Classification of Hydro Electric Power Plant

Hydro Electric Power plants are classified according to water head available. They are

• High head power plant
• Medium head power plant
• Low head power plant

High head power plant

The water operating head is more than 70 meters, at that instance the plant is known as high head power plant. The prime movers are used in the pelton wheel turbine.

Medium head power plant

The water operating head ranges from 15 meters to 70 meters. At that case the plant is known as medium head power plant. The prime movers are used in the Francis wheel turbine.

Low head power plant

The water operating head is less than 15 meters. At that case the plant is known as low head power plant. The prime movers are used in the Kaplan and Francis wheel turbine.