HYDROELECTRIC POWER

BY:Hayley Rogovin, Taylor Doster,

Jeremy Littlejohn, Brad Williamson, and Jake Bagwell

What is Hydroelectric Power

A form of energy generated by the conversion of free-falling water to electricity by using the motive power of water; also called hydroelectricity

This an example of a hydroelectric power plant

Advantages and Disadvantages

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Inexhaustible fuel source

Minimal on the environmental impact

Viable source relatively useful levels of energy production

Can be use throughout the world

Smaller models depend on availability of fast flowing streams or rivers

Run off of the river plants can impact the mobility of fish and other river life.

Example of hydroelectric power on public lands

The salmon may swim upstream and be killed by the turbine blades

Hydroelectricity compared to Fossil Fuels

HYDROELECTRICITY FOSSIL FUELS

Does not produce Carbon Dioxide

Still being studied More expensive (still

relatively low priced) Renewable energy Hurts surrounding

ecosystems Methane emissions

(from reservoirs)

Produces Carbon Dioxide Common Cheap Not renewable Smog and acid rain

Impact on public land video/what hydroelectric power looks like

http://www.energy.siemens.com/us/en/power-generation/renewables/hydro-power/small-hydro-power/new-small-hydro-powerplants.htm

Current research on hydroelectric power plants

Scientists have found that some reservoirs formed by hydroelectric dams emit more greenhouse gases than expected, potentially upsetting the climate-friendly balance of hydroelectric power.

A scientific study of Lake Wohlen in central Switzerland found "unexpectedly high" emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) said on Monday that the 150,000 tons of methane bubbling up from sediment in the retention lake on the river Aare. That is over a years’ equivalent of emissions from 2,000 cows, or 25 million kilometers (15.5 million miles) travelled by cars, EAWAG added in a statement.

How effective is Hydroelectric power?

“In order to realize the full potential of small hydropower plants, the whole value chain from water to wire has to work efficiently. This requires a high degree of coordination. Siemens is the only integrated energy company that serves the entire energy conversion chain with products, solutions, and services. We are globally renowned for our technical expertise and have long term experience in providing turnkey solutions from scratch. As solution provider, we always present one face to our customer for the entire project. After completion, Siemens offers an extensive local support network in order to ensure the high availability of maintenance and other services. By doing so, we offer a highest degree of operational safety and efficiency”

Is Hydroelectricity being used globally?

Hydroelectricity is being used/produced in 150 countries outside of the US. Asia-pacific regions produce 32% of global hydropower in 2010. China is the largest hydroelectric producer in the world. Paraguay receives 100% of its power from hydroelectricity.

Example of Hydroelectric use in Canada

How is hydroelectric power used?

Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy, accounting for 16 percent of global electricity consumption, and 3,427 terawatt-hours of electricity production in 2010, which continues the rapid rate of increase experienced between 2003 and 2009.

Data to support the use of hydroelectricity

In 2007, hydro-produced electricity used by California totaled nearly 43,625 gigawatt-hours (GWh) or 14.5 percent of the state's total system power. In-state production accounted for 69.5% of all hydroelectricity, while imports from other states totaled 30.5%. A total of 343 hydroelectric facilities are in California with an installed capacity of 13,057 megawatts (MW). Hydro facilities are broken down into two categories: larger than 30 MW capacity are called "large hydro"; smaller than 30 MW capacity is considered "small hydro" and are totaled into the renewable energy portfolio standards. The amount of hydroelectricity produced varies each year. It is largely dependent on rainfall.

How Hydroelectricity really works

The water is emitted to the hydroelectric plant through a dam where it is led through a tunnel to a turbine. The turbine creates energy that is sent to a powerhouse. The powerhouse turns the water’s energy into electricity and is then sent to transformers and power transmission cables. The water that was used is sent through a downstream outlet, and back into the normal water source.

The technology in use

http://www.energy.siemens.com/us/en/power-generation/renewables/hydro-power/ocean-power.htm

The water is being turned into power through “twin rotators” they capture “infinite kinesthetic energy of the tides”

The water enters, is spun throughout the generator, and turned into energy.

WORK CITED!!

THANKS FOR WATCHING!!