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Hydroelectric Power Plants

Lee Layton, P.E.


Course Outline

This course begins with an overview of the hydro-electric power industry and includes a review of the hydrologic cycle that is the source of energy for these plants.  Statistics on the amount of hydro-electric power in the United States is reviewed as well as the potential for new sites. In this section the different types of turbines are explained.  The next chapter discusses conventional hydro-electric power plants, which includes impoundment plants, pumped storage hydro, and run of the river units.  The next chapter discusses alternative hydro-electric plants that derive their power from marine energy sources.  The final chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of hydro-electric power.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

After taking this course you should:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for electrical engineers and others who want to understand the hydro-electric power is generated.

Benefit to Attendees

Hydro-electric power is the largest renewable energy source in the United States.  This course will give the reader a good understanding of conventional hydro-electric power and how hydro-electric power may be used in the future.

Course Introduction

Hydropower or water power is power that is derived from the force or energy of moving water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes. Prior to the widespread availability of commercial electric power, hydropower was used for irrigation, and operation of various machines, such as watermills, textile machines, sawmills, dock cranes, and domestic lifts.

Hydropower offers advantages over other energy sources but faces unique environmental challenges too.  Hydropower is a fueled by water, so it's a clean fuel source. Hydropower doesn't pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas.  Hydropower is a domestic source of energy, produced in the United States.  Hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, thus it's a renewable power source.  Hydropower is generally available as needed; the flow of water through the turbines can be controlled to produce electricity on demand.

Hydroelectric power can be categorized into two broad categories: Conventional Hydroelectric power plants and marine energy-derived power plants. 

Hydroelectricity is the most widely used form of renewable energy. Once a hydroelectric power plant is constructed, the project produces no direct waste, and has a considerably lower output level of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) than fossil fuel powered energy plants.

Worldwide, an installed capacity of 777,000 MW supplied 2,998,000 MWh of hydroelectricity in 2006.  This was approximately 20% of the world's electricity, and accounted for about 88% of electricity from renewable sources.  The United States currently has over 2,000 hydroelectric power plants which supply about 7% of its national energy consumption.

The United States faces many challenges as it prepares to meet its energy needs in the twenty-first century. Electricity supply crises, fluctuating natural gas and gasoline prices, heightened concerns about the security of the domestic energy infrastructure and of foreign sources of supply, and uncertainties about the benefits of utility restructuring are all elements of the energy policy challenge. Hydropower is an important part of the diverse energy portfolio that is needed for a stable, reliable energy sector in the United States.

Course Content

This course content is in the following PDF document:

Hydroelectric Power Plants

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Course Summary

By using the energy of water, hydropower offers advantages over other energy sources we have available today.  Hydropower doesn't pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas.  Hydropower is a domestic source of energy, produced in the United States.  It is a renewable power source and accounts for over one-third of all renewable energy generation in the United States. 

Unlike most renewable resources, most hydroelectric power plants can be dispatched to generate power when needed. Hydroelectric plants can be easily regulated to follow variations in power demand.

Unlike plants operated by fuel, such as fossil or nuclear energy, the number of sites that can be economically developed for hydroelectric production is limited; in many areas the most cost effective sites have already been exploited.

The traditional impoundment hydroelectric power plants do create significant problems by consuming vast areas for the reservoir, and like any energy source, there are environmental issues to consider.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.