Hydropower !

[Marthahatzaw123]

Hi ! I am looking to make a hydroelectric power plant as a project on trying to create energy. I don't know where to start. I cannot use batteries to operate which I need to keep in mind. I heard I had to use a motor of some sort to convert the turbine to it which will then spin to create electricity, however I am unsure. Please let me know!
Thank you and kind regards !

[bfinio]

Hi,

We don't have an exact project with instructions for what you want to do, but I should be able to help you get started.

First, we have a couple projects where you build a purely mechanical wind or hydro power turbine:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ine-design

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ift-a-load

I say "purely mechanical" meaning there is no electricity involved, they just lift a weight tied to the end of a string as they spin.

To actually generate electricity, you need to attach the blades to a small motor, like this type that is commonly available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=3V+dc+motor

Motors work two ways. You can connect a battery to the motor, which will make it spin. OR you can spin the motor using an external power source, like cranking it by hand, or using wind/hydro power. This will make the motor act as a generator.

To measure the output of the generator, you need to use something called a multimeter. You can use it to measure the voltage produced as another variable (like the revolutions per minute of your turbine) changes. We have a great tutorial about how to use a multimeter here, I recommend watching the video at the top of the page:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... multimeter

Hope all of that helps!

Ben

[Marthahatzaw123]

Hi ! Thank you for the advice.
My teacher said that DC motors could not be used. I would have to use a generator. Do you know how to make one ?
Also is copper the best way to conduct electricity ?
Thanks !!

[bfinio]

Hi,

I would clarify with your teacher, but I think they meant that you are not allowed to use a DC motor to SPIN the power plant, based on your initial post that you "cannot use batteries." A DC motor IS a generator when you drive it in reverse by turning the shaft with some other power source (wind, water, hand, etc). A "generator" is not a separate part that you buy. You could show your teacher this response if needed.

The short answer to your question about copper being the best way to conduct electricity: for a science project like this, yes. The wires for your motor and multimeter will probably be copper and that is fine.

The longer answer: it depends on how you define "best." Copper is not the single most conductive metal, but it is a good combination of very conductive, flexible, and relatively cheap. Silver is actually more conductive than copper, and other precious metals like gold and platinum can have high conductivity and other desirable properties, like corrosion resistance, but they are also much more expensive, so they are not used as often.

Hope that helps!