Assess the capabilities of a hydroelectric power plant from the following field dа ta: 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?

Question

Engineering

Cale Douglas

30 March, 18:51

Assess the capabilities of a hydroelectric power plant from the following field dа ta: 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?

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Answers (1)

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Nathalie Bush · Answer 1

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

Explanation:

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

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.