Most Hydroelectric facilities operate as follows:
Hydroelectric and coal-fired power plants produce electricity in
a similar way. In both cases a power source is used to turn a
propeller-like piece called a turbine, which then turns a metal
shaft in an electric generator Picture, which is the motor that
produces electricity. A coal-fired power plant uses steam to turn
the turbine blades; whereas a hydroelectric plant uses falling
water to turn the turbine. The results are the same.
Take a look at this diagram (courtesy of the Tennessee Valley
Authority) of a hydroelectric power plant to see the details:
The theory is to build a dam on a large river that has a large
drop in elevation (there are not many hydroelectric plants in
Kansas or Florida). The dam stores lots of water behind it in the
reservoir. Near the bottom of the dam wall there is the water
intake. Gravity causes it to fall through the penstock inside the
dam.
In 1951 Transalta Utilities decided to explote the natural
geography of the Canmore area when it designed and built it's
Rundle Hydro plant. Using Water from the Spray River and Spray
Lakes Reservoir. The Spray Lakes Reservoir is a long, narrow
impoundment in a mountain valley perched 400m (1300+ ft) above the
town of Canmore.
The Rundle Reservoir sits partway down the mountain side about
120m above the Town of Canmore, and the hydro plant itself.
Using the topology of it's mountain side location the Rundle
Hydroplant uses the large drop in elevation afforded to it by the
natural mountain to create the kinetic energy used to turn the
turbine at the Bow Rivers Edge. Thus not having to create a large
reservoir on the mountain side.
Here Is How:
The water flows quickly from the reservoir above the plant down
the penstock - a large pipe that carries water.
The vertical height from which the water falls is called the
head. The water hits the blades of the turbine which is located int
he power plant.
The force of the water (head) on the turbine blades drives a
shaft that is part of the electric generator which produces
electricity.
Water from the water then passes into the Bow River through the
Rundle Hydro Plant. Connecting he Spray River and Bow Rivers.
It is because of the mountain side location of this plant that
allows it to use the natural elevation drop created by the
mountain. Therefore; there is no need to create a large reservoir
to create an artificial elevation drop created by a conventional
Hydroelectric Dams. Thus affording a source of renewable power with
little impact on the mountain side enviroment.
To log this cache please email the cache owner the answers to
the following questions do not post in your log.
1) Please Estimate the height of the (head) fall the water takes
from the dam site?
2) How much power is generated at this plant?
Please post a picture of you or your GPS in front of the Plant.
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