So just how do we get electricity from water? Actually, hydroelectric and coal-fired power plants produce electricity in a similar way. In both cases a power source is used to turn a propeller-like piece called a turbine, which then turns a metal shaft in an electric generator , which is the motor that produces electricity. A coal-fired power plant uses steam to turn the turbine blades; whereas a hydroelectric plant uses falling water to turn the turbine. The results are the same.
Here are steps of how hydroelectricity works:
1. A hydropower plant uses falling water as stored energy. Water from the reservoir (A) passes through the penstock (a large pipe that carries water from the reservoir to turbines in the powerhouse) (B) to enter the powerhouse.
2. The flowing water turns the propeller-like water wheel or turbine (C), which is connected by a shaft to the generator (D), which spins and produces electricity.
3. As water leaves the turbine, it is discharged through the draft tube (E), where it enters the tailrace (F) and returns unaltered to the river below the dam.
4. The electricity produced by the spinning generator (D) is conducted to the power transformer (G), where the voltage is increased.
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