A city gets its electricity from a dam, where water is stored in a reservoir. How
electricity is generated from water in a dam?
1. Gravity: The most common method of generating electricity from a dam is by utilizing the force of gravity. In this process, water from a reservoir behind the dam is released under controlled conditions. The water flows through a large pipe called a penstock and strikes the blades of a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy from the spinning turbine to electrical energy.
2. Hydropower: Another method of generating electricity from a dam is through hydropower. This process uses the potential energy stored in the water in the reservoir. When the water is released, it flows downward through the penstock, creating high water pressure. This pressure drives the turbine, which in turn generates electricity through the attached generator.
3. Run-of-the-river: In some cases, a dam may generate electricity through a run-of-the-river system. This system does not involve storing water in a reservoir, but rather allows for the continuous flow of water from the river. The flowing river water is diverted through the dam and sent through the penstock, where it powers the turbine and generates electricity.
Overall, the primary mechanism for generating electricity from water in a dam relies on the force of gravity or the potential energy of the stored water.