How Can Water Generate Electricity?
Hydropower plants turn the kinetic energy of the moving water
into mechanical energy, through the use of a turbine, the
turbine is connected to a generator which turns the mechanical
energy into electrical energy.
Equation of Power
Power
= Gravity*Flow Rate*ΔHeight*Efficiency Rate
In
this equation power is the power output in watts, gravity is
equal to 9.8 m/s^2, flow rate is measured in L/s, change in
height is measured in meters, and efficiency rate is a
percentage based on the efficiency of the generator turning
mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Hydroelectricity Facts
Not Common in the USA
Only 3% of the 80,000 dams in the USA are currently being used to generate electricity. See More Here…
Largest Producer of Renewable Energy Globally
Hydroelectric energy generates nearly 60% of all renewable
energy produced today, which is nearly 16% of all energy
produced.
See More Here…
Efficiency
Electricity produced using fossil fuels typically have an
efficiency of about 50%, while hydropower turbines can be up
to 90% efficient.
See More Here…
Photo Taken From Here