INTRODUCTION TO
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
Hydroelectric power (often called
hydropower) is considered a renewable
energy source. A renewable energy source is
one that is not depleted (used up) in the
production of energy. Through hydropower, the
energy in falling water is converted into
electricity without using up the water.
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Any moving
object has kinetic energy.
Mechanical energy is a form of kinetic energy,
such as in a machine. Mechanical energy has the
ability to do work. Any object that is able to do
work has mechanical energy.
Hydroelectric power (hydropower) systems
convert the kinetic energy in flowing water
into electric energy.
How a Hydroelectric Power System Works
Flowing water is
directed at a turbine
(remember turbines are
just advanced
waterwheels). The
flowing water causes
the turbine to rotate,
converting the waters
kinetic energy into
mechanical energy.
How a Hydroelectric Power System Works
The mechanical energy produced by the turbine is
converted into electric energy using a turbine
generator. Inside the generator, the shaft of the
turbine spins a magnet inside coils of copper wire. It
is a fact of nature that moving a magnet near a
conductor causes an electric current.
How much electricity can be generated
by a hydroelectric power plant?
The amount of electricity that can be generated by a hydropower
plant depends on two factors:
flow rate - the quantity of water flowing in a given time; and
head - the height from which the water falls.
The greater the flow and head, the more electricity produced.
Flow Rate = the quantity of water flowing
When more water flows through a turbine, more electricity can be
produced. The flow rate depends on the size of the river and the
amount of water flowing in it. Power production is considered to be
directly proportional to river flow. That is, twice as much water
flowing will produce twice as much electricity.
Head = the height from which water falls
The farther the water falls, the more power it has. The higher the
dam, the farther the water falls, producing more hydroelectric power.
Power production is also directly proportional to head. That is,
water falling twice as far will produce twice as much electricity.
It is important to note that
when determining head,
hydrologists take into
account the pressure behind
the water. Water behind the
dam puts pressure on the
falling water.
High-head Hydropower
Tall dams are sometimes
referred to as high-head
hydropower systems. That
is, the height from which
water falls is relatively
high.
Low-head Hydropower
Many smaller
hydropower systems
are considered lowhead because the
height from which the
water falls is fairly low.
Low-head hydropower
systems are generally
less than 20 feet high.
Environmental Considerations
High-head hydropower systems can produce a tremendous amount
of power. However, large hydropower facilities, while essentially
pollution-free to operate, still have undesirable effects on the
environment.
Installation of new large hydropower projects today is very
controversial because of their negative environmental impacts.
These include:
upstream flooding
declining fish populations
decreased water quality and flow
reduced quality of upstream and downstream environments
Glen Canyon June 1962
Glen Canyon June 1964
Low-head and Low Impact Hydropower
Scientists today are seeking ways to develop hydropower plants that
have less impact on the environment. One way is through low-head
hydropower. Low-head hydropower projects are usually low impact
as wellthat is, they have fewer negative effects on the environment.
Example of a low-head, low impact hydropower system.
Low Impact Hydropower
A hydropower project is considered low impact if it considers
these environmental factors:
water quality
threatened and
endangered species
protection
watershed
protection
cultural resource
protection
fish passage
and protection
recreation
river flow
facilities recommended
for removal
How a Hydropower System Works
Flowing water is directed at a turbine which (inside the generator)
spins a magnet inside coils of copper wire. This produces an
electric current.
Types of Hydropower Facilities
The two primary types of hydropower facilities are the
impoundment system (or dam) and the run-of-the-river
system.
Impoundment System
An impoundment is simply a dam that holds water in a reservoir.
The water is released when needed through a penstock, to drive the
turbine.
This illustration shows the parts of a standard hydroelectric dam.
Most large, high-head hydropower facilities use impoundments.
Run-of-the-River Hydropower System
A run-of-the-river system uses the rivers natural flow and
requires little or no impoundment. It may involve a diversion of a
portion of the stream through a canal or penstock, or it may involve
placement of a turbine right in the stream channel. Run-of-the-river
systems are often low-head.
Large Hydropower
A large hydropower
facility has the capacity
to produce more than
30,000 kilowatts (kW) of
electricity.
The majority of
hydropower systems in
the U.S. fit in this
category. Large
hydropower systems
typically require a dam.
Small Hydropower
Small hydropower facilities
can produce
100 30,000 kilowatts (kW)
of electricity.
Small hydropower facilities
may involve a small dam, or
be a diversion of the main
stream, or be a
run-of-the-river system.
Micro Hydropower
Micro hydropower
plants have the
capacity to produce
100 kilowatts (kW)
or less.
Micro-hydro facilities
typically use a
run-of-the-river
system.
Hydropower is an important renewable
energy source world wide...
