Hydroelectric Dam Model Oregon State University Honors College Duncan O’Boyle, Philip Harman, and Kurt Reinschmidt

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to provide a brief explanation of how hydroelectric dams function via physical demonstration. The demonstration was designed to appeal to adults and youth. The final product is a large, clear box comprised of two chambers. Water is added to the first chamber and allowed to flow into the second by passing through a turbine, which in turn generates electricity and powers a small lightbulb on the top of the box. The box provides a simplified cutaway view of how a real hydroelectric dam functions.

Background

Hydroelectric power is an important topic to educate people about because it is the main source of electricity production in Oregon (“Oregon Energy Facts”) and it is a renewable source of power that could be part of the solution to decreasing fossil fuel dependence. Oregon meets 58.6% of its energy needs with electricity produced by hydroelectric dams, which is second only to the State of Washington.

In the above figure, every dark blue icon represents a hydroelectric power generation facility (“Oregon”). The majority of the power generated from these facilities is generated on the Columbia River, where Oregon has its four largest electrical generation plants.

While they are efficient, renewable, and affordable, hydroelectric dams are not without flaw. For example, dams are known to have a negative impact on the salmon populations by physically obstructing rivers and interfering with the salmon run, as well as increasing harmful nitrogen levels in the water as a result of turbulence (“Environmental Impacts of Dams”). Furthermore, dams impact nutrient cycling by restricting the water that is allowed to flow downstream. An important role that rivers play is that they transport and disperse nutrients along

Figure4:Finishedwaterwheelsystem

their path. Lakes (including lakes created by dams) do not necessarily fulfill the same purpose. Rather than transport nutrients and disperse them to the land via deltas or man-made irrigation, lakes have a tendency to collect nutrients on the bottom. These nutrients cycle through the lake at a much slower rate than they would in a river. This reduced rate of nutrient cycling has a negative impact on both agriculture and downstream ecosystems.

However, many advancements have been made to mitigate these impacts, and continue to be made. For example, dams are now built in a manner to allow salmon and other wildlife to pass through largely unscathed. There is still work to be done regarding nitrogen levels and nutrient cycling, but the fact remains that the energy benefits and the associated long term environmental benefits largely outweigh the immediate drawbacks.

Materials and Methods:

1. X2 20”x4” acrylic pieces 2. X2 30”x4” acrylic pieces 3. X1 5’ piece of 90-degree corner

bracket acrylic 4. X1 Acrylic adhesive 5. X1 Silicone sealant 6. X3 20”x30” acrylic 7. 1 Micro Hydro-generator (figure 2) 8. Pill Bottle 9. Plastic Spoons 10. Superglue

1. Cut the acrylic into seven different pieces shown in figure 1. Cut the acrylic corner bracket into 3” lengths.

2. Drill 5 holes in one of the 20”x30” pieces as shown in figure three. 3. Disassemble the generator to access the donut shaped magnet inside. 4. Glue the rim of a pill bottle to the inside surface of the magnet. Attach the tips of plastic

Figure1:Materials

Figure2:Materials

Figure3:DrillHolesandwaterwheel

Figure5:DrainageholeFigure6:FinalProduct

spoons to the pill bottle as seen in figure 3. This step can be done using any materials that work as long as the end result is some type of waterwheel.

5. Drill a hole into one of the 20”x4” sections. Underneath it, attach one of the corner brackets using adhesive as shown in figure 4. Attach the generator to the 20”x30” piece as also shown in figure 4.

6. Drill a drainage hole in one of the 20”x4” pieces as shown in figure 6. 7. Assemble the whole box as shown in figure 6 using the corner brackets to brace the

bigger acrylic pieces. Seal all edges using the silicone sealant.

8. To show that electricity is being generated, attach either a light bulb or a multimeter to the leads of the generator. (Not shown)

Most of the materials can be commonly found. We bought the generator off of Amazon.com. It was titled “BQLZR Portable Micro-hydro Generator Water Charger High Efficiency 3.5W”.

Results and Discussion

When the water flows through the water wheel, there was a measurable electric current. It was not constant enough to provide a concrete value, but it seemed to jump around a median of one amp.

An LED was the lightbulb used at first and it didn’t light up. This is because AC current was generated, and LEDs are directional, so a direct current is needed. However, a multimeter was used in order to show observers that electricity indeed was being generated.

Although this project has not been shown to an audience, it does a good job of conveying how water is used to generate electricity in a manner that kids of all ages can grasp.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Travis Walker and the CBEE department of Oregon State University for providing us with the support and funding necessary to complete this project.

Appendices

Bibliography

“Oregon Energy Facts.” Institute for Energy Research. IER, n.d. 24 May, 2016.

“Oregon.” State Energy Estimates. Energy Information Administration, n.d. 24 May, 2016.

“Environmental Impacts of Dams.” The Basics. International Rivers, n.d. 24 May, 2016.