Essays on Hydroelectric Power

Environmental Sociology

Introduction The risk associated with significant projects like the construction if the Belo Monte Dam tends to be quite big. Risks tend to affect people in various aspects, for instance, there is a risk that affects people in the individual context and those that affect them in the general aspects (Mythen 2004, p. 11). However, the manner in which people deal with the possibility of an adverse outcome, especially in an investment like the big dam tends to differ depending on the magnitude of the risk. Though the risks related to the project can cause dangerous and catastrophic problems, ...

The hydrodynamic power is the result of the transformation of the potential energy of water, that is, a column or height difference of water that moves a primary machine that generates mechanical energy. The mechanical energy later is transformed in electricity, thanks to the use of a generator.

Main components of the hydroelectric plants

A large dam to store water, provide a constant flow of water and accumulate potential energy in the form of hydraulic load. A large capacity of the dam gives reliability to the hydroelectric plant with a guarantee of a constant flow of water to the turbines. An abduction which is a ...

Some places in Rwanda are prone to disasters. The most frequent natural disasters are floods and landslides, and both have a tremendous impact on human lives, property, infrastructure and the environment. For example, in May 2016, both disasters hit Gakenke and Muhanga, killing more than forty people. Rubavu and Ngororero were also hit, and seven people died in these places while others were left injured. Parts of Northern Rwanda are most susceptible to these disasters (REMA, 2011, 45). These include Rubavu Districts, Musanze, Nyabihu, and Burera. Although these are natural disasters, their magnitude is determined by a combination of ...

Introduction

A dam is a structure specifically constructed to obstruct the flow of moving water, and by extension raising the water level. Dams are built for various purposes, such as a means of flood control, water storage, and a source of hydroelectric power, specifically hydroelectric ones. Some dams are also used in transportation and inland navigation by acting as bridges that connect one side of a body of water to the next. In other words, dams can have many benefits for a developing society. Because of their perceived benefits, many dams have been built all over the world—at least ...

Introduction

The concept of sustainable development was first introduced in 1987 by the United Nations as part of the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, in which it was stated that sustainable development implies “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (United Nations General Assembly, 1987). The World Conservation Strategy published in 1980 served as prelude to the conception of this notion, as the UN recognized the importance of minimizing the impact of human activity over the earth’s ecosystems and adopting models inclined towards sustainability ...

Fossil fuels refer to those sources of energies which are underneath the earth surface as a result of the decomposition of the dead plant and animal remains. They include coal, oil, natural gas and others. The excessive use of these fuels led to diverse impacts on the natural environment, which can be seen through increasing rate of global warming. For that reason, the paper, therefore, aims at coming up with different alternatives which will help in stopping the use of fossil fuels in Japan. The plan has been developed to assist the islands which are commonly affected by the ...

Problem statement

Azerbaijan like many countries in the world is dependent on fossil fuels as a source of its energy. Being a fossil fuel rich country, fossil fuels are widely used to produce majority of the energy needed in the country. However, fossil fuels have a number of problems associated with them. They are a finite resource and human beings are using them at a much faster rate than the earth can replace them. Therefore, in the future humans will deplete all natural occurring fossil fuels (Michaelides, 2012). Furthermore, carbon compound makes up fossil fuels. This implies that burning up fossil ...

Introduction

Renewable energy is energy obtained from resources that are replenished rapidly by natural processes (Kalogirou, 2013). These natural processes wind, sunshine, tides and waves, rain, geothermal power, and biological processes.

Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Sources

All energy sources including renewable energy sources have an effect on the environment. Wind turbines change air pressure and cause death of birds and bats from the collision with the turbines. Hazardous materials like hydrochloric and sulfuric acid are used in manufacturing and cleaning of photovoltaic cells used in solar panels. Open-loop geothermal power systems emit and release hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and methane into the atmosphere. Hydrogen sulfide ...

The problem of water resources of the Mekong River threatens to escalate into a serious conflict between China and several Southeast Asian countries. The origins of the Mekong, which occupies the 13th place among the longest rivers in the world (about 4350 km), are located on the Tibetan Plateau. The Mekong flows through China (Tibet Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province), Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. China is already having on the Mekong (China calls it the Lancang River) two operating hydroelectric power stations and at the beginning of September 2012 announced the launch of the third one called ...

