Chapter 10
Hydroelectric and Geothermal Generation
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, the reader will be able to:
- Explain how electricity is created through the use of water flowing through turbines
- Discuss the various methods used to create electricity from flowing water
- Describe the micro and pico hydro systems
- Discuss the Energy payback time (EPBT) of water electric generation
- Describe energy returned on energy invested (EROEI) of water power
- Explain what geothermal energy is and how it is used to generate electricity
Key Terms
- Dams
- Geothermal Energy
- Head of Water
- Hydroelectricity
- Micro-Hydro
- Pico Hydro
- Pumped-Storage
- Run-of-the-River
Animations
All animations are in Adobe Flash format. Click link to play. To download, right mouse click on the animation and choose Save Link As and save it to your computer.
Student Activities
Microsoft Word file format: Click activity to download. Open with Microsoft Word to edit. Save to your computer.
Building a Hydroelectric Generator
Hydroelectric vs. Coal Powered Electricity
Building a Model Geothermal Plant
Adobe Acrobat file format: Click activity to download. Open with Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out. Save to your computer.
Building a Hydroelectric Generator