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Hydroelectric Power Flashcards

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1
Q

What is hydropower?

A

Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is a renewable energy source that generates electricity using the movement of water.

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2
Q

What ancient innovation did the Greeks use around 200 BC?

A

The Greeks used water wheels to grind wheat into flour.

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3
Q

Which civilization developed Archimedes’ water screws for irrigation?

A

The Egyptians developed Archimedes’ water screws around the 3rd Century BC.

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4
Q

What significant hydropower development occurred in 1882?

A

The world’s first central hydroelectric station operated in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA.

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5
Q

What is the capacity of the Itaipu Dam, opened in 1984?

A

The Itaipu Dam has a capacity of 12,600 MW, later expanded to 14,000 MW.

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6
Q

What important report did the World Commission on Dams release in 2000?

A

The report reshaped hydropower development with a focus on sustainability.

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7
Q

Fill in the blank: Hydropower accounts for approximately _______ of global electricity generation.

A

16%

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8
Q

Which countries are the leading contributors to global hydropower use?

A

China, Brazil, USA, Canada, India, and Russia.

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9
Q

What are the three main components of a typical hydropower plant?

A
  • Power station
  • Dam
  • Reservoir
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10
Q

How does a dam hydropower plant generate electricity?

A

Water is released from the reservoir, flows down the penstock, strikes the turbine blades, causing them to rotate and drive the generator.

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11
Q

What distinguishes a run-of-river hydropower plant from a dam hydropower plant?

A

Run-of-river plants do not require large reservoirs and do not alter the natural water flow.

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12
Q

What environmental advantage do run-of-river hydropower plants have?

A

They are considered more environmentally friendly as they do not require large reservoirs for water storage.

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13
Q

What is the primary energy source for tidal hydropower plants?

A

Tidal hydropower plants harness the gravitational forces of the moon and sun.

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14
Q

True or False: Hydropower is a non-renewable energy source.

A

False

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15
Q

What factors influence the efficiency of a hydropower plant?

A
  • Head
  • Flow
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16
Q

What happens to the water after it passes through the turbine in a dam hydropower plant?

A

The water exits through the draft tube and returns to the river downstream.

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17
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ refers to the height from which water falls in a hydropower system.

A

head

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18
Q

What is the significance of the Renewable Energy Act passed in the Philippines in 2009?

A

It promotes investment in hydropower projects.

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19
Q

What is one of the main challenges faced by hydropower development in parts of Asia and Africa?

A

Economic constraints, political instability, and infrastructure limitations.

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20
Q

What is the function of a tidal barrage in tidal hydropower plants?

A

To trap and release water through turbines to generate electricity.

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21
Q

What is the role of the penstock in a hydropower plant?

A

To channel water from the reservoir to the turbine.

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22
Q

What is a key characteristic of reservoir-based hydropower?

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A

It allows for water storage during low demand periods.

23
Q

What principle does hydropower rely on for energy generation?

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A

Converting the kinetic and potential energy of water into mechanical and electrical energy.

24
Q

Which hydropower plant is considered one of the largest in Southeast Asia?

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A

The Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant.

25
True or False: Hydropower plants are dependent on fossil fuels.
False
26
What is the fundamental principle of hydropower?
Converting the kinetic and potential energy of water into mechanical and electrical energy ## Footnote The efficiency of this conversion depends on water flow rate, elevation difference, and turbine type.
27
What is the first step in hydropower generation?
Water intake from a river, reservoir, or natural water source ## Footnote Intake structures regulate and control the flow of water entering the hydropower system.
28
What components are typically found in an intake structure?
* Screens * Gates * Control valves * Trash racks * Sand traps ## Footnote These components help filter debris, sediments, and aquatic life.
29
What is the function of a penstock in hydropower systems?
Channels water toward the turbines at high pressure ## Footnote It increases the kinetic energy of water using gravity and pressure differentials.
30
What factors influence the speed and force of water in a penstock?
* Height difference (head) * Diameter and length of the penstock ## Footnote These factors affect water resistance and flow rate.
31
What role do turbines play in hydropower generation?
Convert kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy ## Footnote The force of water causes the turbine to spin, transferring energy to the generator.
32
How is electricity generated in a hydropower system?
By transforming mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy through a generator ## Footnote This process involves electromagnetic induction.
33
What is the purpose of voltage transformation in electricity generation?
To enable efficient transmission of electricity ## Footnote It reduces energy loss by increasing voltage for long-distance transmission.
34
What percentage of the Philippines' electricity supply is accounted for by hydropower?
Approximately 20% ## Footnote Despite coal and natural gas dominating energy production, hydropower remains significant.
35
When did hydropower development begin in the Philippines?
In 1913 with the establishment of the first hydroelectric power facility in Baguio City ## Footnote This marked the start of hydropower as a renewable energy source in the country.
36
What act nationalized the hydroelectric power sector in the Philippines?
Commonwealth Act No. 120 in 1936 ## Footnote This act established the National Power Corporation (NPC) to oversee water resources for energy production.
37
What is the purpose of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001?
To restructure the electricity sector, fostering privatization and competition ## Footnote This was aimed at enhancing efficiency in the energy market.
38
What is a major benefit of hydropower?
Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and combats climate change ## Footnote It provides a consistent and reliable energy supply while enhancing energy security.
39
What are some challenges faced by hydropower development in the Philippines?
* Environmental impact * Displacement of indigenous communities * High initial investment and maintenance costs * Susceptibility to climate change ## Footnote These challenges necessitate thorough assessments and sustainable practices.
40
What is the installed capacity of hydroelectric power facilities worldwide as of 2023?
Approximately 1,416 GW ## Footnote This capacity produces over 4,300 TWh of electricity annually.
41
Which countries account for nearly 50% of global hydroelectric generation?
* China * Brazil * Canada * United States ## Footnote These countries are leading in hydroelectric capacity and output.
42
What is the Three Gorges Dam known for?
Being the world's greatest hydroelectric facility with a capacity of 22.5 GW ## Footnote It is located on the Yangtze River in China.
43
Fill in the blank: Hydropower is considered a _______ energy source.
renewable ## Footnote It is a sustainable energy option that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
44
True or False: Hydropower generation is unaffected by climate change.
False ## Footnote Climate change can impact water availability and efficiency of hydropower generation.
45
What is the Robert-Bourassa Reservoir?
The result of the underground power station and dam at the Robert-Bourassa Generating Station in northern Quebec, Canada ## Footnote It is a component of the James Bay Project and essential to the hydroelectric network of Quebec.
46
What is the capacity of the Site C Clean Energy Project?
1.1 GW ## Footnote It is located on the Peace River in British Columbia, Canada.
47
What is the purpose of the Site C Clean Energy Project?
To serve the province's expanding energy requirements with pure, renewable energy upon its completion.
48
What do the Robert-Bourassa Reservoir and the Site C Clean Energy Project exemplify?
Substantial progress made in hydroelectric technology and infrastructure.
49
True or False: The Robert-Bourassa Generating Station is the largest power facility in Russia.
False ## Footnote The Robert-Bourassa Generating Station is located in Canada.
50
The ongoing construction of the Site C Clean Energy Project is located on which river?
Peace River.
51
Fill in the blank: The Robert-Bourassa Reservoir is essential to the _______.
hydroelectric network of Quebec.
52
What has significantly impacted the energy portfolios of their respective countries?
The substantial modernization in hydroelectric technology and infrastructure.
53
What global trend do these hydroelectric projects exemplify?
The transition to renewable energy sources.

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