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HYDROELECTRICITY
Energy
The power to perform work, produced from natural phenomena (e.g., the Sun and the wind) or raw materials (e.g., coal and petroleum).
HYDROELECTRICITY
A nonpolluting renewable energy source, hydroelectricity accounts for 20% of the electricity consumed around the world.
hydroelectric complex
The reservoir structures and installations that use water power to produce electricity.
hydroelectric complex
cross section of a hydroelectric power plant
generator unit
Device with a turbine that transmits the water’s mechanical energy to the generator’s rotor to make it turn to produce electricity.
generator unit
runners
examples of dams
There are masonry dams, concrete dams and embankment dams; the choice depends on criteria such as the nature of the ground, the shape of the valley and the materials available.
buttress dam
embankment dam
gravity dam
arch dam
steps in production of electricity
In a hydroelectric power plant, water is turned into electricity, which is carried to consumers along a transportation and distribution network.
electricity transmission
Electricity is carried by overhead and underground lines; due to high cost, underground lines are used mainly in cities.
overhead connection
pylon
tidal power plant
Plant that harnesses tidal power (the motion of the rising and falling tides) to produce electric power.
tidal power plant
cross section of a power plant