Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

im doing a project on hydroelectric dams. I'm supposed to make a model tht can generate atleast a small amount of electricity. I know how im going to make the model, i just have no idea how to generate electricity from it. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could give me a few suggestions or direct me to a website with information on how to build a working model of a hydroelectric dam.
thanks

zetsu98 wrote:I'm supposed to make a model tht can generate atleast a small amount of electricity.

This sounds like building a model and not a Science Fair project so it is outside the focus of this forum.

You actually have three working models to build:
1) The dam, reservoir, outlet pipe, and down stream catch basin
2) A water turbine (converts water flow into rotational mechanical energy)
3) Electric generator (converts rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy)
4) Electric load
Additionally, the models have to satisfy each others requirements in terms of water pressure, flow volume, and flow rate, and reservoir size that the turbine requires. The turbine has to produce the RPM and torque that the generator requires in order to produce the electrical ouptut required by the load.

You need to research the water turbine and the electric generator and figure out what load you want in your demonstration before you can size anything.

Here's a web site that has tons of ideas about how to do a project on hydroelectric power.

Enjoy!

where is the website?

Hello, zetsu98!

Craig mentioned some important things to keep in mind: the dam, turbine, generator, etc. If you had some trouble with your research, taking a look at the following sites may help you:

http://www.greenoptimistic.com/2010/03/ ... generator/
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p021.shtml

They thoroughly explain the steps. Please read through them and hopefully, you'll have a clearer idea of the setup. If you're having trouble with a particular step and need some help, please ask!

I'm doing a project for my school. I have to compare and contrast the difference between hydroelectric energy and nuclear energy. I need some information on the two. I honestly have no idea about either one of these. I was scared when my teacher gave me the assignment.

Hi volleyball98,
Your topic seems to be really board. Is there a specific area / subtopic that you would like to explore?

These subtopics could be anything ranging from :
- the type of equipment that you need to harness this energy
- the science behind of these energy sources

Once you have a subtopic, you can then focus on comparing the two sources of energy:
A potential topic could be:
- which energy source is more efficient in terms of converting energy or investment cost?
- which energy source have the most impact (environmental or otherwise) on your neighbor?

The project guide have some really good information about getting started that may help you.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ndex.shtml

Hope this helps. Best of luck with your project!
Willey