Hydroelectricityand its uses

Cobey ChambersEvana Wang

Kaitlin GibidesChris Alden

Ryan Medley

How is hydroelectricity used?This diagram shows how

electricity is created from the flow of water.

First, water is trapped in a reservoir until it is let into the penstock, or the pipe, of the generator. The intake is a flap that regulates the amount of water that enters the penstock. From there, the flow of the water spins the turbine and creates magnetic energy that is sent into the generator. The generator transfers the magnetic energy into electricity and sends it to a power house then to power lines that send electricity elsewhere. After spinning the turbine, the water flows away from the generator and back to its natural course.

How is hydroelectricity used? (Cont.)This first pie chart shows the

types of energy sources in New Zealand. As a country surrounded by water, New Zealand’s source of energy is mostly from hydroelectricity.

Hydroelectricity makes up 55% of the amount of energy and coal, a fossil fuel, uses up only 7%.

This next pie chart displays the areas in the United States that generates hydroelectricity. As shown, the Pacific area of the US generates almost half of the total hydroelectricity power generated.

What are the advantages of hydroelectricity?Hydroelectricity is…• Cheap and efficientReliable and lasts longer than fossil fueled

plantFew emissionsLasts longer than fossil fuel plants

What are the disadvantages of hydroelectricity?Hydroelectric power stations…May cause flooding in surrounding areasAffects nearby water qualitiesKills fishBuilds up pollutants10-15 years to buildExpensive

What does hydroelectricity look like when it is used?

Is there data that supports hydroelectricity use?COBEY

How does hydroelectricity impact public lands?SpillwaysPowerhouse IntakesCanalsBoat RampsNatural ChannelsBridgesWinter ConditionsRecreations

How effective is hydroelectricity production?Even though the cost of hydroelectric

production is great, it is very effective in producing power.

How does hydroelectricity compare to the use of fossil fuels?Lasts longerCosts lessLess pollutionNo greenhouse gas

Is hydroelectricity technology being used outside of the United States?

Rank Country Amount

#1 Canada 332.46

#2 Brazil 302.88

#3 China 278.52

#4 United States

275.81

#5 Russia 170.58

#6 Norway 104.45

#7 Japan 104.13

As you can see, hydroelectricity is popular among many countries especially Canada, Brazil, China, and Russia. Large amounts of hydroelectric power are produced and consumed every year.