RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

HOMEWORK 3

Out: Wednesday, November 1, 2017; Due in class on November 8, 2017

There is a reservoir that holds one million m3 of water. The water flows out of the reservoir from an
opening on the bottom of the reservoir, goes through a penstock, and impinges on a water turbine
which is connected to an electric generator. The turbine is 50 m below the reservoir. Assume this
hydroelectric power plant is 80% efficient. Also assume in parts b, c, and d, below that there are no
frictional losses in the penstock

a. What is the total potential energy of the water in the reservoir (in units of Joules and kWh) in
reference to the location of the water turbine?
b. How long does it take for the reservoir to empty if
i. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 1000 m3/hr
ii. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 10000 m3/hr
iii. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 100000 m3/hr
c. Estimate the electric power generated by the plant (in units of kW) for the following three cases:
i. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 1000 m3/hr
ii. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 10000 m3/hr
iii. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 100000 m3/hr
d. What would be the total electrical energy (in units of kWh) generated by the plant for the
following three cases:
i. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 1000 m3/hr
ii. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 10000 m3/hr
iii. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 100000 m3/hr
e. If you did not make the assumption that the frictional losses in the penstock is zero, which of the
following three cases would result in generating the highest amount of total electrical energy
and which would generate the lowest total energy? Explain your reasoning.
i. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 1000 m3/hr
ii. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 10000 m3/hr
iii. The water flow rate out of the reservoir is 100000 m3/hr