Hydro Power Workshop

The hydro power workshop provides pupils with a practical insight into the principles of hydro-electric power generation.

It makes use of CAT’s own water system, our 3kW commercial pico-hydro installation and our 200W laboratory test rig which give pupils the opportunity to generate and manipulate data.

Key Details

This activity can be extended by linking to a surveying and off-site visit to a large-scale commercial hydroelectric power station close to CAT.

• Duration 45 – 60 minutes
• Suitable for A level
• Focus on STEM subjects
• The tour involves access to the outer CAT site and suitable footwear and outdoor clothing is essential.
• Covers water as a renewable energy source, the elements of a hydroelectric power installation and an investigation using applied physics.
• £70 per session (up to 8 pupils)

Workshop Overview

What happens

Pupils examine the CAT water system from the old quarry reservoir to the pico-hydro generator. Here pupils are shown the main components of the hydro installation and its control system. They then carry out flow rate and electrical power tests on a 200W hydroelectric test rig and analyse the resulting data to investigate the turbine’s efficiency.

Location

This workshop takes place on the main CAT site.

Skills and Curriculum Links

The hydro workshop enables pupils to:

• Gain understanding of the fluid dynamic principles of hydroelectric power generation
• Investigate the siting and efficiency of a water turbine
• Gain understanding of the main components involved in creating a hydroelectric installation.
• Analysis and presentation of data in MS Excel (or equivalent software).

Enrichment Activities

We are able to organise offsite visits to a large 56 MW hydroelectric power station near Aberystwyth (18 miles from CAT)

• Suitable for A level
• £120 per session. Note this price excludes transport which can be organised if required.
• Tours are based on a group of 24. Large groups would need to be split.
• The hydro is located approx. 1 hr travel time from the CAT site