A New Spin on Energy

What is hydroelectric Power?A way to use the force of falling water to

create electrical energyAt its base is the conservation of energy,

from gravitational potential energy to electrical energy

How does it work?

How does the dam work?Controls the flow of water through the

generators to create an organized flow of power producing water.

Generator works on the idea of a rotating magnetic field create a rotating electric field, thus creating alternating current

Parts of a damPenstock

Reservoir

GeneratorTurbine

Benefits of damsCreate more power and is more reliable than

solar and wind energyClean, renewableDams are a big cost, however once created

they create cheap energy2400 of the nation’s 8000 dams are

hydroelectricMost dams are multipurpose: flood control,

water supply, irrigation, recreation, transportation, refuges for wildlife

Hydroelectric use

1 kW·h, 3412 BTU

Hydroelectric power useHydroelectric power is concentrated mostly

in the Pacific Northwest because it provides the best locations

63 % of hydropower comes from the Northwest

7% of US energy budget is devoted to hydroelectric power, but it is decreasing

Hydroelectric dams create 9% of the nation’s electricity

Hydroelectric power use49% of renewable energyCreates enough energy to provide for 28

million households

Hoover Dam

Hoover dam Dam building started during the depression,

which is when most dams began being builtApril 30, 1931 – March 1, 1936Original Cost: $49 millionInflated Cost: $676 millionAverage energy created between 1947 and

2005: 4.4 billion kW hours.Maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation

$$MONEY, MONEY, MONEY $$

Expensive to build

Hoover dam = $676 million

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONChanges in elevation

High precipitation

JUST KEEP SWIMMING, SWIMMINGSalmon population is decliningMigration is disturbedPacific Northwest of North AmericaFood chain is affected: no more yummy fish!

Steps taken to protect the fishFish ladders

“fish-friendly” turbines

Screens

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGESFlooding:

1) Controlling 2) Creating

DeforestationCarbon DioxideMethane gas Global Warming