Hydroelectricity

Using water as a source of energy is not new. People have been doing it for centuries. For example, we know that the ancient Chinese were using waterwheels as far back as A.D. 31. You can think of a hydroelectric plant, in fact, as a giant waterwheel. Because Gravity plays a key role on getting the water from its source to the turbine, many hydroelectric plants are located in the mountains, near waterfalls, or behind dams specially constructed to hold back water, unleashing its force when needed. When water is freed from the reservoir, it goes through an intake valve and a special channel called a penstock, where it’s driven to the turbine. The water rotates the turbine’s large blades, which causes the shaft in an electrical generator to spin, producing power. Hydroelectrical engineers try to make the rivers flow faster for more, so they make more holes, and reduce friction. There can be buttresses, so it does not fall.
Category:Science
Category:Natural Forces