Hydroelectric

Power Plant
G2 [From 6 Feb – 17 Feb] – Day 1

Supervised by: Eng.Amro Sabry

Done By: Ahmed AbdelMoety Ahmed
Rasslan
Hydroelectric Power
Hydro means "water". So, hydropower is "water power" and hydroelectric
power is electricity generated using water power. Potential energy (or the
"stored" energy in a reservoir) becomes kinetic (or moving energy). This is
changed to mechanical energy in a power plant, which is then turned into
electrical energy. Hydroelectric power is a renewable resource.

The damming of streams and rivers has been an integral part of human
civilization from its early history. Controversy paralleled this use because
impounding and diverting water for upstream users affects those who live
downstream, and also modifies the local habitats of plants and animals. Dams
are built to control floods, improve navigation, provide a drinking-water supply,
create or enhance recreational opportunities, and provide water for irrigation
and other agricultural uses. A small percentage of re used to generate power.
Functioning of a hydroelectric power plant
Hydroelectricity is produced in a hydroelectric
power plant. In this plant, the water is released
from a high location. The potential energy present
in the water is converted into kinetic energy,
which is then used to rotate the blades of a
turbine. The turbine is hooked to the generator
which produces electricity.

—Components Of The
Plant And Their Role In
Its Working
Components Of The Plant And Their
Role In Its Working

Here are the basic components of a

conventional hydropower plant:
The main components of hydroelectric power plant
1- The reservoir: Water from a natural water body like a river is stored in the reservoir. This reservoir is
built at a level higher than the turbine.
2- The dam: The flow of water stored in the reservoir is obstructed by huge walls of the dam. This
prevents the water from flowing and helps us harness the energy present in it. The dam consists of
gates present at its bottom, which can be lifted to allow the flow of water through them. Most
hydropower plants rely on a dam that holds back water, creating a large reservoir.
3- The penstock: This connects the reservoir with the turbine propeller and runs in a downward
inclined manner. When the gates of the dam are lifted, the force of gravity makes the water flow down the
penstock and reach the blades of the turbine. As the water flows through the penstock, the potential
energy of water stored in the dam is converted into kinetic energy.
4- The turbine: The kinetic energy of the running water turns the blades of the turbine. The turbine can
be either a Pelton Wheel Model or a Centrifugal type. The turbine has a shaft connected to the generator.
5- The generator: A shaft runs from the turbine to the generator. When the blades of the turbine
rotate, the shaft turns a motor which produces electric current in the generator.
6- Power lines: The power produced in the generator is sent to various power distribution stations
through the power lines.
Environmental Impact and Drawbacks

Large hydroelectric dams have a number of negative impacts on the local

environment and human society. Dams disrupt river ecosystems and
migrations, killing aquatic life that gets caught in turbine blades. Dams also
create artificial reservoirs, which floods farmland and forests, and displaces
wildlife and people. Hydroelectric projects are also susceptible to fluctuations
in river flows and rainfall. Ghana, which depends on energy from the Volta
River Dam, has suffered severe energy shortages in recent years because of
lack of rainfall.

Large dams and reservoirs in tropical regions are important sources of

greenhouse gases. According to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research
(INPE), each year the world's dams give off over 100 million metric tons of
methane. INPE scientists are developing ways to produce energy by burning
this methane.
Advantages of Hydroelectric
Power Production and Usage
Clean
Energy 01 02 Cheap

Renewable
energy
03 04 Contributes
to the storage
source of drinking
water.
Thanks!