Energy Engineering Practice Test: Hydro Electric Power Plant — Flashcards

Hydro Electric Power Plant topics include: Hydrology, rainfall and its measurements, hydrographs, site selection for hydro electric power plants and hydro plant classification.

A hydroelectric power plant uses the energy of moving water to generate electricity. It's made up of a series of facilities and equipment that convert water's potential energy into electrical energy. 
Hydropower is one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy. In the United States, it accounts for 28.7% of total renewable electricity generation and about 6.2% of total electricity generation. 

Here are some components of a hydroelectric power plant:
Penstock: A large steel pipe that carries water from the reservoir to the turbine. As the water flows down through the penstock, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
Power station: Contains electrical and mechanical equipment.
Waterways: An intake, a headrace, a tailrace, and a waterway to the outlet.
Dam and reservoir: May or may not be included. 

Here are some other components of a hydroelectric power plant:
Surge tank: A reservoir that's close to the turbine that reduces pressure forces. It's usually used in power plants where the water source is far from the turbine.
Gate or valve: Controls the amount of water that flows out of the dam. 

Hydroelectric power plants use the energy from flowing water to generate electricity. The water is stored in a reservoir, which can be a natural lake. 
- The water then flows through a pipe, or penstock, and pushes against the blades of a turbine. 
- The turbine spins, which powers a generator to produce electricity. 

Some disadvantages of hydroelectric energy include:
Impact on fish
Limited plant locations
Higher initial costs
Carbon and methane emissions
Susceptible to droughts
Flood risk