NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, PATNA

Report on

HYDRO POWER PLANT

in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of

Bachelor of technology in

Electrical Engineering

Submitted to- Submitted by-

Dr. Ashiwani Kumar Kratika (2002010)

Assistant Professor, Sandeep Kumar (2002011)

Electrical Engineering
 HYDRO POWER PLANT
INTRODUCTION:-
A hydro power plant is like a water-powered electricity factory. It uses the energy in
moving water to create electricity, and that helps us run our daily lives without
polluting the environment.

A hydroelectric power plant is a remarkable example of harnessing nature's energy to

generate electricity. By utilizing the power of flowing water, these plants contribute
significantly to the global energy mix while also promoting sustainability and
environmental responsibility. In this system, the natural force of water is converted
into clean and renewable electricity, serving as a vital component of our energy
infrastructure.

At its core, a hydro power plant operates by capitalizing on the gravitational potential
energy of water. By creating artificial structures like dams or using the natural flow of
rivers, the plant manages the movement of water, channeling it through turbines that
ultimately drive generators. This ingenious process involves a series of steps, from the
initial capture of water to the eventual transmission of electricity into homes and
industries.

In this exploration of hydro power plants, we will delve into the intricacies of their
components and mechanics, learn about the various types of turbines employed, and
examine the benefits they bring to the table. However, while these power plants offer
numerous advantages, they are not without their challenges, including environmental
considerations and the need for careful planning.
By the end of this exploration, you will have a solid understanding of how hydro
power plants function, the role they play in our energy landscape, and the factors that
shape their development. From their historical origins to their modern-day
applications, hydro power plants stand as a testament to humanity's ability to
harmonize with nature for sustainable energy generation.

Hydro power plants are developed for the following purposes :

1. Generation of electricity at low cost.

2. To control the floods of the rivers.
3. Is to store the water for drinking and irrigation.

HOW HYDRO POWER PLANT WORKS:-

Hydroelectric power comes from water at work, water in motion. It can be seen as a
form of solar energy, as the sun powers the hydrologic cycle which gives the earth its
water. In the hydrologic cycle, atmospheric water reaches the earth=s surface as
precipitation. Some of this water evaporates, but much of it either percolates into the
soil or becomes surface runoff. Water from rain and melting snow eventually reaches
ponds, lakes, reservoirs, or oceans where evaporation is constantly occurring.

Moisture percolating into the soil may become ground water (subsurface water), some
of which also enters water bodies through springs or underground streams. Ground
water may move upward through soil during dry periods and may return to the
atmosphere by evaporation.
Water vapor passes into the atmosphere by evaporation then circulates, condenses into
clouds, and some returns to earth as precipitation. Thus, the water cycle is complete.
Nature ensures that water is a renewable resource.

Power Generation
In nature, energy cannot be created or destroyed, but its form can change. In
generating electricity, no new energy is created. Actually one form of energy is
converted to another form.
To generate electricity, water must be in motion. This is kinetic (moving) energy.
When flowing water turns blades in a turbine, the form is changed to mechanical
(machine) energy. The turbine turns the generator rotor which then converts this
mechanical energy into another energy form -- electricity. Since water is the initial
source of energy, we call this hydroelectric power or hydropower for short.

At facilities called hydroelectric powerplants, hydropower is generated. Some

powerplants are located on rivers, streams, and canals, but for a reliable water supply,
dams are needed. Dams store water for later release for such purposes as irrigation,
domestic and industrial use, and power generation. The reservoir acts much like a
battery, storing water to be released as needed to generate power. The dam creates a
Ahead or height from which water flows. A pipe (penstock) carries the water from the
reservoir to the turbine. The fast-moving water pushes the turbine blades, something
like a pinwheel in the wind. The waters force on the turbine blades turns the rotor, the
moving part of the electric generator. When coils of wire on the rotor sweep past the
generator=s stationary coil (stator), electricity is produced.

