Scott Templeman- Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric Power :

Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman 7/09/09

Hydroelectric Power :

Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Table of Contents

Hydroelectric Power :

Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Introduction Energy: the ability to do work Combustion (Chemical Energy) Electricity Wind (Mechanical Energy) Digestion (Chemical Energy) Human civilization has harnessed and utilized energy at an exponential rate Unfortunately, most energy sources are gone forever after use. This is troubling, as society demands more and more energy, while conventional energy becomes less and less available

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Introduction The sustainable energy focused upon today is Hydroelectric Power We will: Define it as renewable Examine it’s origins Observe it’s potential Discuss it’s costs Note it’s limitations Summarize our findings

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An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Alternative vs. Renewable Energy generated from alternatives to the primary energy source (currently fossil fuels) Energy that can replaced rapidly by natural processes Changes with society Static definition No implication of pollution! Hydroelectric Power

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Alternative vs. Renewable Today’s standard can be tomorrow’s alternative Energy cannot be created or destroyed: all energy has a limit Every time energy is converted, some of it is lost There is always a form of pollution when harnessing energy Key Facts:

Hydroelectric Power :

Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Hydropower History Hydropower was one of the first “modern” renewables utilized by humanity, when water wheels were discovered (~4,000 B.C.) For almost 6,000 years engineers have innovated and adapted the water wheel to better suit their needs, or increase efficiency. All these wheels shared the same basic principle: They transferred: to in order to perform work Kinetic energy Mechanical energy

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Hydroelectric is born It wasn’t until 1831 that a new way to harness hydropower would become possible. It was in 1831, when Michael Faraday discovered the homopolar generator, now commonly known as dynamos. Binding Screws (to capture current) Copper Disc Magnet Rotation Electricity Hydropower could easily adapted for the repetitive work necessary to generate a steady stream of current from Faraday’s generators However, it was another 50 years, before efficiency improvements were made to Faraday’s design in order for hydroelectricity to become practical

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Hydroelectricity in Infancy Niagara Falls was one of the first hydroelectric plants, powering street lamps By 1890, there were over 200 plants in the United States and Canada

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Hydroelectricity in Growth IN 1907 1940 Hydroelectricity accounted for 15% of all electricity in the United States This figure grew to 40% 1936 The Hoover Dam was completed, as the largest hydroelectric plant in it’s time (It is currently the 35th largest hydroelectric plant, over 70 years later!)

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman The Hydrological Cycle So… If energy can’t be created or destroyed… Where does the power come from for hydroelectricity? Where’s the energy you ask? Solar Heat Gravity Kinetic

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman The Hydrological Cycle Kinetic Electric

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Costs After the dam is built and the power plant is installed, Hydroelectric can outcompete all other renewable energies in cost. This is because that hydroelectric plants have very low operating and maintenance costs. Furthermore, a hydroelectric plant has a service life of about 100 years, making it a smart investment. As you can see, hydroelectric is extremely competitive in cost (and easily has the best cost to renewability ratio)

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Hydroelectric Today In 2006, Hydroelectric power accounted for 2/3 of the world’s renewable energy, which was 19% of it’s electricity 2006 was a record year for water availability (rain) Yet the steep drop in Hydroelectric power in 2007 has another key reason: Environmentalists

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Environmental Shortcomings Hydroelectric power may not burn fuel or emit C02, but it does affect the environment All dams change the food chains and native habitats of river wildlife Organic matter also gathers in the reservoir and rots… releasing greenhouse gases Methane

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Other Shortcomings Dam failure is a catastrophic event that societies need to avoid and take full precautions for. While water is indefinitely renewable, it is not a constant/reliable source. There will be times when water availability is beyond capacity to be harnessed, and times when there is not enough to supply electricity demand. Running a business that is dependant upon constant/predictable weather conditions is inherently high-risk. Many of the best rivers for damming have already been dammed, hydroelectric is best suited for large-scale plants.

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Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Current Trends As we saw in the previous slides, despite it’s many advantages hydroelectric dams have been getting shut down primarily due to environmental lobbying. However, this was also during a period of cheap energy. Now that energy prices have jumped, we will likely see less hydroelectric dams being shut down. Furthermore, energy use continued to climb in 2007, despite less hydroelectric power being used. Renewable energy use decreased for the first time in five years. Most environmentalists will agree that hydroelectric still beats fossil fuels or nuclear plants. Most economists will agree that consumers will purchase the product that offers them the most value for their money. Hydroelectric is still the best value renewable energy for the foreseeable future.

Hydroelectric Power :

Hydroelectric Power An Introduction To By Scott Templeman Conclusion Hydroelectric power was one of the first renewable sources of energy, and therefore the most developed currently. Overtime other renewable sources of energy will develop and become competitive, offering a wider variety of affordable renewable energy. Hydroelectric’s market growth in the United States seems to have reached a plateau and is unlikely to see significant growth in the future. For sources, please refer to the writing sample!