Hydroelectric Power Steph Mecham Chris Rhoades Dylan Welch

How the energy is produced The most common type of hydroelectric System is a dam constructed on a river. The dam blocks water from flowing, storing it in a reservoir. When the water is released, it flows through a turbine. The gravitational power causes it to spin. The kinetic energy from the mechanical spinning power activates/powers a generator that produces electricity. A diversion system channels a portion of a river through a canal or channel instead of a dam. Pumped storage is another type of hydroelectric power that consists of a storage facility stores energy by pumping water from a low to high reservoir. The water from the high reservoir can be released to generate electricity when it is in high demand

Waste products produced Hydropower doesn't pollute the air or emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, but construction materials used to create the dams can pollute the water and harm ecosystems, wildlife, and fish populations. Hydropower doesn't pollute the air or emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, but construction materials used to create the dams can pollute the water and harm ecosystems, wildlife, and fish populations.

Where it is found/used Hydropower can be used anywhere in the world where there's falling water. Mountainous regions and large river valleys are very productive with hydroelectric power, the large gravitational pull of falling water creates more kinetic energy that can be used to generate electricity

Advantages Advantages  Electricity can be constantly and consistently produced when a dam is constructed  Electricity produced by dams do not pollute the atmosphere or emit any greenhouse gases  Electricity generation can be turned off if not needed, which will save the water supply for when demand is high  Dams are very long lasting, and investment is profitable in the long run  Dams form lakes behind them, creating recreational attractions  Water from the lake can be used for irrigation  Water builds up in the lake, storing energy that can be efficiently used when water is released  Water is a renewable resource

Disadvantages -Dams must be built to a very high quality -Dams take time to become a profitable investment, so it must be a long- term solution (not a quick fix) -Dams can cause social problems by causing people in communities to relocate -Dams can cause flooding, which could potentially damage ecosystems and wildlife/fish populations -The building of dams can cause geological damage like earthquakes and surface damage -Dams can alter the natural water level, which can result in salt and mineral buildup (which can be damaging)

Fun Facts Hydropower comprises around nine percent of total energy supply in the u.s.a.: That number is growing each year Hydropower can achieve up to 95% efficiency… significantly more than fossil fuel power Hydropower is the primary energy source for more than 35 countries worldwide China generates more hydroelectricity than any other country The Three Gorges Dam, located on the Yangtze River in China, is the largest dam in the world!!!!

The End Thanks for watching!