Hydroelectric PowerHydroelectric Power

Steph MechamSteph Mecham

Chris RhoadesChris Rhoades

Dylan WelchDylan Welch

How the energy is producedHow the energy is producedThe most common type of hydroelectric System is a dam constructed on a river. The dam blocks water from flowing, storing it in a reservoir. When the water is released, it flows through a turbine. The gravitational power causes it to spin. The kinetic energy from the mechanical spinning power activates/powers a generator that produces electricity.

A diversion system channels a portion of a river through a canal or channel instead of a dam. Pumped storage is another type of hydroelectric power that consists of a storage facility stores energy by pumping water from a low to high reservoir. The water from the high reservoir can be released to generate electricity when it is in high demand

Waste products producedWaste products produced

• Hydropower doesn't pollute the air or Hydropower doesn't pollute the air or emit greenhouse gases into the emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, but construction atmosphere, but construction materials used to create the dams materials used to create the dams can pollute the water and harm can pollute the water and harm ecosystems, wildlife, and fish ecosystems, wildlife, and fish populations. populations.

Where it is found/usedWhere it is found/used

Hydropower can be used anywhere in the world where there's falling water.

Mountainous regions and large river valleys are very productive with hydroelectric power, the large gravitational pull of falling water creates more kinetic energy that can be used to generate electricity

AdvantagesAdvantages

Electricity can be constantly and consistently produced when a dam is constructed

Electricity produced by dams do not pollute the atmosphere or emit any greenhouse gases

Electricity generation can be turned off if not needed, which will save the water supply for when demand is high

Dams are very long lasting, and investment is profitable in the long run

Dams form lakes behind them, creating recreational attractions

Water from the lake can be used for irrigation

Water builds up in the lake, storing energy that can be efficiently used when water is released

Water is a renewable resource

DisadvantagesDisadvantages

-Dams must be built to a very high quality-Dams must be built to a very high quality-Dams take time to become a profitable investment, so -Dams take time to become a profitable investment, so

it must be a long-term solution (not a quick fix)it must be a long-term solution (not a quick fix)-Dams can cause social problems by causing people in -Dams can cause social problems by causing people in

communities to relocatecommunities to relocate-Dams can cause flooding, which could potentially -Dams can cause flooding, which could potentially

damage ecosystems and wildlife/fish populationsdamage ecosystems and wildlife/fish populations-The building of dams can cause geological damage like -The building of dams can cause geological damage like

earthquakes and surface damageearthquakes and surface damage-Dams can alter the natural water level, which can -Dams can alter the natural water level, which can

result in salt and mineral buildup (which can be result in salt and mineral buildup (which can be damaging)damaging)

Fun FactsFun Facts

Hydropower comprises around nine percent of total energy supply in the u.s.a.: That number is growing each year

Hydropower can achieve up to 95% efficiency… significantly more than fossil fuel power

Hydropower is the primary energy source for more than 35 countries worldwide

China generates more hydroelectricity than any other country

The Three Gorges Dam, located on the Yangtze River in China, is the largest dam in the world!!!!

The EndThe End

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