Penstocks are pipes or long channels that carry water down from the hydroelectric reservoir to the turbines inside the actual power station. Generally, they are made of steel and water under high pressure flows through the penstock. ... When the sluice is fully open, water flows freely down through the penstock.

How does the hydroelectric energy work?

Hydroelectric power is produced with moving water

At hydropower plants water flows through a pipe, or penstock, then pushes against and turns blades in a turbine to spin a generator to produce electricity.

How hydroelectricity is generated?

hydroelectric power, also called hydropower, electricity produced from generators driven by turbines that convert the potential energy of falling or fast-flowing water into mechanical energy. ... The turbines in turn drive generators, which convert the turbines' mechanical energy into electricity.