Hydroelectric+Energy

Hydroelectric Energy. Casie Olson Jordan Duffy Nick Daniels Daniel Cerruto

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT. Compared to fossil fuels, hydroelectric power is considered to be a clean, renewable source of energy, that produces a bery low level of greenhouse gasses. Hydroelectric power has been used for over a centry to create electricity. This form of power can be available on demand, because the water flow for this is controlled. Also, fuel is not burned, so there is a minimal amount of pollution.

WHY IT'S RENEWABLE. Hydroelectric energy renewable,and it's the largest source of renewable energy worldwid. Because water is so aboundant, we will never run out of it. Because of the water cycle, rainfall will always refill our reservoirs.

HOW IT WORKS. Water is held behind a dam, forming an artificial lake, or reservoir. The force of the water being released from the reservoir through the dam spins the blades of a giant turbine. The turbine is connected to the generator that makes electricity as it spins. After passing through the turbine, the water flows back into the river on the other side of the dam.

WHO USES IT. Hydropower provides one-fifth, of the world's electricity. Only fossil fules provide more. Hydropower provides about 96 percent of the renewable energy in the United States, but only about 10 percent with the non-renewable resources included. The Pacific Northwest generates more than two-thirds of its electricity from 55 hydroelectric dams. More than one half of the US hyrdoelectric power is generated in Washington. California, and Oregon.

WHERE IT IS FOUND. Hydroelectric can be produced anywhere there's a body of water large enough to be used to create it. Where the plant is put depends on the features of the waterway. The energy is actually produced by falling water. So the amount of energy that can be produced depends on the flow and the height from witch it falls.

CITES. http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/hyhowworks.html http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/59.html

VIDEO. http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=hydroelectric%20power&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv

Types of Hydroelectric Power Plants As their name implies, micro-hydroelectric plants are the smallest type of hydroelectric energy systems. They generate between one kilowatt and one megawatt of power. The main application for these hydro systems is in small, isolated villages in developing countries. They are ideal for powering smaller services such as the operation of processing machines. Small hydropower systems can supply up to 20 megawatts of energy. These systems are relatively inexpensive and reliable. They have the potential to provide electricity to rural areas in developing countries throughout the world. Small systems are especially important to countries that may not be able to afford the costs of importing fossil fuels such as petroleum from other countries. In some areas of the world, the flow rate and elevation drops of the water are consistent enough that hydroelectric plants can be built directly in the river. The water passes through the plant without greatly changing the flow rate of the river. In many instances a dam is not required, and therefore the hydroelectric plant causes minimal environmental impact on its surroundings. However, one problem with run-of-the-river plants is the obstruction of fish and other aquatic animals. This and other problems are discussed in the next section.
 * Micro-Scale**
 * Small-Scale**
 * "Run-of-the-River"**