🌊 SIMULATION GES
Observe the water flow through the turbine and electricity generation.
🔧 HOW IT WORKS
1. Water Accumulation
Water accumulates in the reservoir behind the dam. The higher the water level, the greater the potential energy. The height of the water drop determines the amount of energy that can be generated.
2. Water Flow
Water is directed through pipes to turbines. Flow rate is controlled by valves. Kinetic energy of water is transferred to turbine blades, forcing it to spin.
3. Rotation of Turbine
A turbine (usually Kaplan or Francis type) rotates under water pressure. The rotation speed depends on the water flow and the turbine construction. Energy is transferred to the generator shaft.
4. Generation of electricity
The generator converts rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy via electromagnetic induction. Generated electrical energy is then transmitted through transformers to the power grid.
🌍 ADVANTAGES OF HYDROPOWER
Regeneration
Hydroelectricity harnesses the natural water cycle making it a renewable energy source. Water is not consumed but merely transformed into energy.
ECOLOGY
HEAT does not produce CO₂ emissions during operation. They provide clean energy and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
STIFFNESS
HESS can quickly vary power from 0 to 100%, making them ideal for load regulation in energy systems and compensating for variable energy sources.
LIFESPAN
GE modules have a long service life (50-100 years) and low operational costs. After construction, they provide stable energy for decades.
❓ FREQUENT QUESTIONS
The modern share of GEHs is 85-95%, which is one of the highest indicators among all energy sources. Energy losses occur due to friction in turbines, generators, and transformers.
Large HES can affect ecosystems: change river flow, impact fish migration, flood areas. But small HES and passage turbines minimize these effects.
The power of HES depends on the water drop height and flow. The largest HES (Three Gorges, Itaipu) produce 22-25 GW. Average HES - 100-500 MW.
Hydroaccumulation is a technology for energy storage when water is pumped uphill during low demand and used to generate electricity during peak load.
Ukraine has significant potential for hydroelectric power development. The Dnipro Cascade HPPs already produce a substantial share of electricity. Further development of small HPPs on Carpathian rivers is possible.