Licensing Examination Practice

Illinois Hydroelectric Plant Operator Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a hydroelectric plant?
• To store fossil fuels
• To generate electricity using water flow
• To produce chemical energy
• To desalinate water
• To generate electricity using water flow

Rationale: Hydroelectric plants convert the kinetic energy of flowing

water into electrical energy through turbines and generators.

• Which component converts the mechanical energy of a turbine into

electrical energy? 1 / 4

• Transformer
• Generator
• Dam
• Spillway
• Generator

Rationale: The generator is connected to the turbine and converts

mechanical rotation into electricity.

• What is the function of a penstock in a hydroelectric facility?
• Store water
• Carry water to the turbine
• Generate electricity
• Protect the generator
• Carry water to the turbine

Rationale: A penstock is a large pipe that directs water from the

reservoir to the turbine at high pressure.

• Which type of turbine is commonly used for high-head hydroelectric

plants?

• Kaplan
• Francis
• Pelton
• Propeller
• Pelton 2 / 4

Rationale: Pelton turbines are designed for high-head, low-flow

applications where water jets drive buckets attached to a wheel.

5. The flow rate of water in a hydroelectric plant is measured in:

• Gallons per minute
• Cubic feet per second
• Liters per hour
• Watts
• Cubic feet per second

Rationale: Flow rate for hydroelectric applications is commonly

measured in cubic feet per second (cfs) to calculate potential power output.

• What is the main purpose of a draft tube in a turbine?
• Increase turbine efficiency
• Filter debris
• Store water
• Reduce generator voltage
• Increase turbine efficiency

Rationale: The draft tube slows down water exiting the turbine,

recovering kinetic energy and increasing efficiency.

• In a hydroelectric plant, what is the purpose of a surge tank?
• Store excess electricity
• Reduce pressure fluctuations in the penstock
• Measure flow rate 3 / 4

• Support turbine rotation
• Reduce pressure fluctuations in the penstock

Rationale: Surge tanks absorb sudden changes in water pressure,

preventing water hammer and protecting the penstock.

• Which type of hydroelectric plant operates without a large reservoir?
• Storage
• Pumped-storage
• Run-of-the-river
• Impoundment
• Run-of-the-river

Rationale: Run-of-the-river plants rely on natural river flow and

typically have minimal storage, generating electricity as water passes.

• What is the role of the governor in a hydroelectric plant?
• Control turbine speed and water flow
• Increase generator voltage
• Store excess water
• Maintain dam integrity
• Control turbine speed and water flow

Rationale: Governors regulate water flow to turbines, maintaining

steady speed and frequency of generated electricity.

• What does “head” refer to in hydroelectric power?
• Water temperature
• / 4