This is one of the most common sources of renewable energy used in the United States. The first hydro-electric power plant was commission in 1882 in Wisconsin in the United States. In 1940 about forty percent of energy that was used in the United States was generated from hydro-electric power (Hydroelectric Power Water Use). Currently, about 50 percent of hydro-electric power used in the United States is mainly concentrated in major cities such as New York, California, Oregon and Washington among others (Hydroelectric Power Water Use).

Alternative Renewable Energy Source to Hydro-Electric Power: Solar Energy

Solar Energy is another alternative renewable energy that can be used to substitute ...

Hydropower is a clean form of electric power generated from the mechanical force of flowing water. Usually, water stored in a dam is allowed to flow and the mechanical energy is used to run a water turbine. The turbine connected to a generator converts mechanical energy to electrical power. Hydropower is a renewable source, however the availability of appropriate water resources is a constraint. Water quantity, height of fall and flow speed determine the amount of power generated. There are two kinds of hydropower plants, pumped storage systems and Run-of-river systems. Pumped storage systems are large-scale plants that use ...

1. Thermodynamics Laws. The first law of thermodynamics (the conservation energy law for heat processes) has several mutually equivalent formulations. For example, the amount of heat conducted in a system is spent to change its internal energy and to the work of the system over external bodies. In particular, if the process is isothermal, then all the heat obtained from the gas from the heater is spent for the work. From the practical point of view, the first law states: no first-kind eternal engine (i.e., an engine producing energy from nothing) is possible. The second law of thermodynamics (the ...

Introduction:

In a typical hydroelectric power generation system, a dam (water reservoir) is built near water body such as a river to create head (height) that enables water to flow at high pressure via a pipe (penstock) to the turbines that drive the power generators. The fast moving water turns the turbine blades at high velocity, and in turn, the turbine turns the electricity generator’s rotor. The wire coils in the generator’s rotor sweep past the stationary coil (stator) in the generator thus producing electricity. This concept was first demonstrated in 1831 by Michael Faraday, who discovered that ...

Introduction

One of the most important things, if not the most important one, that society needs today is energy. Energy comes in many form and moist literatures focusing on this topic would agree that among all the possible sources of energy, oil comes as the most heavily demanded, and hence the most important. In fact, one may argue that the geopolitical movements and decisions that have been made in the past half a century have been motivated by access to this important energy-related commodity. There are many possible sources of energy but even though oil just comes as one of ...

Introduction

The United States of America is one of the leading countries where fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are used to satisfy more or less 80% of the energy needs. Fossil fuels are utilized extensively for heating homes, running vehicles, providing power to the industrial sector, and for other significant purposes, especially the provision of electricity. However, it is also not an untold secret that the fossil fuels will eventually reduce considering the known reserves of the mentioned fossil fuels. It is also apparent that there has been a considerable increase in the costs related to the ...

Like any source of electricity, the production process of electricity has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages primarily include the fact that the work he's not accompanied by the release of hazardous substances into the air, water or soil. Water is a renewable energy source, since rivers and streams flowing always, the water cycle is maintained by runoff, rainfall and snowfall. Performance power is easily adjusted by changing the speed of the water flow. In addition, the reservoir, which collects water for the power plant can be used for recreational purposes. The water is clean and suitable for drinking, bathing and irrigation. Among the disadvantages of hydroelectric power plants - the high cost of ...

Introduction

Planning energy supply system of a city is an important element of a municipal architecture (Lowman, 2009). Some prominent municipal planners described all electricity network of a city as its “blood system”, along with potable water and safe roads. Improper construction practices may result in dramatic consequences for the city, especially under emergency circumstances (e.g. natural calamities, terrorist threats, etc.). Hurricane Katarina evinced complete incompetence of the Californian city planners to consider these issues (Kopytko & Perkins, 2011) (large parts of the affected cities were almost immediately cut off power what made effective evacuation, medical assistance and other operations less effective). Therefore, ...

