Hydro-Electric Series

The objective of this course is to introduce the major components of a typical hydro electric power station. A brief overview of each item of equipment is presented noting that detailed study will be shown in subsequent videotapes in the series. Basic hydraulic principles are also presented as an aid to better understanding of hydro plant operation.

Upon completion of this course, you should have an overall understanding of the following concepts:

• Factors affecting the power output of a water wheel or hydro turbine, i.e. Q x Hx efficiency
• The function of dams and spillways
• Location of the powerhouse
• Environmental concerns in design and operation of hydro schemes
• The function of major items of equipment including:
  • Intake structure and head works
  • Penstocks, surge tanks, and turbine shut-off valve
  • Impulse and reaction turbines
  • Turbine control system
  • The rotating element consisting of turbine runner coupled to the generator rotor
  • Thrust bearings, guide bearings, and associated lubricating systems
  • The generator’s exciter, excitation panels, and voltage regulator
  • The generator stator, cooling radiators, and bus discharge duct
  • Generator step-up transformer, breaker and associated controls
  • The plant main control room and local control panels
  • Auxiliary transformers and auxiliary bus
  • Pumps and piping for auxiliary systems, including compressed air, dewatering, and fire protection
• Example calculations of hydro power output for different conditions, i.e. flow and head
• The measurement of pressure in American and metric units
• The effect of head and specific gravity on pressure
• The distinction between force and pressure
• The incompressibility of fluids, principle of the hydraulic jack
• The relationship between potential head, velocity head and pressure head
• Formation of vacuum due to high velocity flow
• The need for venting of vessels and piping systems