Definition: A power generating station which utilises the potential energy of water at a high level for the generation of electrical energy by converting potential energy to kinetic energy is known as a hydro-electric power station.
Definition: A power generating station which utilises the potential energy of water at a high level for the generation of electrical energy by converting potential energy to kinetic energy is known as a hydro-electric power station.
Arrangement of Hydro-electric Power Station & Working:
Hydro-electric Power Plant Consists of basic sections like:
1) Dam
2) Reservoir
3) Control Gate
4) Penstock
5) Turbines and generators
6) Power House
Dam:- A dam is a barrier which reserves the water and creates water head.reserved water will be at some height this height results in potential energy (E=mgh)of water.where h is height of the water that depends on height & storage capacity of the dam.
Reservoir:-The part of river where water will be stored is called Reservoir.
Control Gate&Penstock:Penstocks are generally made of reinforced concrete or steel to transport water from reservoir to turbine with less friction losses.control gate is used to control over the water travelling in penstock.
Turbines and generators:-Water turbines are used to convert the energy of falling water into mechanical energy.generators to produce electrical energy from rotating shaft of turbine.
Power House:-At the power house generated power from alternator will be stepped up and supplied to transmission lines.
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| Typical Hydro Electric Power Station Block Diagram |
Choice of Site for Hydro-electric Power Stations:-
The following points should be taken into account while selecting the site for a hydro-electric power station :(i) Availability of water & Storage of water. Since the primary requirement of a hydro-electric power station is the availability of huge quantity of water, such plants should be built at a place (e.g., river,canal) where adequate water is available at a good head not only the amount of water,storage of water at heights also important to convert potential energy of water into kinetic energy then into electrical energy.
(ii) Capital Cost and type of land. The land for the construction of the hydel power plant should be adequate to withstand the weight of heavy electrical equipment like alternators,turbines,transformers and cost of the land should be less to get profits.
(iii) Transportation facilities. The place selected for a hydro-electric (hydel power)plant should be accessible by rail and road so that necessary equipment and machinery could be easily transported.
Ideal choice of Hydro-electric Power Stations is a site at river in hilly areas where dam can be conveniently built and large reservoirs can be obtained.
Advantages
(i) It requires no fuel as water is used for the generation of electrical energy.
(ii) It is quite neat and clean as no smoke or ash is produced.
(iii) It requires very small running charges because water is the source of energy which is available free of cost.
(iv) It is comparatively simple in construction and requires less maintenance.
(v) It does not require a long starting time like a steam power station. In fact, such plants can be put into service instantly.
(vi) It is robust and has a longer life.
(vii) Such plants serve many purposes. In addition to the generation of electrical energy, they also help in irrigation and controlling floods.
(viii) Although such plants require the attention of highly skilled persons at the time of construction, yet for operation, a few experienced persons may do the job well.
Disadvantages
(i) It involves high capital cost due to construction of dam.
(ii) There is uncertainty about the availability of huge amount of water due to dependence on weather conditions.
(iii) Skilled and experienced hands are required to build the plant.
(iv) It requires high cost of transmission lines as the plant is located in hilly areas which are quite away from the consumers.
Reference:Google Books,Hydro Power Plant PDFs Download
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