hydropower |
How it works
General Overview
Hydropower is generated using a dam or other diversion structure to alter the natural flow of a body of water, such as a river. Water moves machinery in order to generate electricity. Hydropower relies on and is driven by the water cycle, a vastly global cycle that water moves through. Hydropower is a renewable energy source, meaning that the water it uses is not used up.
Hydropower is generated using a dam or other diversion structure to alter the natural flow of a body of water, such as a river. Water moves machinery in order to generate electricity. Hydropower relies on and is driven by the water cycle, a vastly global cycle that water moves through. Hydropower is a renewable energy source, meaning that the water it uses is not used up.
The Process
Hydropower is the largest renewable energy source for electricity in the United States. It's plants are generally located near a water source (because they rely on water, surprise) and the amount of available energy is heavily dependent on both the water cycle and the flow and fall of water in the given water source.
Hydroelectricity is generated through the use of kinetic energy in moving water, a hydro-dam is a dam catches this kinetic flow and turns it into energy .
Hydropower is the largest renewable energy source for electricity in the United States. It's plants are generally located near a water source (because they rely on water, surprise) and the amount of available energy is heavily dependent on both the water cycle and the flow and fall of water in the given water source.
Hydroelectricity is generated through the use of kinetic energy in moving water, a hydro-dam is a dam catches this kinetic flow and turns it into energy .
How a Hydro-dam works
- Water behind the dam flows through the intake (which filters out any trash or sticks) and into a pipe called a penstock.
- The water pushes the blades of a turbine, causing them to turn.
- The turning of the turbine in turn (haha) spins the generator and produces electricity.