Planning is underway for a new hydroelectric power plant, and you have been asked to provide...

80.2K

Verified Solution

Question

Mechanical Engineering

Planning is underway for a new hydroelectric power plant, andyou have been asked to provide an engineering opinion on the bestsite for the power plant to be located. Two main sites have beenidentified for the plant. Site 1 is located at the base of a damwall, with the waterline located 70 m above the turbine. Thelocation has good accessibility for the construction crew, meaningthat they are able to bring in a state-of-the-art turbine-generatorsystem. The overall efficiency of the system is 85%, while theefficiency of the turbine alone is 92%. The geology of the areameans that a 1.4 m diameter feedpipe can be installed, throughwhich water can be supplied to the turbine at an average velocityof 6 m/s. Site 2 is also located at the base of a dam wall, withthe waterline located 100 m above the turbine. Accessibility tothis site is not as good as for Site 1, and as such there arerestrictions on the type of turbine-generator system that can beinstalled. While it will be possible to use the same generator aswould be used at Site 1, an alternative turbine is required. Theidentified turbine has an efficiency of 89%. Additionally, becauseof the more complex geology, a narrower feed pipe can be drilled(diameter = 0.8 m), through which water is supplied at a higheraverage velocity of 13 m/s. A further consideration is that thecost of distributing power from the two sites is slightlydifferent. Power can be distributed from site 1 at a cost of$0.053/kWh, while the cost of distribution from site 2 is slightlylower at $0.051/kWh. To be competitive in the market, the companyintends to retail its hydroelectric power for $0.10/kWh Provide anengineering opinion (of no more than six sentences) as to whichsite is superior for locating the hydroelectric plant. Your opinionshould cover: • Any relevant assumptions you have made • Anythermodynamic considerations (relevant energy balances, etc.) • Thepower available from each site • The amount of power generated bythe proposed plants • The profitability of the proposed plants •Advice as to which site is better for situating the power plant andwhy

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert
4.3 Ratings (531 Votes)
    See Answer
Get Answers to Unlimited Questions

Join us to gain access to millions of questions and expert answers. Enjoy exclusive benefits tailored just for you!

Membership Benefits:
  • Unlimited Question Access with detailed Answers
  • Zin AI - 3 Million Words
  • 10 Dall-E 3 Images
  • 20 Plot Generations
  • Conversation with Dialogue Memory
  • No Ads, Ever!
  • Access to Our Best AI Platform: Flex AI - Your personal assistant for all your inquiries!
Become a Member

Other questions asked by students