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EquipmentUp to date · Jan 15, 2026

Penstock

A pipe or channel that carries water from a dam's reservoir to the turbines below. The penstock converts the water's potential energy (from height) to kinetic energy (from velocity) as it descends.

Why It Matters

The height of the penstock (called "head") directly determines how much energy each gallon of water can produce. Higher dams = more energy per unit of water.

Related Topics

hydroelectric power

Related Terms

Hydroelectric Dam

A structure that impounds water in a reservoir, releasing it through turbines to generate electricity. The energy comes from the gravitational potential of water stored at elevation.

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