MINI HYDEL PLANT
Rahul Mal (L-2022-AE-014-BIV)
Prabhpreet singh (L-2022-AE-12-BIV)
Nikhil sharma (L-2022-AE-11-BIV)
A mini hydel plant (also known as a small hydropower plant) is a type of hydroelectric power
generation system that uses the energy of flowing water to produce electricity. It is typically designed to
generate electricity for small communities or industries, often located in areas with limited access to the
power grid. Mini hydel plants are an essential part of sustainable energy solutions, especially in remote
or rural areas where traditional power infrastructure might be lacking.
Advantages of Mini Hydel Plants:
Renewable Energy Source: Mini hydel plants are powered by water, a renewable
resource, making them an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Low Operating Costs: Once built, mini hydel plants have low operating and
maintenance costs.
Scalability: They can be scaled according to local needs, making them ideal for rural or
off-grid areas.
Long Lifespan: These plants have a long operational life, often 30-50 years or more,
with minimal intervention.
Grid Independence: They can provide power to remote areas, reducing dependence on
centralized grid systems.
Conversion of hydropower
The conversion of hydropower into electricity is a process that involves harnessing the energy
from moving or falling water to generate mechanical energy, which is then transformed into
electrical energy. This is done through a series of steps in a hydropower plant, typically using a
turbine and a generator.
Here's an overview of the process involved in the conversion of hydropower:
1. Water Source and Potential Energy:
Hydropower plants rely on a water source, such as a river, stream, or reservoir. The water
contains potential energy due to its position at a higher elevation. The greater the height (known
as the head), the more potential energy the water has. In large-scale hydropower plants, dams are
often built to store water at a higher elevation.
High Head: In locations where the water has a significant vertical drop (e.g., waterfalls),
the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the water flows down.
Low Head: In other cases, such as run-of-river systems, the water flows gently and is
harnessed without large dams or reservoirs.
2. Water Flow and Kinetic Energy:
Once the water is released from the reservoir or diverted from a river, it flows down through a
penstock (a large pipe) toward the turbine. As the water moves through the penstock, its
potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (the energy of motion).
The flow rate (amount of water moving) and the head (the height difference) are the key
factors that determine the kinetic energy and, ultimately, the power generated.
3. Turbine:
The flowing water strikes the blades of the turbine, causing it to spin. The turbine converts the
kinetic energy of the moving water into mechanical energy (rotational motion). The type of
turbine used depends on the water flow and the head:
Pelton turbines are used in high-head, low-flow situations.
Francis turbines are suitable for medium-head, medium-flow conditions.
Kaplan turbines are used for low-head, high-flow situations.
4. Generator:
The turbine is connected to a generator via a shaft. As the turbine spins, it turns the generator's
rotor. The rotor consists of a set of magnets, and as it spins within a set of stationary coils of wire
(the stator), it creates a magnetic field that induces an electric current in the wire, following
Faraday's Law of Induction.
The generator transforms the mechanical energy (rotation) into electrical energy by
electromagnetic induction.
5. Transmission of Electricity:
The electricity generated by the generator is typically alternating current (AC), which is then
sent to a transformer. The transformer steps up the voltage to a higher level, making it suitable
for long-distance transmission via power lines to homes, industries, or the power grid.
Voltage Regulation: Power plants use voltage regulators to ensure a stable output,
matching the grid’s voltage and frequency requirements.
The electricity is then transmitted through transmission lines and eventually distributed to
end users.
6. Control Systems:
Hydropower plants have control systems to monitor and regulate the entire process. These
systems ensure that the water flow is controlled, the turbine and generator are operating at
optimal levels, and the electricity is safely transmitted. They also manage water levels in
reservoirs to ensure efficient energy production over time.
Summary of Energy Conversion in Hydropower:
1. Potential Energy: Water stored at a height (such as in a reservoir) possesses potential
energy.
2. Kinetic Energy: As the water is released and flows downward, this potential energy is
converted into kinetic energy.
3. Mechanical Energy: The flowing water spins a turbine, converting the kinetic energy into
mechanical energy.
4. Electrical Energy: The mechanical energy from the turbine is used to turn a generator,
which converts it into electrical energy via electromagnetic induction.
5. Transmission: The generated electricity is transmitted to the grid or end-users through
transformers and power lines.
Classification of small hydro plant
Micro hydel plant power generated upto 100 kw
Mini hydel plant above 100 KW less than 1MW
Small hydel plant 1-10 MW
Technical specification
Turbine rated speed – 71 rpm
Generator rated speed – 750 rpm
Runner diameter – 3600 mm
Year of manufacture - 2013
Mini hydel plant ludhiana
