Hydro Power Plant

As discussed in previous concept about power plants, another type of power plant is hydro power plant.  In this section we will discuss about hydropower plant. We know that flowing water has much kinetic energy in it. What is the source of this kinetic energy?

The water stored in dam contains Large amount of gravitational potential energy. This large amount  of potential energy will be converted into kinetic energy while flow the water in river. This kinetic energy of water is used to rotate dynamo. In past centuries, there is dramatically increase in number of dams. So number of hydro power plants also increased.  One fourth of energy requirement of India is fulfil by hydro power plant. Number of artificial dams are minimum. Hydro power plants can built in hilly areas because we can create a dam at this area.

Principal:

  • Gravitational potential energy of water in dam is converted into electrical energy.
  • Changing magnetic flux produces electric current.

Construction and working:

Hydro power plants are constructed in hilly areas. The water of rain is stored in this dam. Water is stored at some height and turbines are fix at comparatively low height. As we know that gravitational potential energy is depend on height.  Hence it creates gravitational potential energy difference.Potential energy of water is depend on the level of the water. If level is high then it contain large amount of energy.

When we releasewater from this dam then potential energy of water converted into kinetic energy. This kinetic energy possesses greater velocity. The fast moving water collides with the blades of turbines.This collision produces rotation of dynamo results electric current. The construction of hydro power plant is as

Hydro power plant are set on a dam. Water from rainfall on hilly areas are collected in dam. Open number of doorsof sluice gate as requirement and allow to flow the water in dam. This water rotates dynamo. With the help of dynamo electricity is generated in power house. The value of voltage increased as requirement with the help of transformer. This generated electricity will be transfer by power lines.

Advantages:

  1. In hydra power plant, gravitational potential energy is used so we do not worry about limited stock of fuel.
  2. Hydro power plants are economically cheap because it does not require any fuel.
  3. Released water in hydro power plant can reuse.
  4. It does not release pollutants in air.

Disadvantages:

  1. Construction of water dam creates economical and social problems.
  2. Dam can be created in hilly areas only.
  3. Hydro power plants requires lot of land.
  4. Large agricultural land is used for the dam.
  5. Creation of dam hasforced people to migrate.
  6. Dam can distry ecosystem of that place.

Due to due to such problems native people opposes the construction of dam. Tehri dam onGanga river and Sardar dam on river Narmada are examples of oppositionoflocals.

Answer the following questions.

  • Distinguish between thermal power plant and hydro power plant.
  • State the principal of hydropower plant.
  • List out hydro power plants in India.
  • State advantages and disadvantages of hydro power plants.
  • Suggest solutions about disadvantages of hydro power plant

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