Question

A river flowing steadily at a rate of 175 m3/s is considered for hydroelectric power generation. It is determined that a dam can be built to collect water and release it from an elevation difference of 80 m to generate power. Determine how much power can be generated from this river water after the dam is filled.

Answer 1

Answer:

137200000 watts or 137200 kilowatts

Explanation:

The formula for power is P= dhrg

Where P = Power in watts

d = density of water (1000 kg/m^3)

h = height in meters

r = flow rate in cubic meters per second,

g = acceleration due to gravity of 9.8 m/s^2,

Plugging in the known values,

we get

P = 1000 kg/m^3 * 80 m * 175 m^3/s * 9.8 m/s^2

P = 80000 kg/m^2 * 175 m^3/s * 9.8 m/s^2

P = 14000000 kg m/s * 9.8 m/s^2

P = 137200000 kg m^2/s^3

P = 137200000 watts or 137200 kilowatts

The above figure assumes 100% efficiency which is impossible. A good efficiency would be 90% so the actual power available would be close to 0.90 * 137200 = 123480 kilowatts