energy > hydroelectricity > steps in production of electricity image

Look up an image:

Explore by theme

In a hydroelectric power plant, water is turned into electricity, which is carried to consumers along a transportation and distribution network.

See steps in production of electricity in : french | spanish

After passing through the turbine, the water rejoins the watercourse.

The electricity is carried to areas of consumption by low-voltage distribution lines.

Before integrating the electricity into the distribution network, the voltage is progressively decreased to 240 V.

Using high-voltage lines to transmit electricity over long distances reduces the strength of the current and, as a result, energy losses.

The dam raises the water level to create a vertical drop along the length of the penstock.

The water takes on energy as it flows down the penstock and is carried with force to the turbine.

The generator converts water power into electricity.

The movement of the turbine is transmitted to the rotor by the shaft.

Flowing water applies pressure to the turbine’s blades to make it turn.

The generator produces electricity through the movement of the rotor in the stator.

The electricity produced is integrated into the network.

At the outlet end of the power plant, the transformer increases the voltage; this reduces energy losses during transmission over long distances.

Electric power produced by the generator is transmitted to a transformer at the power plant outlet.

Basin created by building a dam, which holds back a large volume of water.