cross section of a power plant

operating floor

Part of the plant that houses the equipment needed to operate the bulb units (including maintenance and control devices).

basin side

At low tide, the sea is lower than the basin and it empties out; at high tide, the action is reversed.

top of dam

Upper part of the plant; it usually has an access road.

penstock

Channel that carries water to the plant turbines, from the sea to the basin or from the basin to the sea.

turbine runner

Movable part of the turbine that converts energy from the water it receives into mechanical energy, which is transmitted to the generator’s rotor.

runner blade

Movable part that is fixed to the hub of the runner; it turns through the action of water power on it.

bulb unit

A turbine is connected by a horizontal axis to the rotor of a generator unit, which turns under the action of the tide.

access shaft

Vertical shaft connecting the operating floor to the generator so that inspection and maintenance can be carried out.

sea side

At high tide, the sea is higher than the basin and it fills up; at low tide, the action is reversed.