Hydropower Fundamentals

Description: This quiz covers the fundamentals of hydropower, including the different types of hydropower systems, the components of a hydropower plant, and the environmental impacts of hydropower.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: hydropower renewable energy environment
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What is the most common type of hydropower system?

  1. run-of-the-river

  2. pumped-storage

  3. impoundment


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Run-of-the-river systems use the natural flow of a river to generate electricity, without creating a reservoir.

What is the primary component of a hydropower plant?

  1. turbine

  2. generator

  3. dam


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The turbine is the component that converts the kinetic energy of the water into mechanical energy.

What is the environmental impact of hydropower?

  1. greenhouse gas emissions

  2. habitat destruction

  3. water pollution


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Hydropower can have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems by destroying habitat and disrupting fish migration.

What is the advantage of pumped-storage hydropower?

  1. it can store energy

  2. it is more efficient

  3. it has a lower environmental impact


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Pumped-storage hydropower systems can store energy by pumping water uphill when there is excess electricity and then releasing the water downhill to generate electricity when needed.

What is the disadvantage of impoundment hydropower?

  1. it can cause flooding

  2. it can disrupt fish migration

  3. it can lead to water pollution


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Impoundment hydropower systems can cause flooding upstream of the dam, which can displace people and wildlife.

What is the maximum theoretical efficiency of a hydropower plant?

  1. 50%

  2. 60%

  3. 70%


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The maximum theoretical efficiency of a hydropower plant is 70%, due to losses from friction and other inefficiencies.

What is the average capacity factor of a hydropower plant?

  1. 20%

  2. 40%

  3. 60%


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The average capacity factor of a hydropower plant is around 40%, meaning that it operates at an average of 40% of its maximum capacity.

What is the lifespan of a hydropower plant?

  1. 20 years

  2. 50 years

  3. 100 years


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Hydropower plants can have a lifespan of over 100 years, making them a long-term investment.

What is the cost of hydropower?

  1. $100 per MWh

  2. $50 per MWh

  3. $20 per MWh


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The cost of hydropower is typically around $20 per MWh, making it a relatively inexpensive form of renewable energy.

What is the potential of hydropower?

  1. 10% of global electricity

  2. 20% of global electricity

  3. 30% of global electricity


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Hydropower has the potential to provide up to 30% of global electricity, making it a significant source of renewable energy.

What are the challenges of hydropower?

  1. environmental impacts

  2. high cost

  3. intermittency


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary challenge of hydropower is its environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and disruption of fish migration.

What are the benefits of hydropower?

  1. renewable energy

  2. low cost

  3. reliable


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary benefit of hydropower is that it is a renewable source of energy, meaning that it does not produce greenhouse gases.

What is the future of hydropower?

  1. increasing

  2. decreasing

  3. staying the same


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The future of hydropower is expected to be increasing, as more countries invest in renewable energy sources.

What are some of the key factors that affect the efficiency of a hydropower plant?

  1. the height of the water drop

  2. the volume of water flowing through the turbine

  3. the efficiency of the turbine


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The efficiency of a hydropower plant is affected by a number of factors, including the height of the water drop, the volume of water flowing through the turbine, and the efficiency of the turbine itself.

What are some of the environmental impacts of hydropower?

  1. habitat destruction

  2. water pollution

  3. climate change


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Hydropower can have a number of environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and climate change.

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