Three methods of hydroelectricity:
1. Large scale- a high a dam is built across a large river to form a reservoir where water is stored. Water flows through huge pipes at controlled rates which spins turbines to produce electricity.
2. Small scale-a low dam with no reservoir is built across a small stream. The streams flow of water is used to spin turbines to produce electricity. Flow can be as slow as 2 gallons per minute to generate electricity.
3. Pumped storage hydropower- pumps use surplus electricity from a conventional power plant to pump water from a lake or reservoir to another reservoir at a higher elevation. When more electricity is needed water in the upper reservoir is released and flows through turbines to generate electricity on its return to the lower reservoir.
How it really works:
High tides occur twice a day. At these times, water flows in and out of bays in coastal areas. By placing turbines in these bays, electricity can be produced just by letting this natural process continue to occur.
Where is it happening?
Anywhere with a body of water! It has been most popular in coastal areas, but by building reservoirs and dams it can be successful in inland water formations like rivers.
1. Large scale- a high a dam is built across a large river to form a reservoir where water is stored. Water flows through huge pipes at controlled rates which spins turbines to produce electricity.
2. Small scale-a low dam with no reservoir is built across a small stream. The streams flow of water is used to spin turbines to produce electricity. Flow can be as slow as 2 gallons per minute to generate electricity.
3. Pumped storage hydropower- pumps use surplus electricity from a conventional power plant to pump water from a lake or reservoir to another reservoir at a higher elevation. When more electricity is needed water in the upper reservoir is released and flows through turbines to generate electricity on its return to the lower reservoir.
How it really works:
High tides occur twice a day. At these times, water flows in and out of bays in coastal areas. By placing turbines in these bays, electricity can be produced just by letting this natural process continue to occur.
Where is it happening?
Anywhere with a body of water! It has been most popular in coastal areas, but by building reservoirs and dams it can be successful in inland water formations like rivers.
POPULARITY
-7% of world's total commercial energy
-20% of world's total electricity
-99% of electricity in NORWAY*** (zero emissions by 2030)
-75% of electricity in New Zealand
-25% of electricity in China
-50% of electricity in developing countries
-7% of world's total commercial energy
-20% of world's total electricity
-99% of electricity in NORWAY*** (zero emissions by 2030)
-75% of electricity in New Zealand
-25% of electricity in China
-50% of electricity in developing countries
Net energy ratio:
The net energy ratios of most small-scale (≤ 25 MWe) hydroelectric demonstration projects are in the range of 10 to 12:1
Hydropower clearly has the highest performance, with ratios exceeding 170
The net energy ratios of most small-scale (≤ 25 MWe) hydroelectric demonstration projects are in the range of 10 to 12:1
Hydropower clearly has the highest performance, with ratios exceeding 170