Question

Assess the capabilities of a hydroelectric power plant from the following field data: Estimated water flow rate, 40 m3/s River inlet at 1 atm, 10 oC Discharge at 1 atm, 10.2 oC, 200 m below the intake?

Answer 1

This hydroelectric power plant has the capability of producing around 78.4 MW of electric energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

First, we calculate the pressure the water exerts or gains when it travels 200 m below the intake. W have the data:

Density of water = ρ = 1000 kg/m^3

Acceleration due to gravity = g = 9.8 m/s²

Height lost = h = 200 m

Volume flow rate = 40 m^3/s

The pressure difference, is now given as:

ΔP = ρgh

ΔP = (1000 kg/m^3)(9.8 m/s²)(200 m)

ΔP = 1960000 Pa = 1.96 MPa

Now, we calculate the power capacity of this flow:

Power = ΔP(Volume flow rate)

Power = (1960000 N/m²)(40 m^3/s)

Power = 78400000 Watt

Power = 78.4 MW

Thus, this plant can produce at max 78.4 MW. The actual power produced will be slightly less than this due of the losses and efficiency of turbine system used.