This concept was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831 when he found that
electricity could be generated by rotating magnets within copper coils. When the water
has completed its task, it flows on unchanged to serve other needs.

Transmitting Power
Once the electricity is produced, it must be delivered to where it is needed -- our
homes, schools, offices, factories, etc. Dams are often in remote locations and power
must be transmitted over some distance to its users. Vast networks of transmission
lines and facilities are used to bring electricity to us in a form we can use. All the
electricity made at a powerplant comes first through transformers which raise the
voltage so it can travel long distances through powerlines. (Voltage is the pressure
that forces an electric current through a wire.) At local substations, transformers
reduce the voltage so electricity can be divided up and directed throughout an area.
Transformers on poles (or buried underground, in some neighbourhood) further reduce
the electric power to the right voltage for appliances and use in the home. When
electricity gets to our homes, we buy it by the kilowatt-hour, and a meter measures
how much we use.
While hydroelectric powerplants are one source of electricity, other sources include
powerplants that burn fossil fuels or split atoms to create steam which in turn is used
to generate power. Gas turbine, solar, geothermal, and wind-powered systems are
other sources. All these powerplants may use the same system of transmission lines
and stations in an area to bring power to you. By use of this A power grid,” electricity
can be interchanged among several utility systems to meet varying demands. So the
electricity lighting your reading lamp now may be from a hydroelectric powerplant, a
wind generator, a nuclear facility, or a coal, gas, or oil-fired powerplant or a
combination of these.

The area where you live and its energy resources are prime factors in determining
what kind of power you use. For example, in Washington State hydroelectric
powerplants provided approximately 80 percent of the electrical power during 2002.
In contrast, in Ohio during the same year, almost 87 percent of the electrical power
came from coal-fired powerplants due to the area=s ample supply of coal.
Electrical utilities range from large systems serving broad regional areas to small
power companies serving individual communities. Most electric utilities are investor-
owned (private) power companies. Others are owned by towns, cities, and rural
electric associations. Surplus power produced at facilities owned by the Federal
Government is marketed to preference power customers (A customer given preference
by law in the purchase of federally generated electrical energy which is generally an
entity which is nonprofit and publicly financed.) by the Department of Energy through
its power marketing administrations.

IMPORTANCE OF HYDRO POWER PLANT:-

Water is the naturally available renewable source of energy. The power generation
from a hydro-electric power plant is clean and free from pollution, generally, it has a
good environmental impact.

The main aim of a hydro-electric power plant is to harnessing power from water
flowing under pressure. Nearly 30 to 35% of the total power generation of the world is
met by a hydro-electric power plant.
Hydro-power plants are also developed for their following advantages:

1. To control the floods of the rivers.

2. Is to develop the irrigated lands.

3. To have storage of drinking water.

4. The running cost of these plants is very low compared to other power
plants.

5. Greater control over the turbines,

6. High reliability compared to other plants.

7. Absolutely no fuel charges.

8. The load can be varied quickly as per the changing demand.
 9. These plants have no disposal problem
10. These plants have no environmental problems.

Following factors should be considered while selecting the site for

hydro-power plant :
1. Availability of water: Large quantity of water should be available
throughout the year at the proposed site.

2. A requirement of head flow availability and storage capacity.

3. The character of foundation, particularly for the dams.

4. The land should be cheap and rocky.

5. The topography of the surface at the proposed location.

6. Accessibility of the site i.e. the site should have transportation facilities
like road and rail.

7. Nearness to the load centre.

8. Availability of the materials for the construction.

9. Arrangement and type of dam, intakes, conduits, surge tank and
powerhouse.

10. Cost of project and period required for completion.

11. Impacts of water pollution.

COMPONENTS OF HYDRO POWER PLANT:-

Following are the essential components of the hydro-power plant :

1. Catchment area
2. Reservoir

3. Dam
 4. Spillways
5. Penstock

6. Surge tanks

7. Prime movers
8. Draft tubes \

9. Powerhouse and equipment

1. Catchment Area
The whole area behind the dam draining into a stream or river across which the dam
has been built at a suitable place is called catchment area.
2. Reservoir

It is the area where the water is stored and utilized for power generation. A reservoir
may be natural or artificial.

