Introduction to Hydroelectric Power Plants

Discover the intricacies of hydroelectric power plant technology, including design, components, terminology, and operations.

Tags
  • hydroelectric
  • power plant
  • power generation
  • video course
  • power industry

Talk to an Expert

Fill out the form and get a full
overview of the course

  • Course Duration
    2.5 hours
  • Course Level
    Intermediate
  • Language
    English
  • Subtittle Language
    English
  • Access on all devices
  • Quiz
  • hydroelectric
  • power plant
  • power generation
  • video course
  • power industry
Description

Humans have been harnessing the power of water for thousands of years. The potential energy of water has been used to drive mills, pumps and for numerous other applications. Converting the potential and kinetic energy of water to electrical energy however, is a relatively new concept. Modern hydroelectric power plants represent the pinnacle of hydropower engineering, but how do they work? How efficient are they? Are they really 'green'? In this course we are going to answer all of these questions and many more!

 

The course is designed to take you from zero to hero concerning hydroelectric power plant engineering knowledge. Even if you already have some background power plant engineering knowledge, this course will serve as an efficient refresher. Whatever your level of understanding, or engineering background (electrical engineering, automobile engineering, power engineering, oil and gas, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering etc.), we guarantee you will have never taken an engineering course like this one (unless you have taken one of our other courses!).

 

Interactive 3D models are used to show you each type of hydroelectric power plant, their main components and each type of hydroelectric turbine. 

 

Hope to see you on the course! 

What you will learn in this course
  • Understand the significance of hydroelectricity in the modern power engineering market.
  • Explain hydro power plant terminology such as headwater and tail race.
  • Differentiate between different types of hydro turbines, such as Kaplan, Pelton, and Francis, and their typical applications.
  • Identify and describe the main components of a hydro power plants.
  • Analyze and compare the functioning of various types of hydro power plants.
  • Explore additional relevant concepts and topics related to hydroelectric power generation.
Who this course is for:
  • Engineering students or professionals specializing in mechanical, civil, electrical, or environmental engineering.
  • Energy industry professionals interested in the design, operation, and maintenance of hydroelectric power plants.
  • Government officials responsible for energy policy, planning, and regulation.
  • Investors or financiers who want to evaluate the feasibility of investing in a hydroelectric power project.
Curriculum
35 lessons
2.5 hours
  • Preview This Course
    1 lesson
    00:01:33
    Course Overview
    00:01:33
  • Welcome To The Course
    1 lesson
    00:01:40
    Welcome
    00:01:40
  • Introduction
    5 lessons
    00:11:35
    Hydroelectricity Introduction
    00:00:24
    Short History Lesson
    00:02:00
    Potential to Electrical Energy
    00:01:17
    The Hydro Power Engineering Industry
    00:07:54
    Introduction Quiz
    3 Quiz
  • Hydroelectric Power Plant Terminology
    5 lessons
    00:07:29
    Hydroelectric Power Plant Terminology
    00:00:24
    Impoundment and Diversion
    00:02:37
    Headwater, Tailwater, Head, Pondage
    00:03:30
    Upper and Lower Reservoirs
    00:00:53
    Hydroelectric Power Plant Terminology Quiz
    4 Quiz
  • Common Hydroelectric Power Plant Components
    11 lessons
    00:36:44
    Hydro Power Plant Components
    00:00:31
    Prior Preparation and Planning
    00:06:15
    Trash Racks
    00:02:52
    Gates
    00:05:14
    Spillway
    00:04:57
    Penstock
    00:02:40
    Turbine Runners
    00:03:29
    Draft Tube
    00:01:38
    Powerhouse
    00:03:06
    Generator and Power Distribution
    00:06:02
    Common Hydroelectric Power Plant Components Quiz
    4 Quiz
  • Hydroelectric Turbines
    9 lessons
    00:35:16
    Hydroelectric Turbines
    00:06:30
    Reaction and Impulse Turbines
    00:02:38
    Axial Radial and Mixed Flow
    00:01:49
    Kaplan Turbines
    00:04:55
    Variable Pitch Blades and Control Pitch Propellers
    00:04:27
    Francis Turbines
    00:05:10
    Pelton Turbines Part 1
    00:03:14
    Pelton Turbines Part 2
    00:06:33
    Hydroelectric Turbines Quiz
    17 Quiz
  • Types of Hydroelectric Power Plant
    7 lessons
    00:39:54
    Types of Hydroelectric Power Plants
    00:00:31
    How Hydroelectric Dam Power Plants Work
    00:06:35
    How Run of the River Power Plants Work
    00:04:48
    How Tidal Power Plants Work
    00:06:40
    How Tidal Stream Power Plants Work
    00:08:35
    How Pumped Storage Power Plants Work
    00:12:45
    Types of Hydroelectric Power Plant Quiz
    12 Quiz
  • Final Thoughts
    2 lessons
    00:01:52
    Final Thoughts
    00:01:52
    Final Quiz
    40 Quiz
  • Resources

Talk to an Expert

Fill out the form to get a full overview of this course and all other courses.

  • Course Duration
    2.5 hours
  • Course Level
    Intermediate
  • Language
    English
  • Access on all devices
  • Quiz
  • hydroelectric
  • power plant
  • power generation
  • video course
  • power industry