Hydropower

The chapter begins with the discussion of the hydrologic cycle to describe the sustainable water cycle on the Earth. Installed capacities of waterpower from various countries are presented. The various ways of generating useful energy and power from water resources are described. There are numerous examples of the theoretical and actual power derived from water sources. Basic useful equations and conversion efficiencies are presented. Factors affecting inefficiencies of hydropower plants are enumerated. The various impellers used for many water conversion devices are enumerated and discussed. The chapter also enumerates the basic components of the hydropower plant, such as the reservoir, dam, intake and control gate, penstock, turbine, generator, powerhouse, transformers, outflow, and power lines. There is a comprehensive description of waterpower-generating devices such as water wheels and turbines (impulse and reaction). Formulas to estimate the specific speeds of these impellers are presented to properly select the correct impeller for a particular application. There are also extensive discussions on the design of hydraulic rams, a device to raise water on a higher elevation from the water source. The procedure for designing one’s own hydraulic ram is presented. Finally, hydropower plants are classified according to various features based on construction and use (e.g., pumped storage systems and conventional dams). The environmental and economic issues are discussed as well.