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The turbine drives a generator, thus transforming its mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction. There are many different methods of developing mechanical energy, including heat engines, hydro, wind and tidal power. Most electric generation is driven by heat engines.
Most hydroelectric power comes from the potential energy of dammed water driving a water turbine and generator. The power extracted from the water depends on the volume and on the difference in height between the source and the water's outflow. This height difference is called the head.
This is achieved by converting the gravitational potential or kinetic energy of a water source to produce power. [1] Hydropower is a method of sustainable energy production. Hydropower is now used principally for hydroelectric power generation, and is also applied as one half of an energy storage system known as pumped-storage hydroelectricity.
Kaplan turbine and electrical generator cut-away view. The runner of the small water turbine. A water turbine is a rotary machine that converts kinetic energy and potential energy of water into mechanical work. Water turbines were developed in the 19th century and were widely used for industrial power prior to electrical grids. Now, they are ...
This option, in combination with a thermal energy storage tank, can increase the turbine power output in on-peak periods up to 30%. [11] BPA Daily peak load with large hydro/base load thermal generation and intermittent wind power. Hydro is managing the peaks, with some response from thermal. [12] Hydroelectric dams are intentionally variable.
This thermal energy input of 1 kWh = 3.6 MJ = 3,412 Btu; Therefore, the heat rate of a 100% efficient plant is simply 1, or 1 kWh/kWh, or 3.6 MJ/kWh, or 3,412 Btu/kWh; To express the efficiency of a generator or power plant as a percentage, invert the value if dimensionless notation or same unit are used. For example:
Other types of power stations are subject to different efficiency limitations. Most hydropower stations in the United States are about 90 percent efficient in converting the energy of falling water into electricity [8] while the efficiency of a wind turbine is limited by Betz's law, to about 59.3%, and actual wind turbines show lower efficiency.
Global electricity power generation capacity: 1017.2 GW (2023) [79] Global electricity power generation capacity annual growth rate: 13% (2014-2023) [80] Share of global electricity generation: 7.8% (2023) [55] Levelized cost per megawatt hour: Land-based wind: USD 30.165 (2019) [81] Primary technology: Wind turbine, windmill: Main applications