Terminologies and Working Principle (Physics, Power Conversion, Parts)

Hydropower

The conventional technology for hydroelectric plant makes use of a system that
accumulates water and also uses a turbine to generate mechanical power. This description of a
hydropower facility refers to the traditional way of producing electricity from hydroelectric power
plants. This traditional way is to use a dam to accumulate water and by means of a pipeway called
a penstock for the flow of water a turbine is installed on the end of it in order for it rotate. The
rotation from the turbine then rotates the induction motor shaft to produce electrical energy, and
consequently power.

Figure 4. Harnessing Power from Water

Although this is the case harnessing power from water is not limited to the technology as
mentioned. Energy from water can also be harnessed by means of Ocean Waves Power Plant,
Tidal Stream technology, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion. Ocean waves power plants
makes use of the pressure fluctuation to produces electrical energy. The tidal stream technology
takes advantage of the incoming and outgoing flow of water bodies due to the changes in tide as
influenced by the moon. Lastly, the temperature difference of the ocean’s surface to its depth can
be used to produce electrical energy.

Hydropower does not necessarily only mean the damming of a water system and rotating
a turbine. In writing this report the focus of the discussion is about the traditional meaning. The
main principle is that the accumulated water have potential energy. Once it is released the falling
water has kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is that converted into mechanical energy by means
turbine. The turbine then spins the induction motor shaft which then exemplifies the conversion
of mechanical energy to kinetic energy.