At a glance

 In the new category of power plant engineering, the first power plant I will describe is the hydroelectric power plant. Merits of Power Plant, Demerits of Power Plant, Site Selection for power plant.

They say water is life, but water is also a power source that can provide us with plenty of electricity. In our previous blog, we discussed the history of power generation and why we need power.

Hydro means water and hydroelectric power is the power obtained from the falling water. On the other hand, the hydroelectric power plant is the power plant that utilizes the potential energy of water at a high level for the generation of electricity.

We all know that the Apollo god Sun is a powerful source of energy. In heat energy, solar energy absorbs the water from the sea and oceans, resulting in cloud formation that eventually precipitates on the land. This is known as the hydrological cycle. This cycle repeats again and again from the very beginning of the earth.

Before starting the construction and working of the hydroelectric power plant, we must consider the merits and demerits and site selection for the hydroelectric power plant.

Merits of Hydroelectric Power Plant

1. Water is the source of energy in hydroelectric power plants. Hence, there is no need for fuel due to low operating costs and no problem in handling, storage, and disposal of fuel.
2. The operation and maintenance cost of the plant is the cheapest; hence this plant is very reliable.
3. As the fuel is not used, the pollution that occurs after burning the fuel is zero.
4. No ash or disposal of fuel or smoke produces in the hydroelectric plant; hence it is a very neat and clean plant.
5. The synchronization speed of hydroelectric power plants is very high. In a few minutes, the power plant matches the frequency of generators connected to the grid.
6. The load on a hydroelectric power plant can be changed and varied quickly according to the varying demand of the grid.       
7. The hydroelectric power plant provides constant frequency to maintain the speed accurate governing is possible with the help of water turbines.
8. Standby losses are less that is near about zero.
9. The hydroelectric power plant is robust and has longer life.
10.  In addition to electricity generation, these plants can also be used for irrigation, flood control, and navigation

Demerits of Hydroelectric Power Plant

1. The requirement of the area is large.
2. Construction cost is enormously high, and erection time is also long.
3. The power plant is located in hilly areas; hence, long transmission lines are required as the load centers are far away from the power plant.
4. Availability of water depends on the variation of seasons; hence the output of hydroelectric power plants is not constant. And depends upon the rate of water flow in the river.
5. For the constant source f electricity, one can never depend upon a hydroelectric power plant. And for the backup thermal power plant is needed.
6. Hydroelectric power plant reservoir engages huge area.

Site Selection for Hydroelectric Power Plant

For the good performance of power plant site selection is very important. The following essential factors should be considered while constructing a hydroelectric power plant.

Availability of water for Hydroelectric Power Plant

For the hydroelectric power plant, water is used as a fuel. In such power plants, the potential energy of the waterfall is converted into kinetic energy as it flows from the head. This kinetic energy is utilized to move the turbine.’

Therefore a hydroelectric power station should be built where an adequate amount of water is available with a suitable head.

Water storage for Hydroelectric Power Plant

The motion of the turbine requires the kinetic energy of water, and water flow is continuous during the monsoon seasons. Still, during the dry period, it becomes difficult to run a hydroelectric power plant. However, a water storage facility is built in the hilly area, generally a dam or reservoir to supply water in any season.

Water head for Hydroelectric Power Plant

The availability of water heads depends upon the topographic environment of the area. Availability of head decides the cost of the plant as the increase in the head results in the reduction of storage quantity of water and the handling capacity of penstock and turbines. This helps reduce capital cost, and the high head becomes more effective for the plant.

Distance from the load center for Hydroelectric Power Plant

As I already mentioned above, hydropower plants are situated on the hills, far away from the load center, which causes an increase in the transmission cost of power. Hence, while erecting a pant, this factor should also be considered.

Accessibility of the site for Hydroelectric Power Plant

The site should be located where an adequate transportation facility is available. The transportation of machinery and men power can be less cost-effective.

Water pollution

The equipment inserted inside the plant is made from metal. however, it may cause corrosion to the metallic structure if the water is polluted.

Sedimentation

The water contains salt contains. This deposition of salt can reduce the capacity of the reservoir also can cause corrosion to the metallic structure. While selecting the site, atmospheric conditions and environment should be tested properly.

Large catchment area

The hydroelectric power plant reservoir should have a large catchment area to not drop during the dry season.

Availability of land

The land must be available at a cheap cost and have a rocky surface to withstand the weight of heavy machinery and large architecture.