1. A combining form from Gr. ?, ?, water (see Hydra). [1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.) A combining form of hydrogen, indicating hydrogen as an ingredient, as hydrochloric; or a reduction product obtained by hydrogen, as hydroquinone. [1913 Webster
a rotary engine actuated by the reaction or impulse or both of a current of fluid (as water, steam, or air) subject to pressure and usually made with a series of curved vanes on a central rotating spindle
Uses - to convert the hydraulic head into kinetic (rotary) energy.
I think you should start by looking for "hydraulic turbines" or "hydroelectric" on Wikipedia and read that / those articles. If you have specific questions after that, come back and ask them.
If you don't know how to find articles like that, either using the search box on Wikipedia, or using google, come back and ask about that.
Well, if you are going to get a name and hang around; least we can do is help.
Hydro turbines are one of the oldest forms of energy extraction and have had long history of improvements.
Originally designed to generate mechanical energy for use 'on-site' in applications like milling, weaving, and machining; modern hydro turbines are used almost exclusively for mechanical to electrical conversion so the resultant energy can be transported to the site of use.
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