Hydroelectric Power

Chamar Castile8th Hour

How It Works:• Water flows through propeller

to turn turbines and drive generators. – So basically the hydroelectric power dam

uses falling water to make the turbine turn.

– That’s how electricity is produced through a hydroelectric power plant.

Your IDEAL Dam:

Renewable or Not?

• Yes, it is considered renewable!– As long as water is falling from the sky, lakes,

rivers, or oceans then we can make dams to reuse the water and reproduce energy this way.

What’s The Tab Looking Like?

• Using water is FREE as long as mother nature continues to provide it to us.

• Low operations and doesn’t cost much to maintain it.

• HIGH INVESTMENT COSTS.

The Process:

Positive Aspects!• Fuel isn’t being burned, so pollution is

minimal.• It’s FREE since we’re using water as the main

energy source.• Huge when it comes to reducing greenhouse

gas issues.• It’s renewable.

Negative Aspects!• High investment costs.• Dependent on precipitation.• In some cases:– Loss of fish habitat – Displacement of local populations – Changes in stream water quality

Impact on Environment?• Affects fish population.• Can change river flow and water

temperature.• May cover people’s homes or cause them to

relocate living.• Methane is sometimes issued out to the

atmosphere.

Affect on Environment:

Who’s Using This Dam Thing?

• United States– Over 60,000 megawatts. Wow!

• China– 30,000 to 60,000 megawatts

• Canada– 30,000 to 60,000 megawatts

• Brazil– 30,000 to 60,000 megawatts

Ideal Location for the US?• Seattle:–Due to the fact that the city

produces so much precipitation it would be most convenient to place a major hydroelectric power plant there.

Availability?• Community?– Sure! If you so happen to live near a river, lake,

waterfall, or a manmade water plant.• State?– Yes! There are thousands.

• Backyard? Why?– The question is why not? If you have all the needs

to maintain it then go right ahead.

Bibliography• Perlman, Howard. "Hydroelectric Power: How It Works." Hydroelectric Power: How It

Works, USGS Water Science for Schools. 9 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 May 2012. <http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/hyhowworks.html>.

• "Energy Information Administration - International Electricity Generation Data." Energy Information Administration - International Electricity Generation Data. Web. 30 May 2012. <http://www.eia.gov/emeu/international/electricitygeneration.html>.

• "Energy Resources: Hydroelectric Power." Energy Resources: Hydroelectric Power. Web. 30 May 2012. <http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/hydro.htm>.

• "Which Countries Use Hydroelectric Power?" Which Countries Use Hydroelectric Power? Web. 30 May 2012. <http://earth.rice.edu/mtpe/geo/geosphere/hot/energyfuture/hydroelectricity.html>.

Fun Fact:•Hoover Dam located in Las Vegas!