Hydroelectric power plant is an engineering work that uses the hydraulic power of water for the production of electricity.
Also known as hydroelectric plants or hydroelectric plants, these large structures take advantage of the movement of rivers to obtain electricity. For this, however, it requires the construction of complex engineering works, which can have a strong impact on the local environment.
know more about Hydraulics.
Currently, about 20% of all electricity produced in the world comes from hydroelectric plants.
The first hydroelectric plant to operate in history was conceived by Nikola Tesla, in 1897, at Niagara Falls, in the United States. Since then, little has changed in the model how the system is applied, with the exception of the technological advances in the mechanisms, which ensure greater efficiency and safety when operating.
The largest hydroelectric plant in the world is the Three Gorges, located in China, and with a generation capacity of up to 18,500 MW. THE Itaipu hydroelectric plant
, headquartered in the state of Paraná, ranks second in the ranking of the largest in the world, with an output of 14,000 MW.Learn more about the meaning of Power plant.
How Hydro Power Plants Work
The plants, through the dams, cause an increase in water pressure, responsible for convert hydraulic potential energy into kinetic energy.
Thus, the plant's turbines begin to turn, transferring the generated mechanical energy to the hydraulic turbines. From the turbines, kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.
The electrical energy produced is transmitted to transmission lines that are interconnected in a distribution network. However, part of the energy is transformed into heat during this process, causing its capacity not to be full.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power Plants
Even using a renewable energy source (water), hydroelectric plants are not a "clean" alternative for energy production. As said, the installation of the plant structures represents a strong impact on local fauna and flora.
In addition, the plants can increase the temperature of the local environment, flood nearby areas, increase the level of rivers and cause the displacement of the population living close to the project.
On the other hand, hydroelectric plants are less aggressive to the environment than thermoelectric plants, which are based on the use of mineral coal and oil. Producing electricity from hydroelectric power is cheaper than other models, such as through a nuclear plant, for example.
know more about Hydro-electric energy.
Hydroelectric Power Plants in Brazil
Almost all the electricity produced in the country comes from hydroelectric plants. Brazil holds the third largest hydroelectric potential in the world, trailing only Canada and the United States. In addition, it also ranks third in the ranking countries with greater hydraulic potential, surpassed only by Russia and China.
The main Brazilian hydroelectric plants are:
- Itaipu Binacional Hydroelectric Power Plant: part of the state of Paraná and part of Paraguay.
- Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Xingu River, state of Pará.
- Tucuruí Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Tocantins River, state of Pará.
- Jirau Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Madeira River, state of Rondônia.
- Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Madeira River, state of Rondônia.