Hydro Power Plant Operator License Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the main function of a hydroelectric power plant?
- Store water for irrigation
- Provide drinking water
- Generate electricity
- Control floods
Rationale: The primary purpose of a hydroelectric plant is to convert the
potential and kinetic energy of water into electrical energy.
- Which component of a hydroelectric plant converts mechanical energy
- Dam 1 / 4
into electrical energy?
- Penstock
- Generator
- Surge tank
Rationale: The generator transforms the rotational mechanical energy of
the turbine into electricity.
3. The vertical drop of water in a hydroelectric plant is called:
- Flow rate
- Head
- Capacity
- Discharge
Rationale: Head refers to the height difference between the water source
and the turbine, determining potential energy.
- What type of turbine is most suitable for high-head hydroelectric
- Kaplan turbine
- Propeller turbine
- Pelton wheel
- Francis turbine
plants?
Rationale: Pelton turbines are impulse-type turbines ideal for high-head,
low-flow conditions.
- The part of the turbine that interacts directly with water to produce
motion is called:
- Shaft 2 / 4
- Runner
- Stator
- Nozzle
Rationale: The runner is the rotating part of the turbine that converts
water energy into rotational mechanical energy.
6. A surge tank is used in hydroelectric plants to:
- Store water for peak demand
- Reduce water hammer and pressure fluctuations
- Increase generator output
- Maintain water temperature
Rationale: Surge tanks absorb sudden changes in water flow, preventing
water hammer in penstocks.
- Which of the following is a measure of the amount of water flowing
- Head
- Discharge (flow rate)
- Capacity factor
- Efficiency
through the turbine?
Rationale: Discharge refers to the volume of water passing through the
turbine per unit time.
8. The efficiency of a hydroelectric turbine is defined as:
- Power input divided by water volume
- Mechanical power output divided by water power input 3 / 4
- Water flow divided by head
- Generator voltage divided by current
Rationale: Turbine efficiency measures how effectively it converts water
energy into mechanical energy.
- The device that converts the turbine’s rotational energy into alternating
current is the:
- Exciter
- Transformer
- Generator
- Inverter
Rationale: Generators produce AC electricity by electromagnetic induction
using the turbine’s motion.
- What is the primary purpose of the draft tube in a reaction turbine?
- Increase water velocity
- Reduce turbine speed
- Recover kinetic energy and reduce exit velocity
- Direct water to the penstock
Rationale: Draft tubes slow down water exiting the turbine, converting
kinetic energy into useful pressure and improving efficiency.
- Which of the following types of dams is constructed using large
- Embankment dam
- Gravity dam
- / 4
quantities of concrete?