Why are the turbines for a hydraulic dams located far below the top of the dam to ensure that the water does not lose too much potential energy before reaching determines to allow the potential energy of the water to increase gently before reaching the turbines to ensure that the water does not lose too much kinetic energy before reaching the turbines to allow the kinetic energy of the water to increase gently before reaching the turbines

1 answer

The turbines for a hydraulic dam are located far below the top of the dam to ensure that the water does not lose too much potential energy before reaching the turbines. This is because the potential energy of the water is converted into kinetic energy as it flows down from a higher elevation to a lower one. By locating the turbines at a lower position, the water is allowed to retain a significant portion of its potential energy before it reaches the turbines.

If the turbines were located closer to the top of the dam, the water would lose a larger portion of its potential energy in overcoming the vertical distance between the turbine and the top of the dam. This would result in a lower amount of potential energy available to be converted into mechanical energy by the turbines. By positioning the turbines further down, the water can maintain a higher potential energy, maximizing the efficiency of energy conversion within the dam system.

In addition, locating the turbines lower down also allows the water to gain kinetic energy gradually before reaching the turbines. This ensures that the water does not lose too much kinetic energy before reaching the turbine blades. This gradual increase in kinetic energy allows for better control over the flow of water and minimizes the chances of turbulence or excessive energy dissipation before reaching the turbines.