Hydroelectric Energy resources
Hydroelectric energy is a renewable source of energy
that generates power by using a dam or diversion
structure to alter the natural flow of a river or other body
of water.
Hydroelectricity is a method of generating power by
using flowing water sources like rivers, tides and ocean
currents. It can help in reducing the need for coal and
petroleum based energy generation.
This type of power is extracted from the gravitational
pull of water falling from a higher source, such as using
a waterfall to generate energy.
As the water flows down through the dam its kinetic
energy is used to turn a turbine. The generator converts
the turbine's mechanical energy into electricity. This
electric energy then goes through various transmission
processes before it reaches you.
What waterfalls in Mindanao is a source of
hydroelectric power?
Maria Cristina Falls is one of the few waterfalls globally
which has an intricate hydroelectric power plant built
into its infrastructure. The plant was first commissioned
in 1955 and has since been supplying power
throughout the whole island of Mindanao in the
southern Philippines.
At the top of the waterfall, the water is higher in the
gravitational field of the Earth and has gravitational
potential energy. When it falls, the potential energy
turns into kinetic energy.
Maria Cristina Falls powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric
Plant, one of the several hydroelectric plants that
harness Agus River. The power plant has a 200 MW
potential capacity supplied by a water flow of about 130
cubic meters per second.
Hydroelectricity relies on water, which is a
clean, renewable energy source. A renewable source of
energy is one that will not run out.
Water is renewable because the water
cycle is continually recycling itself. Water evaporates,
forms clouds, and then rains down on Earth, starting
the cycle again.
Reservoirs created by dams can provide large,
safe recreational space for a community. Boaters and
water skiers can enjoy the lake. Many reservoirs are
also stocked with fish. The area around a reservoir is
often a protected natural space, allowing campers and
hikers to enjoy the natural environment.
Using water as a source of energy is generally a safe
environmental choice. Its not perfect, though.
Hydroelectric power plants require a dam and a
reservoir.
Dams flood river banks, destroying wetland habitat for
thousands of organisms. Aquatic birds such
as cranes and ducks are often at risk, as well as plants
that depend on the marshy habitat of a riverbank.
Operating the power plant may also raise
the temperature of the water in the reservoir. Plants
and animals near the dam have to adjust to this
change or migrate elsewhere.
There are limits to the amount of hydroelectric energy
a dam can provide. The most limiting factor is silt that
builds up on the reservoir's bed.
Hundreds of meters of silt build up on the bottom of
the reservoir, reducing the amount of water in the
facility. Less water means less powerful energy to
flow through the systems turbines. Most dams must
spend a considerable amount of money to avoid silt
build-up, a process called siltation.
Hydroelectricity often comes at a human cost. The
huge dams required for hydroelectric energy projects
create reservoirs that flood entire valleys. Homes,
communities, and towns may be relocated as dam
construction begins.
Direction:
Get ¼ sheet of paper. Write
your name decently and
nicely.
Please keep all your notes,
cellphones and tablet/ipad
and answer the quiz quietly.
Thank you and Good luck. :D
