How a hydro power plant works
Hydro power plants make use of rivers as they flow downhill.
The water passes through a turbine, causing the axel to rotate. The turbine powers a generator, which makes the electricity.
Dams
Dams serve two purposes: they increase the height from which the water falls, and they trap and store water in reservoirs.
Melting snow and autumn rains fill the large reservoirs along the rivers. By storing this extra water, the reservoirs ensure that water is available when electricity needs are greater.
1. Reservoirs
Large dams trap the water in reservoirs to create the necessary fall height and to store some water for later use.
2. The turbine
The water falls to a lower level, passing through the turbine. The turbine axel rotates and powers the generator.
3. The generator
The generator converts the rotating movement of the turbine into electrical energy.
4. The transformer
The transformer regulates the voltage so it is appropriate for the power grid
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