A natural reservoir is a lake in high mountains. An artificial tank is built by erecting a

dam across the river.

3. Dam

A dam is a barrier built across the river to store the water for power generation. Dams
are built of concrete or stone masonry, earth or rockfill. The dam stores the water one
side and on the other side, it is having a powerhouse to generate the power.

4. Spill Ways

It is a safety valve for a dam. It is provided to discharge the excess water from the dam
to safeguard the dam against floods.

5. Conduits

It is a pipe connected between surge tank and prime mover, usually, these are of steel
reinforced concrete pipes.
6. Surge Tank
There is a sudden increase in pressure in the penstock due to the sudden decrease in
the rate of water flow to the turbine when the gates admitting water to the turbines are
suddenly closed owing to the action of the governor.

This happens when the load on the generator decreases. This sudden rise of pressure in
the penstock above normal due to reduced load on the generator is known as "water
hammer".

A surge tank is a small reservoir employed between dam and powerhouse nearer to the
powerhouse to reduce the pressure swings in the penstock by allowing the excess
water to enter into the surge tank during low load periods and the stored water can be
supplied to the penstock during high load periods.

7. Prime Mover

These are the turbines used to convert the kinetic energy of the water into mechanical
energy to produce electric energy.

8. Draft Tube
It is a diverging discharge passage connected to the tailrace. It supports the runner for
utilizing the remaining kinetic energy of the water at the discharge end of the runner.
9. PowerHouse
A powerhouse consists of two main parts, a substructure to support the hydraulic and
electric equipment such as turbines, generators, valves, pumps, governors, etc., and
superstructure to house and protects these types of equipment.

Types of Hydropower Plant with Layout :-

Different types of hydropower plant can be classified as follows:

1. According to the availability of head

1. High head power plants

2. Medium head power plants

3. Low head power plants.

2. According to the nature of the load

1. Base load plants

2. Peak load plants.

3. According to the availability of water

1. Runoff river plant without pondage
2. Runoff river plant with pondage

3. Storage type plants

4. Pump storage plants

5. Mini and micro-hydel plants.

Hydropower, the Environment, and Society :-

It is important to remember that people, and all their actions, are part of the natural
world. The materials used for building, energy, clothing, food, and all the familiar
parts of our day-to-day world come from natural resources.
Our surroundings are composed largely of the A built environment structures and
facilities built by humans for comfort, security, and well-being. As our built
environment grows, we grow more reliant on its offerings.

To meet our needs and support our built environment, we need electricity which can
be generated by using the resources of natural fuels. Most resources are not
renewable; there is a limited supply. In obtaining resources, it is often necessary to
drill oil wells, tap natural gas supplies, or mine coal and uranium. To put water to
work on a large scale, storage dams are needed.

We know that any innovation introduced by people has an impact on the natural
environment. That impact may be desirable to some, and at the same time,
unacceptable to others. Using any source of energy has some environmental cost. It is
the degree of impact on the environment that is crucial.

Some human activities have more profound and lasting impacts than others.
Techniques to mine resources from below the earth may leave long-lasting scars on
the landscape. Oil wells may detract from the beauty of open, grassy fields.
Reservoirs behind dams may cover picturesque valleys. Once available, use of energy
sources can further impact the air, land, and water in varying degrees.

People want clean air and water and a pleasing environment. We also want energy to
heat and light our homes and run our machines. What is the solution?

The situation seems straightforward: The demand for electrical power must be curbed
or more power must be produced in environmentally acceptable ways. The solution,
however, is not so simple.

