
( <10 m)

Medium head
(10 -50 m)

High head
(> 50 m)

Crossflow

Crossflow
Turgo
Pelton
Francis

Turgo
Pelton

Impulse

Francis
Reaction
Kaplan

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

classifications of Hydro power plants
Large Hydropower

A large hydropower
facility has the
capacity to produce
more than 30,000
kilowatts (kW) of
electricity.

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

classifications of Hydro power plants
Small Hydropower
Small hydropower facilities
can produce
100 30,000 kilowatts (kW)
of electricity.
Small hydropower facilities
may involve a small dam, or
be a diversion of the main
stream, or be a
run-of-the-river system.

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

classifications of Hydro power plants
Micro Hydropower
Micro hydropower
plants have the capacity
to produce 100
kilowatts (kW) or less.

Micro-hydro facilities
typically use a
run-of-the-river system.

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

Hydroelectric Generation by Country
Billion kilowatt-hours
China
Canada
Brazil
United States
Russia

2013

India

Norway

2012

Venezuela

2011

Japan
France
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

Efficiency of power plants

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

Coal vs. Hydro Energy Conversion

35%

95%

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

Chapter 4 - Hydropower plants

Advantages

Renewable Energy
Clean Energy Source
Domestic Energy Source
Generally Available As
Needed
Provides Recreational
Opportunities
Water Supply and Flood
Control

Thank you