ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE QUARTER FOUR MODULE ONE
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE QUARTER FOUR MODULE ONE
Hydroelectric Power Hydroelectric energy, also called hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity, is a form of energy that harnesses the power of water in motion to generate electricity.
Most hydroelectric power plants have a reservoir of water, a gate or valve to control how much water flows out of the reservoir, and an outlet or place where the water ends up after flowing downward. Water gains potential energy just before it spills over the top of a dam or flows down a hill. The potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as water flows downhill. The water can be used to turn the blades of a turbine to generate electricity, which is distributed to the power plant's customers.
The Philippines makes use of two ways to harness water power - dam storage or poundage and run-of-river.
Whereas poundage makes use of artificial dams in order to store water, run-of-river depends on flowing bodies of water like waterfalls.
Types of Hydroelectric Energy Plants
Types of Hydroelectric Energy Plants
One. In an impoundment facility, a dam is used to control the flow of water stored in a pool or reservoir. When more energy is needed, water is released from the dam. Once water is released, gravity takes over and the water flows downward through a turbine. As the blades of the turbine spin, they power a generator.
Two. Another type of hydroelectric energy plant is a diversion facility. This type of plant is unique because it does not use a dam. Instead, it uses a series of canals to channel flowing river water toward the generator-powering turbines. Hydroelectric power plants in the Philippines are found in Pangasinan, Benguet, Laguna, Isabela, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Sur, Bohol, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, and Misamis Oriental.
Maria Cristina Falls powers the Agus Six Hydroelectric Plant, one of the several hydroelectric plants that harness Agus River. The power plant has a two hundred megawatt potential capacity supplied by a water flow of about one hundred thirty cubic meters per second. Location: Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines