Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric power station

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric power station

Advantages:

• Water is used for this plant, so fuel cost is zero.
• It is neat & clean.
• Low maintenance cost.
• Simple construction.
• It starts instantly, does not need longer starting time.
• It has longer life time.
• Running charges are very small, because of water is the source of energy.
• This plants are used for irrigation purpose & controlling floods.

Disadvantages:

• High capital cost.
• Skilled & experienced workers are required to build the plant.
• High transmission cost.
• Require huge amount of water at all the time.

factors to be considered for the site selection of hydroelectric power station

1. Availability of water: Sufficient quantity of water at a reasonable head should be available.

2. Storage of water: It should be possible to construct a Dam to store water at the selected site to ensure the generation of power throughout the year.

3. Transportation facilities: power station often requires the transportation of materials and machinery. Therefore, adequate transportation facilities must exist.

4. Labour should be available at reasonable charges at the time of construction of the plant.

5. Cost and type of land: The cost of the land should be reasonable and it allow strong foundation to the plant and building. Land should not be rocky and marshy. Site should allow strong foundations with minimum cost.

6. There should be no possibility of future sources of leakage of water.

7. The selected site should be accessible easly.