Valuable Contributions in Cleaner Energy by Mingdong Liu (G9) Valuable Contributions in Cleaner Energy By Mingdong Liu Grade 9 Imagine the gusts by the shore or the roaring of waterfalls; both forces have the potential to power small towns or even large cities! But how do we use these forces for energy? Hydraulic power plants use the natural flow of rivers and waterfalls to generate electricity, while wind turbines use powerful gusts of wind to convert the power of nature into the electricity we use every day. Wind and hydropower are both important renewable energy sources that generate electricity in different ways and come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Hydroelectric power plants are one way we generate clean, renewable energy. Hydroelectric dams are built on large rivers where the water drops in elevation. Dams hold water in a reservoir and release it through a pipe called a penstock near the bottom. As the water rushes through the penstock, it spins a turbine connected to a generator that makes electricity. The generator sends electric power to homes through the power cables connected to it. The demand for electricity fluctuates throughout the day. At midnight, the usage is lower because most people are asleep; during a hot day, the demand for electricity might rise as air conditioners run to keep homes cool. To solve this issue, we reserve water for periods of peak demand with a method called pumped storage. Hydroelectricity is a clean, reliable form of energy. It has low emissions and high efficiency, making it a great form of renewable energy. Wind turbines are made with 3 large blades that are mounted around a rotor. The rotor is connected to a shaft. The wind rotates the blades connected to the shaft. The shaft is connected to a generator, which converts the rotational energy into electrical energy. The electricity is transported through cables and wires. Wind farms create a lot of noise while they turn. They require around 7 mph to work, and the optimal wind speed it around 30 mph. Wind turbines are often built with other turbines in an area of land called a wind farm. Wind farms are a great source of clean energy; they greatly reduce carbon emissions. In 2013, wind farms made enough electricity to power a small city. It would take 14 nuclear power plants to produce the same result. Both wind and water power are excellent sources of energy; however, they both have their disadvantages. Wind turbines are dependent on the weather. This can lead to fluctuations in the amount of energy that is generated. In addition, wind farms create a lot of noise from the spinning of the blades. This makes some communities unwilling to build wind generators. Hydroelectric dams also have disadvantages. Dams disrupt natural river flow, causing massive damage to the ecosystems near the rivers. For example, the dams disrupt natural river flow, affecting fish migration patterns. Larger dams can also flood areas near them and cause massive damage. By understanding how wind and water power work, we can see that both offer their own benefits and challenges. Even those either source is perfect, both offer valuable contributions in reducing pollution and creating a world with cleaner energy. Both methods continue to be improved every day, and both are important in their own right.
