Hydro Energy (P Corry)
-
Upload
ckmcforstudents -
Category
Education
-
view
1.132 -
download
1
Transcript of Hydro Energy (P Corry)
HYDRO ENERGYPaul Corry DT117/4
What we will coverFacts about Hydro Energy
How hydro energy works
Compare Hydro energy to Burning Fuels
Facts about Hydro energy?Hydro energy is using water to generate
energy
Hydro energy accounts for 20% of the worlds electricity
In countries such as New Zealand, Switzerland and other mountainous areas, over 50% of the electricity is generated by hydro energy.
How does it work?A dam is built to trap water where a source exists such as a lake or river in a valley
Examples of Dams:
Hoover dam, built 1936, Las Vegas Nevada
Cost $49m to construct
Poulaphouca dam, Wicklow Ireland, built 1930-1940
How does hydro energy work?The dam is built at a water source.
How does hydro energy work?The dam is built at a water source.
The water builds up behind the dam creating a reservoir.
How does hydro energy work?The dam is built at a water source.
The water builds up behind the dam creating a reservoir.
The water then reaches a level where it can run through tunnels in the dam
The water then powers through tunnels in the dam which have turbines inside them.
Because of the pressure that the large water content builds up behind the wall, it powers through the tunnels when open
This water then turns turbines in the tunnels which generates the energy to power the generators above
Advantages:Once the dam is built, it is virtually free to
generate the energy.
No waste or pollution created by it compared to burning fuel or nuclear energy
More reliable than wind and solar power
Water can be stored to deal with demands
Electricity can be generated 24 hours a day
Disadvantages:Very expensive to build the dams
The construction of large dams can cause flooding in fields upstream
Choosing a site can be difficult
Water quality and quantity downstream can be affected, which can have an impact on plant life
Comparing Hydro Energy to Burning Fuels
Moneypoint Powerstation, Co.ClareMoneypoint is the 2nd
biggest power station in the Country.
It accounts for approx 40% of customer demand across the country
And it employs around 300 people
It cost 1bn euro to construct
Output rates:Total output capacity of 915MW
These are delivered by 3 x 305MW steam-generating boiler plants
There is a new 368m euro renovation been carried out currently to help lower its emission levels
HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an
ugly side to this power plant!
HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an
ugly side to this power plant!Figures from the EPA show that the emission
levels between 2003 & 2005 were 16.8 million tonnes of Co2.
HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an
ugly side to this power plant!Figures from the EPA show that the emission
levels between 2003 & 2205 were 16.8 million tonnes of Co2.
It consumes 2 million tonnes of coal each year
HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an
ugly side to this power plant!Figures from the EPA show that the emission
levels between 2003 & 2205 were 16.8 million tonnes of Co2.
It consumes 2 million tonnes of coal each yearAnd a Sunday Independent study revealed that
the emissions for the station will cause approx. €1bn worth of environmental damage!
Compare this to Hydro Energy
ARDNACRUSHA DAM, CO. CLARE
Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissions
Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissionsIt originally had a high enough output to
power the county of Clare when first Built.
Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissionsIt originally had a high enough output to
power the county of Clare when first Built.It now accounts for 2-3% of ESB’s energy
requirements.
Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissionsIt originally had a high enough output to
power the county of Clare when first Built.It now accounts for 2-3% of ESB’s energy
requirements.THE COST OF THE FUEL IS NOTHING!!!
Cost of construction was a little over 5m pound back in the 1920’s
Which looks better?Moneypoint Ardnacrusha
Which would you chose?Limited coal, gas and oil supplies, rivers wont
run out.
Less emissions from hydro energy
Conclusion:With our growing dependence on natural
resources such as coal, gas and oil, and these in short supply, we must look elsewhere for an energy source.
Conclusion:With our growing dependence on natural
resources such as coal, gas and oil, and these in short supply, we must look elsewhere for an energy source.
After my research, I would recommend that Hydro Energy is far more economical and easier on the environment than using fuel such as coal or oil.
Thank You! Any Questions?