Question

What is the highest elevation of water level that can be maintained in the reservoir without any spillway discharge either with gated or non-gated spillway?

(a) Normal Water level

(b) Minimum Water level

(c) Weighted average level

(d) Operating head

The question was posed to me in an interview.

This key question is from Hydropower in chapter Hydro Electric Power of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Normal Water level

For explanation: Minimum water level is that elevation of water level which produces minimum net head on the power units i.e. 65% of the design head. The weighted average level is the level above and below which equal amounts of power are developed during an average year. Operating head is the difference of elevation of entrance and the tail-race exit.