In the generation of hydroelectric power, water is collected or stored at a higher elevation and led downward through large pipes or tunnels (penstocks) to a lower elevation; the difference in these two elevations is known as the head. At the end of its passage down the pipes, the falling water causes turbines to rotate. The turbines in turn drive generators, which convert the turbines’ mechanical energy into electricity. Transformers are then used to convert the alternating voltage suitable for the generators to a higher voltage suitable for long-distance transmission. The structure that houses the turbines and generators, and into which the pipes or penstocks feed, is called the powerhouse.
Hydroelectric power plants are usually located in dams that impound rivers, thereby raising the level of the water behind the dam and creating as high a head as is feasible. The potential power that can be derived from a volume of water is directly proportional to the working head, so that a high-head installation requires a smaller volume of water than a low-head installation to produce an equal amount of power. In some dams, the powerhouse is constructed on one flank of the dam, part of the dam being used as a spillway over which excess water is discharged in times of flood. Where the river flows in a narrow steep gorge, the powerhouse may be located within the dam itself.
(Source: https://www.britannica.com/science/hydroelectric-power)
- Turbines’ mechanical energy will be converted into electricity by generators. __________________
- Transformers convert the alternating voltage to a higher voltage suitable for household use.
- The higher the working head is, the larger the potential power is. _________________
- The powerhouse is not allowed to be built on one flank of the dam. _________________
- The powerhouse can sometimes be located within the dam. _________________
Read passage again and choose the best answer (A, B, C or D)
- The word “house” in the first paragraph means:
A. to serve as a shelter or container for B. to store in a building
C. to provide with living quarters or shelter D. to take shelter
