The hydroelectric power plant converter the energy stored in water to electrical energy by the use of water turbine coupled with an electric generator,water from the river or a reservoir at a suitable head is taken to turbine through a penstock (conduit system).The turbine converts the potential energy of water into mechanical energy which drives the generator.Hydroelectric power generation is the oldest and cheapest method of power generation.
The main advantages of hydroelectric power station are as follows:
1.Hydro power is the cheapest,cleanest and most reliable source of energy for bulk generation of electricity.
2.The cost of generation per kWh is lower than the energy generated at thermal power stations or combined cycle gas turbines.Hydro plants have very low maintenance cost. The auxiliaries needed in a hydro plant are less as compared to other plants of equal rating.
3.Hydro stations increases the system reliability because of their quick start and quick stop operations.Thus,they are ideal for peak loads.They can be started and connected to power network within five minutes in contrast to many hours in case of thermal plants.
4.Hydro power uses a renewable source of energy whereas fossil fuels are finite in nature and, therefore,need to be conserved in the long-term interest of the country.
5.Hydro projects do not require and feed stock,unlike thermal power projects for which coal has to be transported to a long distance from coal mimes to thermal plant sites. This puts an extra burden on country's railway system.
6.Hydro power is a clean source of energy.It is free from either air or water pollution which is not the case for nuclear,thermal or gas power plants.
7.Hydro plants are multipurpose in nature.In addition to power generation they are also useful for irrigation,flood control,navigation and supply of drinking water for domestic and industrial purposes. Reservoir lakes can also be made which can be used for recreation.
8.The life of a hydro plant is very long of the order of 35-40 years.Moreover,its efficiency does not reduces much with age.
9.When hydro projects are set up, the infrastructure,roads facilities,communication and other facilities greatly improve in the region.The local employment potential increases and the economy is improved.
It is due to these reasons that hydro plants have a decided advantage over other methods of power generation.
The main advantages of hydroelectric power station are as follows:
1.Hydro power is the cheapest,cleanest and most reliable source of energy for bulk generation of electricity.
2.The cost of generation per kWh is lower than the energy generated at thermal power stations or combined cycle gas turbines.Hydro plants have very low maintenance cost. The auxiliaries needed in a hydro plant are less as compared to other plants of equal rating.
3.Hydro stations increases the system reliability because of their quick start and quick stop operations.Thus,they are ideal for peak loads.They can be started and connected to power network within five minutes in contrast to many hours in case of thermal plants.
4.Hydro power uses a renewable source of energy whereas fossil fuels are finite in nature and, therefore,need to be conserved in the long-term interest of the country.
5.Hydro projects do not require and feed stock,unlike thermal power projects for which coal has to be transported to a long distance from coal mimes to thermal plant sites. This puts an extra burden on country's railway system.
6.Hydro power is a clean source of energy.It is free from either air or water pollution which is not the case for nuclear,thermal or gas power plants.
7.Hydro plants are multipurpose in nature.In addition to power generation they are also useful for irrigation,flood control,navigation and supply of drinking water for domestic and industrial purposes. Reservoir lakes can also be made which can be used for recreation.
8.The life of a hydro plant is very long of the order of 35-40 years.Moreover,its efficiency does not reduces much with age.
9.When hydro projects are set up, the infrastructure,roads facilities,communication and other facilities greatly improve in the region.The local employment potential increases and the economy is improved.
It is due to these reasons that hydro plants have a decided advantage over other methods of power generation.
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