1. An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman7/09/09

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

Define it as renewable

5. Examine its origins 6. Observe its potential 7. Discuss its costs 8. Note its limitations 9. Summarize our findingsAn Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
10. Alternative vs. Renewable
Changes with society
Energy generated from alternatives to the primary energy source
(currently fossil fuels)
No implication of pollution!
Energy that can replaced rapidly by natural processes
Static definition
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
11. Alternative vs. Renewable
Key Facts:

Todays standard can be tomorrows alternative

12. Energy cannot be created or destroyed: all energy has a limit 13. Every time energy is converted, some of it is lost 14. There is always a form of pollution when harnessing energyAn Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
15. Hydropower History
Hydropower was one of the first modern renewable 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:
Kinetic energy
to
Mechanical energy
in order to perform work
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
16. Hydroelectric is born
Copper Disc
Magnet
Rotation
It wasnt 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)
Electricity
Hydropowercould easily adapted for the repetitive work necessary to generate a steady stream of current from Faradays generators
However, it was another 50 years, before efficiency improvements were made to Faradays design in order for hydroelectricity to become practical
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
17. Hydroelectricity in Infancy
By 1890, there were over 200 plants in the United States and Canada
Niagara Falls was one of the first hydroelectric plants, powering street lamps
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
18. Hydroelectricity in Growth
IN
1940
1907
1936
Hydroelectricity accounted for 15% of all electricity in the United States
This figure grew to 40%
The Hoover Dam was completed, as thelargest hydroelectric plant in its time
(It is currently the 35th largest hydroelectric plant, over 70 years later!)
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
19. The Hydrological Cycle
Gravity
Heat
Solar
So
If energy cant be created or destroyed
Where does the power come
from for hydroelectricity?
Kinetic
Wheres the energy you ask?
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
20. The Hydrological Cycle
Electric
Kinetic
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
21. 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.
As you can see, hydroelectric is extremely competitive in cost
(and easily has the best cost to renewability ratio)
Furthermore, a hydroelectric plant has a service life of about 100 years, making it a smart investment.
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
22. Hydroelectric Today
Environmentalists
In 2006, Hydroelectric power accounted for 2/3 of the worlds renewable energy, which was 19% of its electricity
Yet the steep drop in Hydroelectric power in 2007
has another key reason:
2006 was a record year for water availability (rain)
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
23. Environmental Shortcomings
Hydroelectric power may not burn fuel or emit C02,
but it does affect the environment

Organic matter also gathers in the reservoir and rots

releasing greenhouse gases

All dams change the food chains and native habitats of river wildlife

Methane
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
24. Other Shortcomings

Dam failure is a catastrophic event that societies need to avoid and take full precautions for.

25. 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. 26. Many of the best rivers for damming have already been dammed, hydroelectric is best suited for large-scale plants. An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
27. Current Trends
As we saw in the previous slides, despite its 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.
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.
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.
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman
28. 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.
Hydroelectrics 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!
An Introduction To
Hydroelectric Power
By Scott Templeman