© Oxford University Press 2011 IP1.21.5 Hydroelectric power station Hydroelectric power station.

© Oxford University Press 2011

IP1.21.5 Hydroelectric power station

Hydroelectric power station



A hydroelectric power station stores water behind a dam in a reservoir. A sluice gate is used to control the flow of water down the pipes to the turbines. The water turns the turbines and the generator produces electricity.



This is the Hoover dam across the Colorado river in the USA. It is capable of generating 2 megawatts of power.



This is a large turbine from a hydroelectric power station that drives the generators.



A hydroelectric power station transforms the kinetic energy of flowing water into electrical energy. In order to control more easily the amount of energy produced, a dam is usually built. This stores the energy in the form of potential energy.

Water in dam

Gravitational potential energy

Water flowing downhill

Kinetic energy

Turbines

Kinetic energy

Generator

Electrical energy

Energy transfer in a hydroelectric power station



Advantages of hydroelectric power

Renewable energy resource Does not need fuel Can be stopped and started very quickly Does not emit Carbon Dioxide



Disadvantages of hydroelectric power

Building a dam can disrupt the aquatic life in the river. Building a dam and hydroelectric power station requires a lot

of land. Dams can be very expensive to build.

© Oxford University Press 2011 IP1.21.5 Hydroelectric power station Hydroelectric power station.

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Transcript of © Oxford University Press 2011 IP1.21.5 Hydroelectric power station Hydroelectric power station.