Question
How does hydroelectric power work? can people use tidal water for hydro power
geri
Answer
A river can be dammed to hold back some of the water before it falls to a lower level. This body of water at a high level is literally "potential energy". An opening or large pipe at the bottom or the dam allows a flow of the water, under pressure from the water above, onto a water wheel or turbine. The spinning axle is connected to an electrical generator which furnishes hydroelectricity.<BR><BR>For tidal power, a special dam is built across a bay where the tide range is great. As the tide goes in and out, it builds up water on one side, then the other, and so drives the turbine. This occurs twice a day, in each direction.<BR><BR>George Curtis<BR>University of Hawaii http://vrd.askvrd.org/services/answerschema.xml
