- Definition and Types of Energy
- Myths And Misconceptions About Energy
- The Relationship Between Energy and Environment
- Climate Change and Carbon Footprint
- Greenhouse Gas Effect
- The Role of Human-Induced Greenhouse Gases and Energy Consumption
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
- Renewable Energy Sources and Future Perspectives
- Play and Learn
- Solar Energy Conversions
- Solar Energy Worldwide
- Solar Energy in Partner Countries
- Positive and Negative Impacts
- Technologies for Harnessing Solar Energy
- Solar thermal energy technologies and applications
- Electricity Generation Methods
- Passive Heating and Cooling of Residences with the Sun
- Concentrator solar power (CSP) systems and electricity generation
- Systems and applications that generate electricity directly from solar rays
- Photovoltaic cells and panels
- Domestic PV Systems
- Off-Grid PV Systems
- Hybrid Connected Systems
- Materials Used in PV Cells
- Play and Learn
Classification of Hydroelectric Power Plants
Hydroelectric power plants are classified according to their installed power potential, head height, energy production characteristics, construction methods and the characteristics of the water source where they are installed. There are classifications that vary from country to country, especially for mini and micro hydroelectric power plants. In general, power plants that produce up to 10 MW of power are considered small-scale hydroelectric power plants.
| Type of Power Plant | Installed Power (kW) |
|---|---|
| Micro HES | 0.1 - 100 |
| Mini HES | 101 - 1000 |
| Small HES | 1001 - 10000 |
| Large HES | Greater than 10,000 kW |
While large hydroelectric power plants are among the classical renewable energy sources, small hydroelectric power plants are considered in the group of new and renewable energy sources. The size limit of small hydroelectric power plants may vary from country to country. For example, while the upper limit of small hydroelectric power plants in Canada and the USA is 50 MW, it is determined as 10 MW in Europe.
Other Classifications of Hydroelectric Power Plants:
1. Hydroelectric Power Plants According to Head Height
- Low-head power plants: These are power plants with a head height of less than 15 meters. They are usually installed on flat or low-sloping lands, on rivers with high flow rates. Kaplan turbines are used.
- Medium-head power plants: The head height varies between 15-50 meters. Kaplan or Francis turbines are used.
- High-head power plants: These are power plants with a head height of over 50 meters. They are mostly located in mountainous and rugged terrains. Francis or Pelton turbines are used.
2. Hydroelectric Power Plants According to the Energy They Produce
- Continuous energy producing power plants (Base power plants): They produce uninterrupted energy.
- Power plants that operate during the times when energy is needed the most (Peak power plants): They are activated when demand is high.
3. Hydroelectric Power Plants According to Their Construction Methods
- Underground power plants
- Semi-buried power plants
- Above ground power plants
4. Hydroelectric Power Plants According to the Water Source They Are Installed
- River power plants
- Canal power plants
- Dam power plants
- Pumped reservoir power plants