Hydroelectric Energy

1. Hydroelectric Energy • By. Matthew Equi

2. What is Hydroelectric Energy • Hydroelectric energy is energy from flowing water. • It is kinetic energy. • It is useful in many different ways.

3. How it is Generated A dam is built to hold water. Gates open and close that are called sluice gates to regulate the amount of water that is released into the pipes. Potential energy in the retained water is transferred into kinetic energy by water flowing through the pipes with high speed. The force and high pressure in the water turns a series of shafts in a generator. Spinning shafts in the generator charges millions of coils and magnets to create electricity, which is regulated by a transformer. This is then transported through cables to homes and factories.

4. How it is Useful • • Moderate to high net useful energy yield. • • Fairly low operating and maintenance costs. • • Low pollution. • • Rarely shut down. • • Help control flooding. • • Supply a regulated flow of irrigation water to lowlands below the dam.

5. Compared to Other Energy Resources • Has moderate to high net useful energy. • Solar energy and hydroelectric are the highest producers of energy besides nonrenewable resources.

6. Drawbacks • Flood vast areas • Destroys wildlife habitats • Uproots people • Keeps nutrients from being sent downstream • Decreases fish harvests below the dam • Keep fish from migrating upstream • Kills large numbers of fish

7. Fun Facts • The largest Hydroelectric Power Plant in the world is the Yangtze River in China. • Hydropower is renewable energy source that doesn't cause global warming because it doesn't releases dangerous greenhouse gases.

8. Yangtze Dam Hoover dam