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How does a hydroelectric plant work?

Hydroelectric power, or hydroelectricity, is generated by the force of falling water. (Hydro comes from the Greek word for water.) It’s one of the cleanest sources of energy, and it’s also the most reliable and costs the least. Water is needed to run a hydroelectric power-generating unit. The water is held behind a dam, forming an artificial lake, or reservoir. The force of the water being released from the reservoir through the dam spins the blades of a giant turbine. The turbine is connected to the generator that makes electricity as it spins. After passing through the turbine, the water flows back into the river on the other side of the dam.Electricity is produced by spinning electromagnets within a generator’s wire coil that creates a flow of electrons. To keep the electromagnets spinning, hydroelectric stations use falling water. Hydroelectric power plants convert the kinetic energy contained in falling water into electricity. The energy in flowing water is ultimately derived from the sun, and is therefore constantly being renewed. Energy contained in sunlight evaporates water from the oceans and deposits it on land in the form of rain. Differences in land elevation result in rainfall runoff, allowing some of the original solar energy to be captured as hydroelectric power. Most hydroelectric stations use either the natural drop of the river or build a dam across the river to raise the water level and provide the drop needed to create a driving force. Water at the higher level (the forebay,) goes through the intake into a pipe, called a penstock, which carries it down to the turbine. The turbine is a type of water wheel that converts the water's energy into mechanical power. The turbine is connected to a generator, and (4) when the turbine is set in motion it causes the generator to rotate, producing electricity. The falling water, having served its purpose, exits the generating station through the draft tube and the tailrace where it rejoins the river.At Ontario Power Generation (OPG), hydroelectric generation is their lowest-cost power source, producing approximately 34 terawatt-hours in 2002. OPG operates 36 hydroelectric stations, as well as 29 small hydroelectric plants and 240 dams on 26 river systems. The smallest station has a generating capacity of just 1 megawatt; the largest more than 1,300 megawatts.


Which was the first hydroelectric dam?

Depending on who you believe, the first hydroelectric generator was either at Niagara Falls in 1880 or at Appleton, Wisconsin in 1882. However, it is unclear whether either of these had a dam - they may have been simple waterwheels.


What energy can be recycled?

Energy just changes to different forms, so "recycle" might not be the right word. However, if you mean more like what *sources* of energy can be reused... things like solar power, hydroelectric power, and wind energy are renewable sources. Fossil fuels aren't... or not in the near-term, since it takes a very, very long time to renew those sources.


Why power diode has more power ratings?

It will be dissipating more power than a small signal diode.


Why are dual-line braking circuit used in preference to single line system?

Double circuits can carry more power. Also, double circuits introduce a level of redundancy, so that if a single circuit (half of the double circuit) fails, the other half is still intact.

Related Questions

What countries are 'energy independent'?

Some countries that are considered more energy independent include Norway, Canada, Brazil, and Australia. These countries have diverse energy sources such as oil, natural gas, hydroelectric power, and renewable energy that allow them to meet their energy needs domestically.


What countries obtain most of their electrcity from nuclear power?

The following countries get more than half their electricity from nuclear power: France - 76.2% Slovakia - 56.4% Belgium - 53.8% The Ukraine comes close to half, with 47.4%.


Is hydroelectric power more expensive than coal and oil?

no it is cheaper


South America produces more power using?

hydroelectric generation


Is hydroelectric energy more efficient than wind power?

Yes, but only because Hydroelectric generated electricity can be produced 24/7.


What state produces the most hydroelectric power?

When the water is falling from height. The more the falling speed, the greater the energy.


how do Europe have more power then Asia?

publics are relatively divided, as no more than half name either country as the top economy in most countries.


Why should humans have more hydroelectric power?

Humans need more electricity, regardless of source. Hydroelectric and other renewable sources of energy are preferred to energy produced from the burning of fossil fuels.


What produces more power in South America than any other continents?

hydroelectric generation


Is it a better option to produce electricity as compared to hydroelectric power stations?

Hydroelectric power stations certainly have their advantages and disadvantages, as do all forms of electrical generation. Probably the best solution is to use a combination of different means of producing electricity, with hydroelectric stations as part of the mix.


South America produces more power using than any other continent.?

hydroelectric generation


Why does New Zealand make more use of hydroelectric power than the UK?

It makes very good sense for New Zealand to make much more use of hydroelectric power than the UK because New Zealand has more lakes which are situated high above sea level than the UK.