Conservation can save electricity, but at the same time our population is growing
steadily. Growth is inevitable, and with it the increased demand for electric power.

Since natural resources will continue to be used, the wisest solution is a careful,
planned approach to their future use. All alternatives must be examined, and the most
efficient, acceptable methods must be pursued.
Hydroelectric facilities have many characteristics that favor developing new projects
and upgrading existing powerplants:
-- Hydroelectric powerplants do not use up limited non renewable resources to make
electricity.

-- They do not cause pollution of air, land, or water.

-- They have low failure rates, low operating costs, and are reliable.
--They can provide startup power in the event of a system wide power failure.

As an added benefit, reservoirs have scenic and recreation value for campers,
fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts. The water is a home for fish and wildlife as
well. Dams add to domestic water supplies, control water quality, provide irrigation
for agriculture, and avert flooding. Dams can actually improve downstream
conditions by allowing mud and other debris to settle out.
Existing powerplants can be uprated or new powerplants added at current dam sites
without a significant effect on the environment. New facilities can be constructed
with consideration of the environment. For instance, dams can be built at remote
locations, powerplants can be placed underground, and selective withdrawal systems
can be used to control the water temperature released from the dam. Facilities can
incorporate features that aid fish and wildlife, such as salmon runs or resting places for
migratory birds.
In reconciling our natural and our built environments there will be tradeoffs and
compromises. As we learn to live in harmony as part of the environment, we must
seek the best alternatives among all ecologic, economic, technological, and social
perspectives.

The value of water must be considered by all energy planners. Some water is now
dammed and can be put to work to make hydroelectric power. Other water is presently
going to waste. The fuel burned to replace this wasted energy is gone forever and, so,
is a loss to our Nation.
The longer we delay the balanced development of our potential for hydropower, the
more we unnecessarily use up other vital resources.

Advantages of Hydro-electric Power Plant :-

1. Renewable Energy Source: Hydroelectric power is generated from the energy
of flowing water, which is constantly replenished by the water cycle. This makes
it a renewable and sustainable energy source.

2. Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Hydro power plants produce minimal

greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power plants. This
contributes to reducing air pollution and combating climate change.

3. Reliable and Predictable: Hydroelectric power generation is highly reliable

and predictable. Unlike solar or wind power, which depend on weather
conditions, water flow can be controlled to match electricity demand.

4. Stable Energy Supply: Hydro power plants provide a stable and consistent
supply of electricity, making them suitable for baseload power generation.
5. Long Lifecycle: Properly maintained hydro power plants can have long
operational lifetimes, often exceeding 50 years. This ensures a stable energy
source for decades.

6. Low Operating Costs: Once built, the operating costs of hydro power plants
are relatively low. The main costs are associated with maintenance and
occasional upgrades.

7. Water Management: Hydro power plants can also provide benefits for water
management by regulating river flow and controlling flooding in downstream
areas.

8. Energy Storage: Some hydro power plants can act as energy storage facilities.
Excess electricity during periods of low demand can be used to pump water
back into the reservoir, effectively storing energy for later use.
9. Economic Benefits: Hydro power plants can contribute to local economies by
creating jobs during construction, operation, and maintenance phases. They also
provide a source of revenue for governments through electricity sales.

10.Infrastructure for Recreation: Reservoirs created by dams can offer

opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and water
sports, enhancing local tourism.
11.Flexible Operation: Hydro power plants can be quickly started and stopped,
providing flexibility to adjust power output based on demand fluctuations.

12.Ancillary Services: Hydro power plants can provide ancillary services to the
grid, such as stabilizing frequency and voltage, which contribute to the overall
stability of the electricity network.

13.No Fuel Costs: Hydro power plants do not require fuel to operate, reducing
dependence on imported fuels and mitigating fuel price volatility.

