Energy Resources Project: Hydroelectricity

By Tasia Muse & Jada MappAP Environmental Science

Mills2014

What is hydroelectricity?

Hydroelectricity is electricity that is produced by water power

How is hydroelectricity produced?Hydroelectricity is produced by dams that harness the energy of moving water and turn it into power that can be used by homes and

other buildings. This diagram

shows the main

components of a dam.

ReservoirThe reservoir is the large amount of water

stored behind the dam. The amount of water(depth) determines the amount of

electricity that can be generated.

IntakeThe intake is the entrance of the dam.

Control GateThe control gate is used for releasing and holding the water from the reservoir into the

dam.

PenstockWater that is released through the control gate flows through the penstock toward the

turbine blade.

TurbineThe turbine contains a large number of fan blades and a spindle. The spindle turns as the

water flows passed it.

OutflowThe outflow is the water that flows passed

the turbine and exits the dam through the other side.

GeneratorThe generator is connected to the turbine and spins with the turbine. As the generator

spins, it converts mechanical energy from the turbine into electric energy.

PowerhouseThe powerhouse is where the generator and

turbine are housed and where power is produced.

TransformersA transformer is a device that carries

electricity from one circuit to another and is important in the distribution of electricity.

Power Lines The power lines take the electricity from the

hydropower plant and distributes it to various places such as homes, businesses and

schools.

Hydroelectric Dam Explanation Video http://

science.howstuffworks.com/30198-really-big-things-hydroelectric-power-video.htm

Summaries Scientist:

Although the dams initially will be a pricy item to construct, the overall benefits will outweigh the cons.

The dam will decrease the electricity bills of residents who live near the dam

Also decrease flooding, reducing the amount of costly damage that can be done by flooding.

Historian/Sociologist: Water has been used for thousands of years by many

civilizations to make daily life better. Many inventors and engineers have made significant strides in

the innovation of water power and technologies. In modern day, hydroelectric power is a renewable source of

energy that can reduce pollution and lower electric bills.

Summaries (Cont.)Economist:

To improve our economy we need to find easy ways to save money.

Even though hydroelectric dams are considered expensive, hydropower is still cheaper than using fossil fuels.

Americans wouldn’t have to pay as many taxesNew jobs, Engineers and constructions

workers would be employed.

Summaries (Cont.)Environmentalist:

Hydroelectricity is an excellent alternative to using fossil fuels. Fossil fuels contribute to global warming by releasing greenhouse gases.

Using hydropower wouldn’t harm the public and wildlife with waste.

The building of a dams does contribute global warming (from excess nutrients), and restrict the movement of marine life.

This could be controlled by building fish ladders and cleaning the built up vegetation from the dam.