AQA GCSE Hydroelectric, Wave and Tidal

AQA GCSE Hydroelectric, Wave and Tidal

Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric plant for GCSE Physics
 

Water is stored at height in a reservoir, allowed to flow downhill, which turns a turbine, turning a generator to produce electricity. 

Hydroelectric can be used as pumped storage, so during periods of excess electricity due to solar, a water pump is used to pump the water back up to the top reservoir, then during periods of high demand the water is allowed to flow back down hill again to meet surges in demand.

Advantages to HydroelectricDisadvantages to hydroelectric
Renewable resourceFlooding can occur before or after dam
Short start up time, can be used to meet surges in demandLow power output
Stores energy for later use, using pumped storageHigh set up cost

Wave

Wave power Generator

As the waves move in one direction the wave generator will move up and down on the surface of the water. As the generator moves, it rotates on surface of water causing electricity to be produced

Advantages to Wave PowerDisadvantages to Wave Power
Renewable resourceCables need to connect wave machine to the mainland
No carbon dioxide producedConstruction problems due to building in water

Tidal

Tidal power generator

A tidal barrage is normally located in an estuary where the river meets the sea. As the tide moves in and out it will cause the turbines to turn, which turns a generator to produce electricity.

Advantages to Tidal PowerDisadvantages to Tidal Power
Renewable resourceRestricts access for boats
No carbon dioxide producedConstruction problems due to building in water
Tide only occurs twice a day

Practice Questions

1.Explain how hydroelectric can help to meet our energy requirements during peak periods of use

2.In the UK, we are surrounded by water, but wave power is not commonly used. Suggest reasons why it is not commonly used.

3.Suggest why tidal power could be considered both as a reliable energy resource and an unreliable energy resource

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