veejõujaam

A veejõujaam, also known as a hydroelectric power station or hydroelectric plant, is a facility that converts the energy of moving water into electricity. This is typically achieved by damming a river to create a reservoir. The water stored in the reservoir is then released through turbines. As the water flows, it spins the blades of the turbines, which are connected to generators. These generators produce electricity that can be transmitted through power lines.

The amount of electricity a veejõujaam can produce depends on several factors, including the volume of water flow and the height of the dam, known as the head. Larger dams and greater water flow generally result in higher electricity output. There are different types of veejõujaamad, including storage power plants, run-of-river power plants, and pumped-storage power plants. Storage power plants utilize reservoirs to store water and control its release. Run-of-river plants harness the natural flow of a river with minimal water storage. Pumped-storage plants use electricity to pump water uphill to a reservoir during periods of low demand, and then release it to generate power when demand is high.

Veejõujaamad are a significant source of renewable energy, producing electricity without direct emissions of greenhouse gases during operation. However, the construction of dams can have environmental impacts, such as altering river ecosystems, affecting fish migration, and displacing communities. The efficiency of veejõujaamad is generally high, and they can provide a reliable and consistent source of power.