Hydropower works by converting the energy from moving water into electricity through a series of mechanical and electrical processes:
- Water from a river, reservoir, or dam is directed through a pipe called a penstock. The water gains speed and kinetic energy as it flows downhill or through the penstock due to gravity and elevation difference (known as the "head")
- This fast-moving water pushes against the blades of a turbine, causing the turbine to spin. The turbine is connected to a shaft that transfers the mechanical energy generated by the spinning turbine
- The shaft turns a generator, where the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by rotating magnets inside the generator. This electricity is then sent to transformers to adjust voltage levels for efficient transmission through power lines to homes and businesses
- After passing through the turbine, the water flows back into the river or downstream, continuing its natural cycle
Hydropower plants can be conventional dams that store water in reservoirs or run-of-river systems that use the natural flow of water without large storage. Some plants use pumped storage, moving water between reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity based on demand
. In summary, hydropower harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water to spin turbines connected to generators, producing renewable electricity without consuming the water itself, relying on the continuous water cycle
