Renewable Energy - Water
Science: KS3, topic 3.1.22
Electricity From Water
Because fossil fuels are running out, we are constantly finding 'greener' ways to make electricity. Water covers 70% of the Earth's surface. Water can be used to generate electricity.
Hydroelectric
- Hydroelectric accounts for around 70% of all renewable methods of generating electricity.
- Hydroelectric dams are built to store water.
- The water has gravitational potential energy stored.
Turbine and Generator
- Water is released through the penstock.
- The penstock turns a turbine.
- The turbine turns a generator.
Hydroelectric Positives
- Positives:
- No carbon dioxide produced.
- Renewable.
- Can open up the penstock quickly if needed.
Hydroelectric Negatives
- Negatives:
- May cause large scale flooding of land.
Tidal
- Electricity is generated from the tides.
- As the tides move in and out, the water turns a turbine.
Tidal Positives
- Positives:
- No carbon dioxide is produced.
- Renewable.
- Reliable.
Tidal Negatives
- Negatives:
- Eye sore (ugly).
- Possibility of damage during storms.
Wave
- Electricity is generated from waves.
- Waves move up and down.
- A device on the surface of the ocean transforms the kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Waves Close To Shore
- Electricity can be generated from waves close to the shore.
- Waves are forced into a chamber with a hole in the top.
- The wave enters the chamber and forces air out.
- The air turns a turbine.
Wave cont.
- Positives:
- No carbon dioxide produced.
- Renewable.
- Reliable.
Wave Negatives
- Negatives:
- Eyesore (ugly).
- Possibility of damage during storms.
Test yourself on Renewable Energy - Water
Which of these is NOT a method of generating electricity from water?
Dams
Wave Power
How does a wave power device built close to the shore generate electricity?
Which pair of negatives applies to both tidal power and wave power stations?