4.2 Energy from wind and water

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4.2 Energy from wind and water

We can use energy from wind to drive turbines directly

In a wind turbine, the wind is passing over blades makes them rotate and drives the generator at the top of the narrow tower

Electrical energy can be obtained from the falling water, waves or tides.

Hydroelectric power collects water in a reservoir. This water is allowed to flow downhill and turn turbines at the bottom of the hill.

In pumped storage system, surplus electricity is sued to pump water back up to the hill to the top of the reservoir. This means the energy is stored and can be release when demand for energy is high.

  • Advantage: Renewable, reliable in wet areas, free, non-pollutant
  • Disadvantage: Only works in wet hilly areas, areas have to be flooded for damming
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4.2 Energy from wind and water

(http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/animations/hydrodam.gif)

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4.2 Energy from wind and water

Wave power uses the movement of the waves to generate electricity. The movement drives a floating turbine that turns a generator, and then the electricity is delivered back to the grid system on shore.

  • Advantage: Renewable, free and non-pollutant
  • Disadvantage: Hazardous to boats

Tidal power uses river estuaries. A barrage is built across them as the water at each high tide can be trapped behind it. Then the water is released back down to normal sea level which in turn turns the turbines.

  • Advantage: Renewable, Reliable, free, non-pollutant
  • Disadvantage: Not enough river estuaries, affects local ecology
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4.2 Energy from wind and water

(http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/01-02/RE_info/Tidal%20power%20files/image016.jpg)

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