The Guide to Hydropower

Fully Expanded Table of Contents

Introduction

Hydro Systems Overview

How Water Power Works

Power Conversion & Efficiency

Major Components of a Hydro System

Water Diversion

Pipeline (Penstock)

Powerhouse

Turbine

Drive System

Generator

Governors & Controls

Electronic Load Governors

Load Management Systems

Emergency System Shutdown

Utility Grid Interface Controls

Planning Your Own Hydro System

Measuring Head

Direct Distance Measurement

Water Pressure Measurement

Gross vs. Net Head

Measuring Flow

Container Fill Method

Measuring with a Float

Measuring with a Weir

Design Flow

Computing Net Head

Head Loss

Computing Water Power

Adjusting for Efficiency Losses

Evaluating Systems & Suppliers

Turbine System Quality

Turbine Runner

Turbine Housing

Other Turbine Considerations

Turbine Supplier

Closing Thoughts