Global scenario and California

Global scenario and California Water is a precious nonrenewable resource. It is limited in quantity and serves the entire humanity, and all living beings on earth. A man can survive without water for only three days. Many problems on earth are attributed to increasing population and water scarcity is one of them. The exponential growth of the human population not only endangers other living things on earth but also deprives them of essential requirements like clean water, clean air, and a safe habitat to live. Water as a resource is under threat because it is contaminated, misused, wasted, and lost in ...

I. Introduction

A. Short history

II. Research of positive and negative aspects of hydroelectric power

A. Benefits of hydroelectric power

1. Renewable energy 2. Recreational area 3. Benefits for electricity grid

B. Negative side of hydroelectric power

1. Economy 2. Relocation C. Current demand and energy production III. Conclusion

A. Overview of positive and negative aspects

B. Summary The Benefits of Hydroelectric Power Idea of using hydro power is not new contrary it is quite old; more than two thousand years old. Ancient Greeks used water to power their watermills for grinding wheat into flower. Besides powering watermills hydro power was used in textile mills, heavy and wood industry. One of very important ...

Candidate’s Name

Abstract The paper explores the technology of hydroelectric power generation. It throws light on how the technology works, brief historical viewpoint, its benefits and shortcomings, the transmission aspect of the technology, its future potential. Hydroelectricity is the largest source of renewable energy throughout the planet. We will learn how it provides a double benefit of energy and water management provisions leading to accelerated growth and development. Though initial costs related to a hydroelectric project are high, they provide a long term source of energy with considerably low running and maintenance costs. This paper also highlights how water resources have been utilized ...

Essay

How Are the Major Rivers in Africa Vital to Its Economy? In terms of total annual runoff (4600 km3) Africa takes third place after Eurasia and South America, and by the thickness of the layer (less than 160 mm) it is inferior to all continents except Australia and Antarctica. The main watershed of the African continent passes through its most elevated eastern edge, so more than 1/3 of the runoff is in the Atlantic Ocean, only about 1/4 in the Indian Ocean, even less - in the Mediterranean Sea. About 1/3 of Africa (about 9 million km2) has ...

[Professor’s name appears here] [Date appears here]

Canada/U.S Cross-Border Water Issues: An Introduction The cordial relationship between Canada and the USA has long been considered as a source of pleasure and satisfaction for both these countries. The USA is Canada’s leading business partner, comprising about 90% of two-way trade. Over US $400 billion in goods now move across the border per annum. In the last couple of decades, Canada has become the top supplier of energy requirements of the USA, and thus has surpassed the Middle Eastern countries. The exports from Canada consist of uranium ...

The use of alternative energy has been adopted not only to improve our energy efficiency but also to counter the wide range of environmental problems caused by burning fossil fuels. Our primary sources of energy which derived from coal, oil and natural gas are not renewable, are easily depleted and can substantially harm our environment due to carbon dioxide emissions. Reducing or eliminating these carbon emissions can be resolved by using alternative or renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and biomass. Renewable resources provide a cheap and efficient energy system, however some experts are skeptical and have argued ...

Introduction

Bulgaria is a country that is located on the Southeastern part of Europe where it borders Romania to the North, Greece and Turkey to the South, Serbia and Macedonia to the West and the Black sea to the East. The country is among the largest countries in Europe with an approximate territory of 110,994 square kilometers. The country energy consumption is dependent on renewable and non-renewable energy sources in the country. Although the country is not rich in natural fuels like other countries in Europe it has been able to tap into its energy sources to provide affordable energy ...

Introduction

Since 1990’s, the European Union as a whole and each of the participating countries have continued to implement various initiatives in the area of climate change. In the early 2000, the European Union launched the European Climate Change Programmes (ECCP) where collaboration has been initiated with the industries, organizations for the protection of the environment and other concerned agencies. The purpose of co-operation - identify cost-effective measures is essentially to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The debate on climate change is actually divided into two major sides. One side argues that human activities contribute to the accumulation ...

