Dams

Generally, when we think of a water turbine, it’s in the context of a hydro-electric power plant. In this situation, water is collected or stored at a higher elevation (usually with a dam) and then allowed to fall down through pipes or tunnels (called pen stocks) to a lower elevation.

At the bottom, the water passes a water turbine causing it to spin, which in turn rotates a generator. The building that houses the turbines and generators is called the powerhouse.

Since the key is to harness the movement of water, you can also use rivers and even tidal water flows in a similar fashion.