Inside the Hydrostation
INSIDE: Hydropower Generator
1. Water flows through the dam and turns a large wheel called a turbine. The turbine turns a shaft which rotates a series of magnets past copper coils and a generator to produce electricity. The process produces clean renewable energy.
2. The Kaplan Head is the hydraulic associated with adjustable blades on the turbine. Adjustable blades operate efficiently despite variations in water flow and energy demands.
3. The rotor is a series of magnets. It's the rotating portion of the generator where the magnetic field is created.
4. The stator is the stationary part of the generator made of coils of copper wire. Electricity is produced as the rotors spin past the stationary wiring.
5. The shaft connects the turbine to the rotor section of the generator. All three elements, the turbine, shaft, and rotor turn at the same speed of 90 revolutions per minute.
6. The wicket gates are a series of 20 adjustable vanes, resembling vertical blinds. They control the volume of water flowing through the turbine.
7. The 172 ton hydraulic turbine resembles a large water wheel. The turbine converts the energy of falling water into mechanical energy to drive the generator.
*words and picture courtesy of:
Click here to see inside an animated generator
photo taken by Mr. Roy Schmidt; Minnesota Power, Hydropower Dam in Little Falls, MN
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