Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The best way can the hydroelectric generator function?

By Angela Mason


What exactly is a hydroelectric generator?

A hydroelectric generator is nothing but a machine that rotates electrically and is used to transform mechanical power from a water wheel or hydraulic turbine into electric power.

Hydroelectric generator - Background

Since the ancient time, moving water has been used to generate energy. The energy produced by using the water wheels was used for grinding grains and other agricultural purposes. Nowadays, the energy from the falling water is mainly used for driving electrical generators. Water can be a reliable energy source, as long as there is sufficient water in the rivers and streams due to rainfall and snow.

Hydroelectric generator - Forms

Depending on the capacity, the hydroelectric generators are subdivided into a number of kinds.

Low capacity generators - This has capacity upto 50 MW (megawatts)

Medium capacity generators - The capacity of this generators range amongst 50 and 150 MW

High capacity generators - This type of generator have capacity above 150 MW

The hydroelectric generators are also classified into different types based on the speed of rotation.

Low speed generators - The generators possessing the rotation upto one hundred rpm (Revolutions Per Minute)

High speed generators - This type of generators generally have a speed that exceeds 100 rpm

Hydroelectric generator - Working and Parts

Hydroelectric generators perform only if there's a drop in water. Either they use the all-natural drops like waterfall or the drop is developed artificially by creating dams across the rivers in an effort to increase the degree of water. The driving force will probably be generated only when there is a drop. The forebay is where the water present at the higher level will be collected and after that goes into a penstock (pipe) via the intake on the station. Certainly one of the kind of water wheel identified as the turbine will likely be connected to a generator. There will probably be an enhance in the pressure of water because it flows down the penstock. The turbine revolves due to this flow and pressure in water that in turn spins the generator.

Large electromagnets are attached to the rotor present inside the generator. The rotor is located within the stator (copper wire coil). When the rotor present inside the generator spins the magnets, it will create a flow of electrons in the stator producing electricity. This electricity can be converted to voltage by passing it through the transformers and are then sent across the transmission lines. Tailrace is where the falling water comes out of the generating station and rejoins the river's main stream.

Hydroelectric generator - Important notice

While designing and installing a hydroelectric generator, special attention must be given to strengthen the rotating parts. It is also important to cool the rotor and stator's windings.

Hydroelectric generator - Develop at property (small-scale)

People living close to a river can take advantage from the natural flow of water to build a small-scale hydroelectric generator at home in order to reduce the consumption of electricity. This small-scale generator is also known as run-of-stream hydro, low-impact hydro or micro hydro generator and can be easily built just by using the basic materials readily available at home.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment