Thursday, 11 October 2012

The best way can the hydroelectric generator function?

By Angela Mason


What 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 - History

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 - Types

According to the capacity, the hydroelectric generators are subdivided into many forms.

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

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

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

The hydroelectric generators are also classified into diverse sorts depending on the speed of rotation.

Low speed generators - The generators having the rotation upto 100 rpm (Revolutions Per Minute)

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

Hydroelectric generator - Operating and Parts

Hydroelectric generators operate only if there is a drop in water. Either they use the natural drops like waterfall or the drop is produced artificially by developing dams across the rivers so as to raise the degree of water. The driving force might be created only when there is a drop. The forebay is where the water present at the greater level might be collected after which goes into a penstock (pipe) by way of the intake in the station. Among the kind of water wheel recognized because the turbine might be connected to a generator. There will probably be an boost 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 - Significant notice

Even though designing and putting in a hydroelectric generator, particular interest have to be offered to strengthen the rotating parts. It is also important to cool the rotor and stator's windings.

Hydroelectric generator - Construct at property (small-scale)

People today residing close to a river can take advantage from the natural flow of water to make a small-scale hydroelectric generator at residence so as to reduce the consumption of electrical energy. This small-scale generator can also be identified as run-of-stream hydro, low-impact hydro or micro hydro generator and can be quickly built just by utilizing the basic components readily out there at residence.




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