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Hydroelectricity. By Rachael Axmann and Ally Ivanitski. How Hydroelectricity Works. The water flows downhill The water turns the turbine The turbine turns the generator The generator produces electricity. History of Hydroelectricity.
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Hydroelectricity By Rachael Axmann and Ally Ivanitski
How Hydroelectricity Works • The water flows downhill • The water turns the turbine • The turbine turns the generator • The generator produces electricity
History of Hydroelectricity • Hydroelectricity began almost 2,000 years ago when the Greeks used water wheels to grind wheat. Then, in the 1700’s, hydropower was used for milling lumber , milling grain, and for pumping irrigation water. In Appleton, Wisconsin, they became the first to use hydroelectric power in the US in 1882. It produced 12.5 kilowatts of power. The total electricity generated was equal to 250 lights. Within the next 20 years, 300 hydroelectric plants were operated worldwide. The invention of hydraulic reaction turbines created the expansion of hydropower. 40% of the United States’ electricity has been provided by hydroelectric power since the early 1900’s.
Advantages The advantages of hydropower are • Once the dam is constructed, the electricity can be produced constantly • If electricity isn’t needed, the gates can be closed and the water can be saved for when electricity is in high demand. • Since dams are designed to last for decades, the supply of water will last for decades. • Lakes forming behind dams can be used for recreational activities. • Build up of water means that energy can be saved for another time. • Dams do not produce greenhouse gases which means it doesn’t pollute the atmosphere.
Disadvantages • Disadvantages of hydroelectricity are- • Dams are very expensive • Many people have to move so their houses and farms don’t flood. • Old dams can and have breached (gave under the weight of the water) and caused massive floods and many deaths. • Large dams can cause ecological problems. • Natural environments can be destroyed by floods.
Other Applications Other applications are • Provides facilities for water sports • Provides a tourist attraction • Aquaculture in reservoirs • Irrigation • And supports agriculture with a constant water supply.
