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Hydroelectric plants use moving or falling water to turn a generator and produce electricity. They usually have generators located at the base of a dam, and they raise the level of water behind the structure. The higher the water level behind the dam, the more potential energy it has. And by releasing water, the potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy to turn the turbines which turn the generators. The height of the water is called the head of water. Hoover and Grand Coulee Dams are very high, and have a lot of head. Lest you think dams like those are the only dams producing electricity, you should be aware that there are many low head hydros around the country. There are 8 or 9 in Michigan, which is not generally associated with hydroelectric power production. There are a number of others around, too. Long ago, the waterwheel harnessed the power of moving or falling water to provide mechanical energy to turn mill stones or power other machines. As our technology evolved, we extended the idea to make it what it is today. And in the present, we see most big hydroelectric plants in the U.S. located in the west. (Niagra is a bit of an exception.) It's because the geography out west includes the high elevations as well as the water to make dam construction (with the associated hydroelectric plant) possible.
What else can I help you with?
In a hydroelectric plant the mechanical energy in moving water is transformed into?
Into electrical energy.
How is a water wheel similar to a turbine in a hydroelectric power plant?
Both have blades or buckets.
What is needed to run the turbine of a hydroelectric power plant?
Water at pressure that is sufficient to continuously spin the turbine(s).
What are the differences between a coal power plant and a hydroelectric power plant?
Coal is used in furnaces to heat water in a boiler to superheated (above 100 degrees Celsius) temperatures, and this steam is used to drive a turbine which, in turn, drives an alternator. A hydroelectric plant uses the vertical fall of water to drive a water turbine which drives an alternator.
What difference is there between a pumping station and a hydroelectric plant?
With a pumping station, they use pumps to perform a function with a liquid. This might include moving drinkable water or sewage up hill, for example. A hydroelectric plant uses water flowing downwards to turn turbines to produce electricity. Some hydroelectric plants have pumping stations that move water up hill into holding facilities from which it is released to turn additional turbines during periods of high demand for electricity.
When was Mechanicville Hydroelectric Plant created?
Mechanicville Hydroelectric Plant was created in 1897.
When was Stevenson Dam Hydroelectric Plant created?
Stevenson Dam Hydroelectric Plant was created in 1917.
When was Dubrava Hydroelectric Power Plant created?
Dubrava Hydroelectric Power Plant was created in 1989.
When was Rocky Mountain Hydroelectric Plant created?
Rocky Mountain Hydroelectric Plant was created in 1995.
When was Čakovec Hydroelectric Power Plant created?
Čakovec Hydroelectric Power Plant was created in 1982.
When was Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Power Plant created?
Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Power Plant was created in 1907.
When was Lake Zumbro Hydroelectric Generating Plant created?
Lake Zumbro Hydroelectric Generating Plant was created in 1919.
What is better hydroelectric power plant or nuclear power plant?
hydroelctric
Is wolf creek dam a hydroelectric plant?
Yes, The Wolf Creek Dam is a Hydroelectric dam.
Which of these was first built in Wisconsin?
Hydroelectric plant
What was first built in Wisconsin?
Hydroelectric plant
What industries rely on hydroelectric energy?
Since hydroelectric energy supplies electricity, any industry that uses electricity from a hydroelectric plant relies on this energy.
