Hydel energy:

• Water stored in reservoir through dams, is made to flow on turbine wheels to generate mechanical energy which is then converted into electrical energy.
• Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water.

Hydropower generation is carried out:

• The hydroelectric power plant consists of the the water reservoir, penstock, surge tanks, turbine wheels and power house.

Water reservoir:

• The water is stored at higher level. The reservoirs are of different sizes depending upon the requirement.
• If water reservoir is the stored natural water that is lake, river or pond then it is supported with a dam which is used to release water flow as required.

Penstock:

• Penstocks are large diameter PVC pipes used for carrying water from reservoir to the turbine wheels.
• In large sized power plants, all penstocks are supported by concrete structures called as 'Anchor blocks'. This is essential because when water is released from reservoir through dam, it flows with high pressure and velocity, which may damage the penstock.

Surge Tanks:

• An additional small tank is also connected to penstock which stores excess water, if released due to natural force.
• Hence the penstocks are protected with such additional tank called as 'Surge tanks'.

Turbine Wheels:

• These are metal wheels situated in power house and are rotating at high speed.
• The shaft of wheel is coupled with an electrical generator.

Power house:

• It is a building where the energy transformation occurs.
• The operation of plant is controlled from the control room which is located at top of the building.