Hydroelectric Energy: An Overview Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D. Wilkes University Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D. Wilkes University

Hydroelectric Energy: An Overview

Hydroelectric Energy: An Overview

Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D.

Wilkes University

Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D.

Wilkes University

www.cs.berkeley.edu/~artin/

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Points to be coveredPoints to be covered

The water cycle Flowing water as a source of power Historic uses of hydro power Types of hydroelectric generation Benefits of hydroelectric power generation Current levels of hydroelectrical generation

capacity worldwide and in US Issues regarding hydroelectric Potential new sources of hydroelectricity The WebQuest

The water cycle Flowing water as a source of power Historic uses of hydro power Types of hydroelectric generation Benefits of hydroelectric power generation Current levels of hydroelectrical generation

capacity worldwide and in US Issues regarding hydroelectric Potential new sources of hydroelectricity The WebQuest

www.rdc.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/



Flowing water is a source of powerFlowing water is a source of power

POWER (kW) = 5.9 x FLOW x HEAD

FLOW is measured in m3/sec HEAD is measured in meters

POWER (kW) = 5.9 x FLOW x HEAD

FLOW is measured in m3/sec HEAD is measured in meters

Hydro power is used in two waysHydro power is used in two ways

Electrical generationElectrical generation

plaza.ufl.edu/cjk11/

DirectDirect

www.mastergardenproducts.com/


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Direct uses of hydro energyDirect uses of hydro energy

Textile manufacturing Grist mills Sawmills Irrigation

Textile manufacturing Grist mills Sawmills Irrigation QuickTime™ and a

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www.ourbc.com/travel_bc/

Hydroelectric power generationHydroelectric power generation

http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuhy.html



Types of hydroelectrical generationTypes of hydroelectrical generation

Impoundment Pumped storage capacity Run of river (diversion)

Impoundment Pumped storage capacity Run of river (diversion)

Impoundment generating facilityImpoundment generating facility

geochange.er.usgs.gov/





Pumped storage capacityPumped storage capacity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Stwlan.dam.jpg

Diversion facilityDiversion facility

www1.eere.energy.gov/



Classification of Hydro Plants Based on SizeClassification of Hydro Plants Based on Size

Micro - < 0.1 mWSmall - 0.1 - 30 mWLarge - >30 mW

Micro - < 0.1 mWSmall - 0.1 - 30 mWLarge - >30 mW

Classification of Hydro Plants Based on HeadClassification of Hydro Plants Based on Head

© 2000 Geothermal Education Office



High - >66’

www.usbr.gov



Low - 10-66’

www.fremontrescue.org/



Ultra low - <10’

wdfw.wa.gov/fish/

Benefits of hydroelectric powerBenefits of hydroelectric power Economic benefits

No fuel costs Low labor

Dams provide recreation and flood protection Systems are long-lived (decades) Provides relatively constant power Conserves fossil fuels Benefits local economies Can be implemented remotely Can prevent pollution caused by fossil fuels

Economic benefits No fuel costs Low labor

Dams provide recreation and flood protection Systems are long-lived (decades) Provides relatively constant power Conserves fossil fuels Benefits local economies Can be implemented remotely Can prevent pollution caused by fossil fuels

Current worldwide hydroelectricity outputCurrent worldwide hydroelectricity output

715,000 megawatts 19% of all energy production

715,000 megawatts 19% of all energy production

www.wikipedia.org

Hydroelectric power output by country (1992)Hydroelectric power output by country (1992)




Hydroelectrical power output by country (2006)Hydroelectrical power output by country (2006)

050

100150200250300350400450

ChinaCanada

Brazil USARussia India

NorwayJapan

SwedenFrance

Output (TWh)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Hydroelectric capacityHydroelectric capacity



© 2000 Geothermal Education Office



ff.org/centers/csspp/library/



U.S. Hydroelectric storage capacityU.S. Hydroelectric storage capacity




Environmental problems?Environmental problems?

http://iga.igg.cnr.it/geo/geoenergy.php

Impacts to fish and birds Upstream impacts

Wetlands are flooded Humans often displaced Siltation behind dams Release of greenhouse gasses

Downstream effects Scouring Temperature impacts Dam failures can flood downstream communities

Impacts to fish and birds Upstream impacts

Wetlands are flooded Humans often displaced Siltation behind dams Release of greenhouse gasses

Downstream effects Scouring Temperature impacts Dam failures can flood downstream communities

Potential new sources of hydroelectricityPotential new sources of hydroelectricity



TidesTides



Waves

Tide PowerTide Power

Based on diurnal movements of water in oceans

Most effective in areas with pronounced tides

Include Tidal stream systems

(kinetic energy of flow) Barrages (head energy of

surface differences)

Based on diurnal movements of water in oceans

Most effective in areas with pronounced tides

Include Tidal stream systems

(kinetic energy of flow) Barrages (head energy of

surface differences)



www-staff.it.uts.edu.au

Tidal stream systemsTidal stream systems

Dominant technology is shrouded turbine

Prototypes have been tested in England, Australia, and Italy.

Outputs up to 1.2 MW are noted

Dominant technology is shrouded turbine

Prototypes have been tested in England, Australia, and Italy.

Outputs up to 1.2 MW are noted



en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Barrage systemsBarrage systems

Depend upon impoundments built along coastlines

Developed in Canada, Russia, and France

Largest generates 240 MW.

Limited by geography, environmental considerations

Depend upon impoundments built along coastlines

Developed in Canada, Russia, and France

Largest generates 240 MW.

Limited by geography, environmental considerations



en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Wave PowerWave Power

Based on up-and-down motion of sea surface

Can be captured using devices that convert motion to electricity

Could yield more electricity than tidal

Recently deployed systems include Portuguese project - 2.25 MW Scotland project - 3.0 MW

Challenges include low speeds, corrosion, wind damage

Based on up-and-down motion of sea surface

Can be captured using devices that convert motion to electricity

Could yield more electricity than tidal

Recently deployed systems include Portuguese project - 2.25 MW Scotland project - 3.0 MW

Challenges include low speeds, corrosion, wind damage



www.dg58.dupage.k12.il.us

So, is hydropower the answer to our energy concerns?

So, is hydropower the answer to our energy concerns?

You tell me!You tell me!

Documents

Hydroelectric Energy: An Overview Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D. Wilkes University Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D. Wilkes University