14.Community Development: In some cases, hydro power projects can lead to

improvements in local infrastructure, such as roads and schools, benefiting
nearby communities.
Disadvantages of hydro power plant:-
1. Environmental Impact: Despite being a renewable energy source, the
construction of dams and reservoirs for hydro power plants can have significant
environmental consequences. These include habitat disruption, alteration of
natural river flow patterns, and flooding of land. The creation of reservoirs can
submerge large areas, leading to the loss of ecosystems, biodiversity, and
displacement of local communities.
2. Ecosystem Disruption: The alteration of river ecosystems due to dam
construction can impact aquatic life and fish migration. Fish populations may
struggle to navigate through dam structures, affecting their breeding and
survival patterns. This can disrupt local food chains and lead to declines in fish
populations.

3. Methane Emission: In some cases, submerged organic matter in reservoirs can

undergo decomposition and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. While
this emission is generally lower than that from fossil fuel power plants, it still
contributes to global warming.

4. Sediment Accumulation: Dams can trap sediment that would naturally flow
downstream. Over time, this can lead to sediment buildup in reservoirs,
reducing their storage capacity and affecting aquatic ecosystems downstream.

5. Limited Suitable Locations: Not all regions have suitable topography and
water resources for the construction of hydro power plants. This limits the
widespread adoption of this technology, particularly in areas with flat
landscapes or low water availability.

6. High Initial Costs: Building dams, turbines, and other infrastructure for hydro
power plants requires substantial upfront investment. The construction of large
dams can be especially costly and can take years to complete.

7. Social Displacement: The creation of reservoirs for hydro power plants often
leads to the displacement of local communities, as their homes and lands may
be submerged. This can have cultural, social, and economic implications for
affected communities.
8. Dependency on Water Availability: Hydroelectric power generation relies on
consistent water flow. Droughts, changes in precipitation patterns, or shifts in
river flow can impact the plant's ability to generate electricity reliably.

9. Maintenance Challenges: The maintenance and upkeep of dams, turbines, and

other infrastructure can be complex and costly. Dam safety is a critical concern,
requiring regular monitoring and upkeep to prevent failures.

10.Limited Flexibility: Hydro power plants are often designed for specific water
flow and pressure conditions. Changes in these conditions due to environmental
or operational factors can affect their efficiency and output.

11.Limited Energy Storage: While some hydro power plants can act as energy
storage by adjusting water flow, their storage capacity is limited compared to
modern battery storage technologies
CONCLUSION:-
Hydroelectric power plants stand as a remarkable embodiment of humanity's ability to
harness and harmonize with the forces of nature for sustainable energy generation.
Their numerous advantages make them a valuable asset in our pursuit of cleaner and
more reliable energy sources. Hydro power plants have the potential to significantly
contribute to mitigating climate change, enhancing energy security, and promoting
economic development.
The renewable nature of water resources, coupled with the minimal greenhouse gas
emissions associated with hydro power, positions these plants as pivotal players in the
global transition towards a more sustainable energy future. The reliability,
predictability, and long operational lifespans of hydro power plants underscore their
significance as stable contributors to electricity grids.

However, it is vital to approach the development of hydro power projects with careful
consideration of potential environmental, social, and economic impacts. The
construction of dams and reservoirs can lead to ecosystem disruption, displacement of
communities, and alteration of natural river systems. Striking a balance between
harnessing the energy potential of water and minimizing negative consequences
necessitates meticulous planning, innovative designs, and robust environmental
management practices.

Hydro power's ability to store energy, respond to demand fluctuations, and integrate
with other renewable sources further solidifies its role in modern energy systems. As
technology advances, addressing the challenges associated with hydro power, such as
fish migration and ecosystem conservation, becomes increasingly feasible, reinforcing
its position as a sustainable energy solution.
In a world where the urgency to address climate change and transition to cleaner
energy sources is paramount, hydroelectric power plants offer a beacon of hope. With
responsible development and ongoing innovation, they can continue to power our lives
while safeguarding the environment for generations to come.