Hydroelectric power power plant

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the minimum height requirement for hydroelectric power plants, specifically questioning why a height of 34 meters is often cited. Participants explore the relationship between height, gravitational acceleration, and energy generation in hydroelectric systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of a 34-meter minimum height, suggesting it may depend on the specific capacity of generation.
  • Another participant notes that greater height results in more kinetic energy impacting the turbines, leading to higher efficiency in energy generation.
  • A third participant agrees with the previous points, emphasizing that a higher drop allows water to accelerate more due to gravity, which is why larger dams are constructed.
  • A later reply introduces a caveat regarding low-head hydroelectric plants, stating they utilize potential energy directly without converting it to kinetic energy, and mentions examples of different dam heights and their turbine types.
  • It is noted that while taller structures generally yield more energy at the same flow, there is no strict minimum head requirement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the necessity of a minimum height for hydroelectric plants, with some agreeing on the benefits of greater height while others challenge the idea of a specific requirement, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of height on energy generation without resolving the specific conditions under which the 34-meter figure is applicable. There is a lack of consensus on the minimum height requirement and its dependence on various factors.

partha1963
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Sir, why for a hydroelectric power power plant, the minimum height is 34 meter.? Please explain
 
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I was unaware of that requirement, unless you mean for a specific capacity of generation. More drop means more kinetic energy impinging the turbines or paddle wheel or whatever. I've seen farm units that work from only 3 metres or less, but they don't produce much.
 
I would have to agree with the previous post. The higher the water is dropped from, then the more time the water will have to be affected by gravitational acceleration. Due to this principle, the water will be faster as it strikes the turbine if dropped from a greater height. That is why we see dams as very tall, very large structures.
 
Minor caveat: most low-head hydroelectric plants use the potential energy directly, without converting it to kinetic energy first.

Hoover dam = tall = kinetic energy (Pelton turbine)
Three Gorges Dam = shorter = standard turbine.

But the basic points still stand: no minimum head requirement and taller means more energy at the same flow.
 

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