Power Generation/Hydro Power/Part1

Introduction: Hydro Power station

A hydro power station uses potential energy of water at high level for generating electrical energy.

This power station is generally located in hilly areas where dams can be built conveniently and large water reservoirs can be obtained. This kind of power station can be used to produce large amounts of electrical energy. In most countries these power stations are used as peak load power stations. This is because they can be started and stopped easily and fast.

Operation

The water from the dam is lead to the water turbine through the penstock. Here the hydraulic energy of water is converted to rotational mechanical energy by the turbine. The turbine is connected to the generator through the turbine shaft and hence mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by the generator.

Pros & Cons: what this power station presents

Future generations will want to depend more on this type of electricity generating power station (and other renewable energy sources), due to a fast increasing depletion of fuels(Coal). There are a number of construction projects currently underway for this kind of power station around the world.