Question

When the Glen Canyon hydroelectric power plant in Arizona is running at capacity, 690 m3 of water flows through the dam each second. The water is released 220 m below the top of the reservoir.
Part A

If the generators that the dam employs are 90% efficient, what is the maximum possible electric power output?

Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Answer 1

Answer:

1340.2MW

Explanation:

Hi!

To solve this problem follow the steps below!

1 finds the maximum maximum power, using the hydraulic power equation which is the product of the flow rate by height by the specific weight of fluid

W=αhQ

α=specific weight for water =9.81KN/m^3

h=height=220m

Q=flow=690m^3/s

W=(690)(220)(9.81)=1489158Kw=1489.16MW

2. Taking into account that the generator has a 90% efficiency, Find the real power by multiplying the ideal power by the efficiency of the electric generator

Wr=(0.9)(1489.16MW)=1340.2MW

the maximum possible electric power output is 1340.2MW