geographical factors responsible for low production of hydel power
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
1. Physical Factors:
The following physical conditions are necessary for the construction and success of hydro-electric plants:
(i) Regular and abundant supply of water or quantity of water;
(ii) Rugged topography or degree of slope;
ADVERTISEMENTS:
(iii) Existence of rapids and waterfalls;
(iv) Solid rock structure or geological stability for construction of dams;
(v) Suitable climate, i.e., temperature above freezing point;
(vi) Presence of lakes; and
ADVERTISEMENTS:
(vii) Silt-free water, etc.
Among physical factors two prime factors are quantity of water and degree of slope. The greater the quantity of water available, and steeper or longer the slope, the greater is the energy generated.
These two factors, water and slope, are compensatory; that is to say, if a small quantity of water falls from a great height it will yet be able to generate large amount of power or a great amount of water can do the same thing on a slight slope. The power-producing streams may thus be divided into two categories: (a) streams of high fall and small discharge, and (b) streams of low fall and considerable discharge.
However, in the matter of cost the high fall has an advantage over the low fall as it can be maintained at less expense. The advantage thus rests with slope over volume. It is clear from the above statement; water-power can be developed only
ADVERTISEMENTS:
(i) Where there are falls, such falls generally occur in rugged mountainous regions or glaciated areas, whether morainal or ice-scoured; (ii) where the volume of water in the stream is more or less uniform as floods are likely to injure the plant, while the low water flow may cause their stoppage due to insufficiency.
Although with the technological developments condition of natural waterfalls has been overpowered by construction of dams, for which solid rock structure and geological stability is a prime necessity?
2. Economic Factors:
Economic factors play an important role in the development of hydro-electric power.
These factors are as follows:
(i) Demand of power:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
In order to compensate the high construction cost of the hydel projects demand for power is necessary. So that the generated electricity should be easily utilised in the nearby area. A densely-populated area is more suitable, where demand for power is more.
(ii) Lack of other energy sources:
The hydel-power projects are more successful where other sources of power are not available. In countries where coal and petroleum are available in abundance, electricity is also generated with them. Coal and oil deficient countries like Japan, Norway, Sweden, etc., are more dependent on hydro-electricity.
(iii) Capital investment:
Modern large-scale hydro-projects are expensive involving dam erection, power plant construction, costs of transmission and round-the-year maintenance as well as incidental costs of compensation, etc.
The delivery of the power supply from the point of generation to consumers, sometimes hundreds of kilometres away, involves the construction and servicing of pylons, high-tension cables, even undersea cables in some cases, and transmission lines often cross very difficult terrain.
Permission has to be sought from the owners and authorities concerned when the transmission lines are laid across private ground, and rental is paid for the land used. A team of engineers, wiremen and administrative staff has to be maintained to run the entire operation.
Thus not only initial costs, but also maintenance costs are very high. It is a common misconception, because hydro-electric power is derived from water which is free, that it is always cheap. Once initial costs have been recouped it may indeed be relatively cheap but this will necessarily take some time.
(iv) Other factors:
Among other economic factors:
(a) Location of industrial and commercial centers,
(b) Improved modern technology, and
(c) Transport and communication are important.
Answer:
The following physical conditions are necessary for the construction and success of hydro-electric plants:
(i) Regular and abundant supply of water or quantity of water;
(ii) Rugged topography or degree of slope;