Power & Energy: Waterfall & Turbine Questions

In summary, the conversation discusses two questions regarding the energy changes that take place when water flows over a waterfall and the potential for installing a turbine to generate electrical energy. The first question outlines the energy changes, while the second question estimates the power that could be generated. The conversation includes some calculations and hints to help answer the questions.
  • #1
penza
13
0
I have two questions
a)Water flows over a waterfall of height 75m of volume flow rate 6.0ms-1 and then lands in a pool below.
Outline the energy changes that take place


b)It is suggested that installing a turbine of the waterfall could provide a source of electrical energy. Estimate the power that might be available, stating one assumption that you make.
(The denstity of water= 1000 m-3)
 
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  • #2
Do you have any thoughts/ideas on this problem? You need to show your work to get help.
 
  • #3
siddharth said:
Do you have any thoughts/ideas on this problem? You need to show your work to get help.
for sure i thought about it but i don't know...
 
  • #4
Would you mind posting what you have done thus far? The guidlines of these forums state clearly that one should show one's work before receiveing assistance.
 
  • #5
actually first i thought what energy transfer and i put 75/6 and but then i thought you just have to explain meaning that it goes from vaporisation to convection
 
  • #6
penza said:
actually first i thought what energy transfer and i put 75/6 and but then i thought you just have to explain meaning that it goes from vaporisation to convection

What :confused: ?? I was thinking more along the lines of potential energy ---> kinetic energy?
 
  • #7
ho yeh so actually the energy changes are from potential energy ---> kinetic energy, so that's actually the answer...
thank you
 
  • #8
What are your thoughts for question (b)...?
 
  • #9
Hootenanny said:
What are your thoughts for question (b)...?
for question B i thought that because they have to install a turbine, looking that the density of water is 1000 than you have to do 1000/6 which is the flow rate so then to find the estimated power
 
  • #10
penza said:
for question B i thought that because they have to install a turbine, looking that the density of water is 1000 than you have to do 1000/6 which is the flow rate so then to find the estimated power

You have just basically rephrased the question there :rolleyes: . Here's a hint: Think about mass and the relationship in question (a).
 
  • #11
Hootenanny said:
You have just basically rephrased the question there :rolleyes: . Here's a hint: Think about mass and the relationship in question (a).
yeh but what do you to find the power
 
  • #12
HINT Power is the rate at which energy is transfered;

[tex]P = \frac{dE}{dt}[/tex]
 
  • #13
Hootenanny said:
HINT Power is the rate at which energy is transfered;

[tex]P = \frac{dE}{dt}[/tex]
ok got it thank you
 
  • #14
penza said:
ok got it thank you

Your welcome :smile:
 

1. How does a waterfall generate power?

A waterfall generates power by harnessing the potential energy of water as it falls from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. This energy is then converted into mechanical energy by a turbine, which can then be used to generate electricity.

2. What is the role of a turbine in a waterfall power generation system?

A turbine is a device that converts the mechanical energy of the falling water into rotational energy. This rotational energy is then used to power a generator, which produces electricity.

3. How efficient is the conversion of water into energy in a waterfall power system?

The efficiency of a waterfall power system depends on various factors such as the height of the waterfall, the type of turbine used, and the capacity of the generator. On average, the efficiency of converting water into energy in a waterfall power system is around 80-90%.

4. What are some advantages of using a waterfall as a source of energy?

One of the main advantages of using a waterfall as a source of energy is that it is a renewable resource. Waterfalls also do not produce any emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option for power generation. Additionally, waterfalls can produce a steady and reliable flow of energy, unlike other renewable sources such as wind or solar power.

5. Are there any potential environmental impacts of using waterfalls for power generation?

While waterfalls themselves do not produce any emissions, the construction of power plants and turbines can have some environmental impacts. This includes altering the flow of the river and potentially disrupting local ecosystems. It is important for proper planning and mitigation measures to be in place to minimize these impacts.

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