Hydroelectricity is very well and widely used producer of sustainable energy that harnesses both the substantial and mechanical energy of liquid as a supply of electricity. The kinetic energy of swiftly flowing river water may be easily transformed into power generation to suit the needs of a single residence or a small community. However, in an attempt to rotate a turbine or generator to create power, we must first transfer the liquid to these machines, which may be accomplished with the use of a basic Penstock Design.
What is penstock?
A penstock is just a conduit that connects an upper reservoir to the generator. It simply transports water from the reservoir to the hydropower plant. Based on the power of the generator, it is composed of concrete or steel.
Concrete is chosen for low heights, often lower than 30m, because excessive pressure might harm the concrete.
Steel penstock is suitable for all heads. Furthermore, the force is exactly equivalent to the depth of a penstock. For example, if operating pressure is increased, the thickness of the penstock block or pipe must be increased.
It should be noted that significant thrust will be generated at the moment of load decrease.
Types of penstock
The conventional design includes a structure and a moving gate, and based on the total force, the penstock usually includes polyurethane glides that direct the door in its path. The interaction between a flexible seal junction and the stainless steel plate achieves uni-directional or bi-directional stiffness. Standard versions are made of stainless steel, which has a good corrosion tolerance and is ideal for a broad range of uses. Duplex and Superduplex materials are available upon request.
Channel penstock
The square or rectangle sliding door mostly on channel penstock typically sealed on three sides and made to the client ‘s specifications. It is intended for just an open line and is employed in water purification, power plants, hydraulic constructions, purifying systems, and other applications.
Round penstock
The circular penstock is made up of a structure, a round hole, and a movable gate. It is utilized in water filtration plants, power plants, hydroelectric facilities, purifying systems, and so on…
Tightness is achieved by the interaction of a flexible sealing with a stainless metal surface.
Wall penstock
The walled penstock does have a rectangular or square hole that is closed on all four edges and is produced to the customer’s specifications. It is utilized in water purification, power plants, hydraulic structures, purifying systems, and other applications.
The conventional design comprises a framework and a movable door, with polyurethane sliders that direct the entrance in its path dependent on the pressure header.
Stop-log penstock
The stop-log includes a rectangular or square hole, is closed on three or four sides, based on the model, and is made to the customer’s specifications. It is often put in unobstructed ducts. It is utilized in water purification, power plants, hydraulic structures, purifying systems, and other applications.
This stoplog is made up of a framework and a moving gate. The gateway in the design with three sealed ends is divided into numerous pieces, but the entrance in the design with four sealed sides is made up of an unified section.
Wagon wall penstock
The wagons wall penstock does have a rectangular or square hole, is closed on all 4 corners, and is made to the client’s requirements. Is employed for water purification, power generation, hydraulic projects, filtering systems, and other large facilities with higher water heads.
The penstock is built with a framework and a movable door. The gate is moved throughout the framework by rolling parts. The connection between a flexible seal junction and a stainless steel plate achieves tightness regardless of the composition of the barrier.
Final thoughts
Penstock links the forebay or overflow tank to the turbine’s rotor case. Their primary duty is to transport fluid from the reservoir to the generator. Because penstock transports water at high force, it imposes a force on that at crucial areas such as connections, bends, and so on; if not fully backed, it may induce breakage and also the penstock will fly up into the air. To resist this push, the penstock is outfitted with anchorage blocks at various intervals.