Hydroelectricity & Tidal barrage

Cards (14)

  • What are the two systems discussed in the video for generating electrical power?
    Hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages
  • How do hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages generate electrical power?
    They create a difference in water levels to harness gravitational potential energy
  • What is the main difference between a hydroelectric dam and a tidal barrage?
    A hydroelectric dam traps water from upstream, while a tidal barrage uses the rise and fall of tides
  • What do we call the accumulated water behind a hydroelectric dam?
    Reservoir
  • What causes the cyclic rise and fall of sea levels that tidal barrages utilize?
    The effect of the moon's gravity
  • How often do high tides occur?
    Twice each day
  • Where do tidal barrages typically get placed to generate electricity?
    In estuaries where rivers meet the ocean
  • What is the role of the difference in water levels in hydroelectric systems?
    It provides gravitational potential energy to generate electricity
  • How does the water flow contribute to electricity generation in dams?
    It spins the blades of turbines connected to generators
  • What happens to the water after it passes through the turbines in a dam?
    It flows back into the river on the other side of the dam
  • What are the pros and cons of hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages?
    Pros:
    • Generate large amounts of energy with no pollution
    • Reliable sources of electricity
    • Immediate response to increased demand
    • Low running costs
    • Can operate on large and small scales

    Cons:
    • Significant impact on surrounding environment
    • Flooding of large areas, submerging habitats and villages
    • Can obstruct boat and fish migrations
    • High initial setup costs
  • What is a major environmental downside of hydroelectric dams?
    They often flood large areas, submerging important habitats
  • How do hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages affect fish migrations?
    They can stop fish from traveling up or down the river
  • What is a common issue with the initial setup of hydroelectric dams and tidal barrages?
    It is often expensive