Page 82 - Sonbeel Utsab 2024

Available flow is the major input parameter that is responsible for the amount of
energy that can be produced by an HPP [4]. To generate electricity, water must be in
motion. When the water is falling by the force of gravity, its potential energy
converts into kinetic energy. This kinetic energy of the flowing water turns blades or
vanes in a hydraulic turbine; the form of energy is changed to mechanical energy.
The turbine turns the generator which then converts this mechanical energy into
electrical energy. Thus, basic requirement of a hydroelectric power station is a
reservoir where large
quantity of water is stored
during rainy season and
used during the dry season
with an inlet and outlet.
[12-13]. Some of the
c o m p o n e n t s o f
hydroelectric power plants
and their functions are
shown in figure. Ref [5-6]

Reservoir
The purpose of reservoir is to store the water during rainy season and supply the
same during dry season. This is in simple, Month Average discharge m3/s)
(
January 12.31
water storage area. February 10.63
March 12.38
The water flowing Intake or Controls Gate: April 16.80
May 35.13
These are called inlet gates because water June 90.28
July 172.95
enters the power generation unit through August 185.71
these gates. When the control gates are September 131.42
October 60.11
opened the water flows due to gravity November 27.25
December 18.18
through the penstock (outlet) and towards
the turbines through the gates possesses potential as well as kinetic energy. Intake
structures are usually the most maintenance-intensive components of hydropower
schemes.

Penstock (Outlet)
Penstock is commonly called outlet. The outlet works is used as the penstock for
power plants. The penstock is the long pipe that carries the water flowing from the
reservoir towards the power generation unit, comprised of the turbines and
generator. The water in the penstock possesses kinetic energy due to its motion and
potential energy due to its height. The total amount of power generated depends on
the height of the water and the amount of water flowing through the penstock. The
choice of outlet of a storage power plant is based on hydrological characteristics.

Power House
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