Abstract

This paper discusses and answers the questions related to the laws of thermodynamics, differences between potential energy and kinetic energy, and differences between overall efficiency and efficiency of a light bulb. Current knowledge regarding thermodynamics has been applied to answer these questions with help of online resources. 1) How are the laws of thermodynamics an important consideration when trying to make the most efficient mechanical machines to do work (such as create light)? A) The Zeroth law of thermodynamics is the fundamental law of physics, which suggests that if two bodies are in thermal equilibrium, and one ...

In the past 50 years, civil engineering has been used to significantly change the lives of citizens living in America. This was after engineers sought to solve many issues related to dam construction, structural failures and poor sanitation and drainage in urban areas. This was at a time when urbanization was a key issue in America. The urban areas were being improved with a goal of having strong structures that could withstand threats of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Furthermore, urban areas sought to become major cities within impeccable planning and maximum use of space. A major area of concern was traffic congestion ...

Kariba dam was built between 1956 and 1963 and by that time was the largest manmade lake in the world-lake kariba. It was officially opened by the queen of England, Queen Elizabeth the second on May 16th 1960. At that time it was Africa’s most ambitious project switching the first electric generators of the time. A double concrete curvature arched dam wall was standing at above 128metres above the river bed. It was also a stretch of 617metres across the gorge of kariba on Africa’s second largest river-river Zambezi (Jansen,8). The dam created a stretching inland sea ...

- Introduction In a critical evaluation of a nation’s plight in terms of financial stability and global competitiveness, access to electricity and energy resource is one of the identified basic keys to indicate success. However, in a struggling developing country like the Philippines there are remote areas that are not covered by electricity. The failure of the government to supply the population in such areas with electricity has been due to several interrelated factors. One of the major reasons why most remote provinces in the country do not have electricity is because of the absence of infrastructures that would facilitate ...

The world’s population is constantly on the rise, and in the same manner, people are constantly craving for better standards of living. The constantly increasing world population coupled with the ever increasing standard of living has led to an increased demand for energy, and to curb this seemingly insatiable appetite for energy, efforts are in place to source for reliable, sustainable and large sources of energy. Several sources of energy are being explored to compliment the old methods like hydroelectric power; notably, hydroelectric power has for a long time been considered a pertinent source of energy due to its clean ...

Introduction

People from all over the world come to Europe every year making it a crossroad of different cultures, races and ethnic groups. It is also one of the most populated regions of the world. With a rapid increase in population, European Union (EU) has been facing a lot of problems in environmental protection, Climate change, Energy sources and immigration. These challenges do not exist in isolation and the EU is continuously working to deal with these challenges. In this essay, these problems are explained in a short form and their possible and short solutions are also explained. According to Checchi, A. et ...

Dependence Of Man On The Environment

Energy is the most essential resource in the day to day endeavors of mankind. It is an inevitable resource and has been utilized by man since the inception of the earth. During all that time, there have been quite number of modes of production of energy; some of which have detrimental effects to the environment and the people at large. The analysis of these effects has indicated that drastic measures have to be taken in order to save the environment lest the future becomes at a risk of inexistence. As important as energy is, it is quiet unfortunate that ...

The energy from the sun is collected in two methods. The Photovoltaic method (Knier,2002), which is a semiconductor technology that converts the light energy into electricity, has been usually used. The energy from the sun can also be controlled through heat absorption. This thermal energy is then used immediately or is stored for later uses. The use of solar energy is encouraged because its use leads to a reduction in over reliance of fossil fuel to produce energy. This in turn leads to reduced energy bill costs and carbon dioxide emissions. By using solar energy, the average household reduces the ...

1. Abstract

The proposal aims at to giving a solution to the problem of low power output by designing a power generation system that maximizes power output by mounting the turbine on a D.C generator with a suitable coupling. This generator is then connected to the water pipe. The turbine is designed to generate electricity by converting kinetic energy from water flows to electric energy. The use of this technology proves sustainable as it works under minimum maintenance. In this proposal is included the conceptual approach, results ad conclusions arrived at validating the significance of conducting this research. In include but not limited to the ...