What is hydroelectric power and how does it work?

You must have heard of hydroelectric power. But what exactly is it and how does it generate electric energy? In this white paper, we are going to give you comprehensive information on the essentials of hydroelectric power how it works. 

What is hydroelectric power?

Hydroelectric power is clean energy that is generated by hydro turbines. Water that has stored hydro energy in the high lands passes through hydroelectric plants on its way to lower lands and eventually on the hydroelectric dams.

As it flows, friction between water molecules and rocks causes this hydro source to rise from the mountains into the air. 

This hydro energy can be tapped effectively with hydroelectric generators (hydro generators). The movement of water is then converted into mechanical force via hydroelectric turbines. This kinetic force turns a generator, thereby producing electricity.

Components of the hydroelectric power station

Hydroelectric power plants depend on hydroelectric generators for producing hydroelectricity from hydro sources. The hydroelectric generator consists of rotor blades, a shaft, and a turbine housing. 

The function of the turbine is to harness hydro energy and convert it into power for hydroelectric plants to produce hydroelectricity.

 The turbine is mounted on the shaft that drives an electric generator in the hydroelectric generation process.

How does hydroelectric power work step by step

A general hydroelectric power works in the following way:

Water from higher ground level rises and creates head pressure due to gravity as well as centrifugal force. Water from the higher ground level first goes through the hydroelectric power plant’s intake system. 

Then the water is directed into the hydroelectric power station’s penstock pipe by using a gate valve.

As soon as the water enters the hydroelectric generator’s penstock pipe, it turns the turbine into a hydroelectric generator which spins at a high speed of 3 to 5 times per second or even more. 

The rotational kinetic energy thus produced drives an electrical generator and becomes mechanical pressure on rotor blades attached with a shaft of the hydroelectric generator. This process results in the constant use of hydroelectric power plants for producing electricity. 

Types of hydroelectric power sources

There are two main types of hydroelectric power sources these are;

1. Flash Water Method 

In this method, hydro stations utilize head pressure for generating hydroelectricity by having a lower reservoir that supplies flash water to a higher reservoir through pipes or penstock from which hydroelectric generators are hydropower sources.

1. Run-of-the-river hydro stations

In this method, hydroelectric power plants use the free flow of water from natural streams to drive hydro turbines and produce hydro electricity. 

Run-of-the river hydro stations do not have to build storage reservoirs or raise reservoir levels very high for producing hydro energy from hydro sources. Hydroelectric generation runs mainly on the run-of-the-river hydro sites instead of storing water in huge reservoirs as most dams have.

How much energy can I get from hydroelectric power?

There are different factors that determine the output of a hydroelectric power plant. These factors include:

Nature of the hydroelectric power station 

Hydroelectric power plants are constructed on large water bodies like hydro lakes, hydro dams, and hydro canals.

Power  capacity 

The hydroelectric power of hydroelectric power stations varies according to the capacity of the hydroelectric turbine. The larger it is, the more will be its hydroelectric output. 

Maximum head or altitude levels at which a hydro station functions

 Hydro energy increases as one goes higher up in high mountains or rising lands where hydro stations work resulting in the production of more hydroelectricity from hydro sources.

Run-of-the-river plants: 

Such type of hydroelectric power plants works on a continuous flow basis instead of being dependent on seasonal rainfall patterns for generating hydropower. They only need reliable tailwaters and hydro storage space.

The size of the reservoir

 Hydroelectric power plants should have an appropriate hydroelectric generator capacity for optimum production of hydro energy from hydro sources and hence hydroelectricity.

Size of the turbine 

The hydro turbines come in different capacities. So hydroelectric power stations with larger hydro turbines can generate more hydroelectricity than those with smaller hydro generators. 

This is why you have options of buying different types of turbines based on their production capacities, whether it is a 300w hydro turbine, 1kw hydro turbine, 5kw hydro turbine, or 30kw hydro turbine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC8Lbyeyh-E

How hydroelectric plants are eco-friendly?

Hydroelectric plants do not burn hydrocarbon fuels like coal or oil for the production of hydroelectricity. Therefore, they emit zero greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

They also have a very low environmental impact on their surroundings while generating hydroelectric resources.

 For instance, when a hydro dam project has been completed and water levels have risen above normal riverbeds, this new body of water acts as a fish habitat for many fishes, migratory birds, and other animals.

 New hydroelectric plants also bring more employment opportunities for local people.

Is hydroelectric power reliable?

Hydroelectric is a reliable source of energy because hydroelectric plants run on hydro sources. They are not affected by wind, sun, or fire hazards.

In fact, hydroelectric power plants are the most economical and efficient means to produce electricity over a wide range of loads and altitudes.

So hydroelectric power plants are always ready for producing electricity when it is needed the most during peak hours of mid-day or mid-night time depending on the altitude levels at which these generators operate.

Advantages

Some benefits of hydroelectric power include:

*It has lower costs hydroelectric power plants hydro energy hydroelectricity.

*Easy to install: You can easily install a hydroelectricity power system without incurring too much expense. This is ideal if you find affordable hydro turbines from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.

*Eco-friendly: This simply implies that you will save the environment when using hydroelectric power. They don’t emit pollution like other sources of power such as fossil fuel.

*Reliable: Hydroelectric power can be produced even during high or low water levels in natural streams and rivers making it a reliable source of hydroelectricity. 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that hydroelectric power is among the oldest methods of producing clean and green eco-friendly renewable energy. You can use this energy for various purposes, whether it is domestic or commercial premises.

The modern world has realized that various alternatives sources of power are required to meet the challenges of global warming and climate change which are brought about by our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

Contact reliable hydroelectric turbine manufacturers for more information about these products.