Hydroelectricity By Aarya Mehta Alexandra Llaguno Melinda Prasad

Hydroelectricity By: Aarya Mehta, Alexandra Llaguno, & Melinda Prasad

Hydroelectricity Definition: Hydroelectricity is electricity powered by water. �- comes from hydropower. �- Hydropower = renewable resource �- Hydropower is dependent on precipitation and elevation levels. �* High precipitation and elevation levels are the most sufficient.

How does it work? �The movement of water as it flows downstream creates kinetic energy that can be converted into electricity. A hydroelectric power plant converts this energy into electricity by forcing water, often held at a dam, through a hydraulic turbine that is connected to a generator. The water exits the turbine and is returned to a stream or river bed below the dam.

Environmental Impacts �Air Emissions �Water Resource Use �Water Discharges �Solid Waste Generation �Land Resource Use

Examples of how hydroelectricity is used q. Increases stability and reliability of electricity systems q. Contributes to the storage of drinking water q. Helps fight climate change q. Generates electricity

Advantages of Hydroelectricity 1. Hydroelectricity is an infinite fuel source 2. Efficient source 3. Hydroelectric power plants can be use throughout the world

Disadvantages of Hydroelectricity 1. Hydroelectricity dams are costly to build 2. Requires certain weather to continue the operation 3. Hydroelectricity indirectly causes greenhouse emissions

Historical Problems 1918 -1958: 33 Major dam failures resulting in 1680 documented fatalities 1959 -1965: 9 major dams failed throughout the world 1976: Teton Dam failure in Idaho Obstruction of the river for aquatic life

Largest Dam in the World Three Gorges Dam: China

Recent Problems q Hydroelectricity drastically affects terrestrial and marine organisms by: - the migratory barrier - creating changes in water temperature - diminishing and destroying habitat q Hydroelectricity increases greenhouse emissions.

Solutions ü Relocating terrestrial habitats to higher grounds will prevent it from getting flooded. ü Use the dam to obtain maximum water for storage only during rainy season. ü To prevent migratory problems, pick a season where marine life is not drastically affected (when there is no mating season for the majority of animals. ) ü Try filtering the water to prevent decaying remnants from emitting greenhouse gases.

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