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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 • Page 1 of 248🔒 Protected PDF • Watermarked
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The amount of electrical energy that can be generated by a hydroelectric power plant depends upon
Head of water
Quantity of water
Specific weight of water
Efficiency of Alternator
Quantity of water
The electrical energy generated in a hydroelectric plant is directly proportional to the potential energy of the stored water, which is a function of the mass (or quantity) of water and the effective head. While head and quantity both contribute, the quantity of water available is the primary fuel source that determines the sustained power output.
The electrical energy generated in a hydroelectric plant is directly proportional to the potential energy of the stored water, which is a function of the mass (or quantity) of water and the effective head. While head and quantity both contribute, the quantity of water available is the primary fuel source that determines the sustained power output.
P=ηρgQH — Where P is power (Watts), η is efficiency, ρ is density, g is gravity, Q is discharge (m3/s), and H is head (m).
Hydroelectric power plants convert the potential energy of water held at a height into kinetic energy as it flows through a penstock. This kinetic energy strikes the turbine blades, causing mechanical rotation, which the generator then converts into electrical energy via electromagnetic induction. The total power generated is determined by P=ηρgQH, where the quantity of water Q acts as the mass flow rate.
The total energy generated is proportional to the volume of water (Q×t) available.
The head (H) provides the pressure, while the quantity (Q) provides the mass flow.
Density of water (ρ) is considered constant at 1000kg/m3.
Renewable and clean energy source
Quick starting capabilities for peaking load
High initial capital cost for dam construction
Environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems
Base load power stations
Peak load management in grid systems
While all options listed contribute to the power equation, 'Quantity of water' is often emphasized in exams as the variable resource determining the 'amount' of total energy production over time (Energy = Power × Time).
Option A (Head) determines the pressure, Option C (Specific weight) is a physical constant of water, and Option D (Efficiency) is a system parameter.
B is correct — The total energy generated is fundamentally dependent on the quantity of water discharge available over time.
Always remember the formula P=ηρgQH; if the question asks for 'amount of energy' (Joules), consider the time factor E=P×t.