Many areas of the country have reservoirswaterways with lock

Many areas of the country have reservoirs/waterways with locks and dams. An interesting problem is to evaluate the potential for hydroelectric generation at a local facility with a spillway. For example: Would a hydroelectric facility be attractive at the Columbus (Mississippi) Lock and Dam on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway if the yearly average volume rate is 7,094 acre-ft, and the pool average elevation difference between this dam and the next downstream dam is 27 feet? Disregard friction and minor losses in your calculations.

Solution

Different turbines are used for hydroelectric power generation, Francis, Kaplan, Propeller and Pelton. Relatively, Kaplan can operate at low head. For satisfactory power generation, the minimum head required for Kaplan is 33 feet. As 27 feet is less than 33 feet, hydroelectric facility is not feasible.