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Hydro-Electric Power Plant

The document discusses hydroelectric power plants and pumped storage power plants in India. Hydroelectric plants utilize the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity by passing water through turbine blades connected to generators. Pumped storage plants pump water to an upper reservoir during off-peak hours to store energy, then release the water through turbines to generate power during peak demand. They provide flexibility and help stabilize the electric grid. However, suitable sites are limited. Both hydroelectric and pumped storage play an important role in India's electricity production from renewable sources.

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56 views3 pages

Hydro-Electric Power Plant

The document discusses hydroelectric power plants and pumped storage power plants in India. Hydroelectric plants utilize the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity by passing water through turbine blades connected to generators. Pumped storage plants pump water to an upper reservoir during off-peak hours to store energy, then release the water through turbines to generate power during peak demand. They provide flexibility and help stabilize the electric grid. However, suitable sites are limited. Both hydroelectric and pumped storage play an important role in India's electricity production from renewable sources.

Uploaded by

Arya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hydro-Electric Power Plant

- Electricity Production in India: 12.6% or 45,399 MW (as of 18/12/2019, Ministry


of Power, GOI).

- Hydropower: Power derived from the energy in moving water.

- Energy Conversion: The kinetic energy of moving water is converted into


mechanical energy in turbine machinery, then into electricity.

- Process Overview:
1. Water flows through turbine blades on a shaft.
2. Blades spin due to water's kinetic energy, converting it into mechanical
energy.
3. The spinning shaft turns the rotor into an electric generator, producing AC
current.
4. AC current goes through a transformer system to increase voltage for
transmission.
5. Electricity is carried to distribution centers via power lines.

- Control of Power Production: Primarily controlled by adjusting the water control


gate. A "More open" gate allows more water to enter the turbine, creating more
power.

Hydroelectric power plants are a sustainable and reliable source of electricity,


utilizing the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate clean energy. They play a
significant role in India's electricity production.

Pumped Storage Power Plants (PSH)

- Renewable Energy Capacity (2018-19): Added 2,905.43 MW, cumulative installed RE


capacity reached 72.68 GW (34.61 GW Wind, 24.03 GW Solar, 9.54 GW Bio Power, 4.50
GW Small Hydro Power).

- PSH Operation: Exploits the height difference between two water bodies to store
energy.
- Energy is stored by pumping water from the lower reservoir to the upper
reservoir.
- Energy recovered by releasing stored water from upper reservoir.

- Global Significance: PSH accounts for 96% of total global storage capacity.

- Use Cases: Employed to deliver electrical power to the grid during peak demands
and stabilize the grid.
- Used where natural water flow is insufficient for power generation.

- Components: Headwater pond and tailwater pond.

- Operation: During off-peak periods, surplus energy pumps water from tailwater
pond to headwater pond, storing it as hydraulic potential energy.
- Stored energy used during peak loads to generate electricity.
- Turbine used for power generation acts as a pump during low load conditions.

Advantages of PSH:
- Cost-effective pumping during off-peak hours.
- Rapid response time (20 to 60 seconds) for load changes.
- Can act as a cooling reservoir for thermal units in combination with base load
plants.
- Not limited by river flow or seasonal variations.
- No continuous flowing water supply required.

Drawbacks of PSH:
- Limited availability of suitable sites.
- Long construction lead time (typically ~10 years) and high costs.
- Environmental concerns (e.g., land clearance before reservoir flooding).

Global Capacity: PSH is the largest-capacity form of grid energy storage, with a
nameplate capacity of over 144 GW (as of 2017), accounting for over 96% of all
active tracked storage installations worldwide.

Energy Efficiency: Round-trip energy efficiency varies between 70%-80%, with some
sources claiming up to 87%.

key issues in power plants in India for your university examination:

1. Limited Fuel (Coal):


- About 55% of India's electricity is generated from coal.
- Growing electricity demand may lead to increased coal transportation and
imports.

2. Equipment Shortage:
- Shortages in core components like Boilers, Turbines, and Generators.
- Inadequate supply of Balance of Plant (BOP) equipment, such as coal and ash
handling systems.
- Shortage of construction equipment.

3. Land Acquisition and Environment Clearance:


- Challenges in acquiring land and obtaining environmental clearances for power
projects.
- Political opposition to land acquisition bills.
- Mismatched expectations from Project Affected Persons (PAP).

4. Transmission & Distribution Losses:


- High distribution-line losses, averaging about 20%.
- Contrast with developed countries (4-6%) and world average (8.2%).
- Reducing losses by 1% can save about 690 MW.

5. Aging Power Plants and Transmission Network:


- Many old and inefficient power plants and transmission lines need replacement
or modernization.
- Hindrance to achieving electricity production and demand targets.

6. Sharp Increase in Demand:


- Despite a large installed capacity, a substantial demand-supply gap persists.

7. Interstate Disputes:
- Federal democracy and river crossings lead to disputes.
- Availability of water for hydro plants affected.
- Limits excess power exchange between states.

8. Delay in Construction of Projects:


- Commissioning of power projects delayed due to financing and bureaucratic
issues.
- Resulting in stagnant power sector growth.

9. Erratic Monsoons:
- India's diverse geography leads to inconsistent monsoons.
- Hydro plants can't operate year-round, causing generation shortages.

10. Less Emphasis on Renewable Energy (RE):


- India has significant renewable energy potential.
- Limited exploration, with only approximately 10% of total energy generation
from renewables.

Certainly, here are short notes summarizing the roles of NTPC (National Thermal
Power Corporation Limited) and NHPC (National Hydro Power Corporation Limited) in
the Indian power sector for your university examination:

NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited):


- Established in 1975 to accelerate power development in India.
- Dominant power major with a presence in the entire power generation value chain.
- Initially focused on fossil fuels, later diversified into hydro, nuclear, and
renewable energy sources.
- Diversification reduces carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Diversified into consultancy, power trading, training, rural electrification, ash
utilization, and coal mining.
- Achieved Maharatna company status in May 2010.
- Ranked 400th in the '2016 Forbes Global 2000' ranking.
- Total installed capacity of 51,383 MW (including joint ventures) across coal,
gas, hydro, and wind-based stations.
- Operates plants at high efficiency levels, contributing 24% of total power
generation in India.
- Government of India owns 69.74% shares of NTPC.
- Recognized as the "6th Best Company to work for in India" among Public Sector
Undertakings and Large Enterprises.

NHPC (National Hydro Power Corporation Limited):


- Established in 1975 with a focus on hydroelectric power development.
- Expanded objectives to include power development through conventional and non-
conventional sources in India and abroad.
- Categorized as a Mini Ratna Category-I Enterprise of the Government of India.
- Initially took over the execution of hydroelectric projects from the Central
Hydroelectric Project Construction and Control Board.
- Executed 20 projects with an installed capacity of 6,507 MW on ownership basis,
including projects by subsidiary NHDC Limited.
- Executed 5 turnkey projects with 89.25 MW capacity, including projects in Nepal
and Bhutan.
- Achieved 23,275 MU of power generation during the financial year 2016-2017.
- Recorded sales of Rs. 7,139 Crore with a net profit of Rs. 2,796 Crore in 2016-
2017.
- Currently engaged in constructing 5 projects with a total installed capacity of
4,290 MW, including the Pakal Dul HE Project.
- Awaiting clearances and government approvals for 10 projects totaling 7,151 MW,
including projects by subsidiaries and joint ventures.

These notes provide a concise overview of the roles and activities of NTPC and NHPC
in the Indian power sector, which can be useful for your university examination
preparation.

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