Hydroelectric power generating system

A hydroelectric power generating system, comprising:

• a dam having an upper portion, a base, and an interior;
• a reservoir enclosed laterally by the dam, the dam completely surrounding and defining the reservoir therein;
• a plurality of sluice gates disposed in the upper portion of the dam;
• a peripheral canal disposed about the upper portion of the dam, the reservoir selectively communicating with the canal through the sluice gates;
• a plurality of penstocks extending from the canal, the penstocks being disposed within the interior of the dam;
• and
• at least one hydroelectric turbine generator disposed in each of the penstocks.

A hydroelectric power generating system, comprising:

• a dam having an upper portion, a base, and an interior;
• a reservoir enclosed laterally by the dam, the dam completely surrounding and defining the reservoir therein;
• at least one sluice gate disposed in the upper portion of the darn;
• a peripheral canal disposed about the upper portion of the dam, the reservoir selectively communicating with the canal through the at least one sluice gate;
• at least one penstock extending from the canal, the penstock being disposed within the interior of the dam;
• at least one hydroelectric turbine generator disposed in the at least one penstock;
• a collection channel disposed within the base of the dam, the collection channel communicating with the penstock;
• a return passage disposed in the base of the dam between the collection channel and the reservoir, the return passage defining a fluid conduit extending from the collection channel communicating to the reservoir;
• and
• a return pump disposed in the return passage.