Annexure – I

Report on explaining the hydraulic power generation which could

be understood by common man.

Introduction

Hydraulic power generation, also known as hydroelectric power, harnesses the

energy of flowing or falling water to produce electricity. It's a clean, renewable, and
reliable source of energy that has been used for centuries. This report aims to explain
the concept and process of hydraulic power generation in a manner that is easily
under-stood by the general public.

The Basic Principle

Imagine you're standing by a waterfall. The water at the top has potential energy
because of its height. As it falls, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy
(the energy of movement). When you try to stop the flowing water with your hand,
you can feel its power. Hydraulic power generation works on a similar principle but
on a much larger scale.

Components of a Hydroelectric Power Plant

A typical hydroelectric power plant consists of the following main components.
 Dam: A large barrier built across a river to hold back water, creating a reservoir or
lake behind it. This stored water represents stored energy.
 Intake/Gate: Gates control the flow of water from the reservoir to the turbines. They
can be opened or closed as needed to manage the water flow.
 Penstock: A large pipe that carries water from the reservoir down to the turbines. The
height from which the water falls (head) and the amount of water that flows through
(flow rate) determine how much power can be generated.
 Turbine: As water flows through the penstock, it hits the blades of the turbine,
causing it to spin. This converts the kinetic energy of the water into mechanical
energy.
 Generator: Attached to the turbine, it converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy. When the turbine spins, it turns a large magnet inside the generator. The
magnet's movement around a coil of wire produces electricity.
 Transmission Lines: These carry electricity from the generator to homes, businesses,
and industries.

How It Works – Step By Step

1
  Storing Energy: Water is collected in the reservoir behind the dam. The higher the
water level, the more potential energy it has.
 Releasing Water: When electricity is needed, water is released from the reservoir
through the intake gates.
 Harnessing Energy: The water travels down the penstock and strikes the turbine
blades with force, spinning them. This transforms the water's kinetic energy into
mechanical energy.
 Generating Electricity: The spinning turbine turns the generator's rotor, which
creates electricity through electromagnetic induction.
 Distribution: The generated electricity is then transmitted via power lines to be used
by consumers.

Advantages of Hydraulic Power

 Renewable: It uses water, which is continuously cycled through the Earth's system.
 Clean: Produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gases.
 Reliable: Flow rates and reservoir levels can be managed to produce a steady supply
of electricity.
 Flexible: Electricity production can be adjusted quickly to meet changing demands.

Conclusion:
Hydraulic power generation is akin to capturing the energy of falling water and
converting it into a form we can use to light up our homes, power our industries, and charge
our devices. By building structures that guide and control the flow of water to generate
electricity, we harness nature's power in a sustainable way. This method of power generation
plays a crucial role in our journey toward a cleaner, more renewable energy future.