Hydroelectric Power

Power Needle

Controlling the power needle is critical to any hydroelectric plant with an impulse turbine configuration. Operating head ranges are between 20-2000 meters where the water is converted to a high velocity jet stream when released from the nozzle’s orifice. As part of the nozzle for an impulse turbine, the power needle controls the water jet that impinges on a series of buckets rotating the runner.

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Turbine Inlet Valve Bypass

Plant setup can vary depending on plant design, geography, and size. A plant set up with a reaction turbine and penstock will usually feature two components: a Turbine Inlet Valve (TIV), also known as a guard or shutoff valve, and a Turbine Inlet Valve Bypass on the downstream end of the penstock before the turbine. The TIV prevents or allows water from entering the turbine.

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Wicket Gate

Wicket gates are a series of adjustable vanes that control the flow of water to a reaction turbine. Each vane, mechanically in parallel, is attached to an adjustable gate ring. Actuating the gate ring either clockwise or counterclockwise positions the wicket gates to regulate water flow to the turbine. Variations of operating the wicket gates are dependent on many factors some including, axis of the turbine, available head, physical space, and turbine type.

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Hydroelectric Power Generation

Hydroelectric power is a reliable renewable energy source accounting for over 1,400 GW of installed capacity, or currently about 17% of the world’s energy. Many countries continue to expand capacity with Brazil, Canada, and China accounting for the most hydroelectric projects currently under construction. Hydroelectric power uses the water stored in dams and flowing in rivers to create electricity in hydropower plants.

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