Hydroelectric energy

Hydroelectric energy is produced where the kinetic energy of water in motion is converted to electric energy In the hydrologic cycle is complete cycle of water in the environment and therefore movingwater is a renewable resource of energy
The kinetic energy of falling water from a reservoir is turned into mechanical energy by pushing blades of a turbine that turns the rotor of an electricgenerator When coils or wire on the rotor sweep past the generators electricity is produced Networks of transmission lines and equipment carry the electricity to the end users The electricity made at apower plant comes first through transformers, which rise the voltage (voltage is the pressure that forces an electric current through a wire) so it can travel long distances through transmission lines Atlocal substations, transformers reduce the voltage so that the electricity can be divided up and directed through an area Transformers on poles (or buried underground) further reduce electric powerto the right voltage for appliances and use in the home 36
The energy output at a dam is determined by the volume of water discharged through the pipe and the vertical distance that the water falls(pressure head) The head and the discharge as well as the desired rotational speed of the generator determine the type of turbine Hydroelectric dams account for 3% of dams in the U.S.
Top hydroelectricgenerating countries 37
o Advantages of Hydroelectric Power
Hydropower does not discharge pollutants into the environment (clean energy)
Hydroelectricity (at present) is the most economicallyfeasible renewable energy option
Hydropower stations integrated within multipurpose projects subsidize other vital functions such as irrigation, water supply, improved navigation, flood mitigation andrecreational facilities

o Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power's main disadvantages are those that it inflicts on local ecosystems:
Flood stream areas
Deplete dissolved...