Copy the text into your text editor. Add suitable words from the lists when answering the questions in writing. There is a suggested key below.
Use words and expressions from the following list(s) and answer the questions below. Not all the words are necessary, but to make full answers you will of course need other words in addition to those on the lists.
VERBS to generate to supply to provide to transmit to distribute to harness to distribute to maintain to transform to step up / down to consume to convert
NOUNS power electricity energy source dam reservoir waterfall pollution station / plant pylon sub-station consumption
OTHER EXPRESSIONS the amount of constant / continuous rainy store water hydroelectric conflict of interests peak period high power voltage electromagnetic radiation conservation of energy non-polluting an eyesore
Questions:
Does a power station create energy?
What is the purpose of the turbine?
Which factors will influence the effect of the power plant?
What is the purpose of building a dam?
What are the options when a country has no mountains or waterfalls, like Denmark, for example?
Mention some benefits from generating HEP?
Why is the voltage stepped up before the power leaves the power station?
Discuss briefly pros and cons of the two systems of distributing power.
Suggested key
Suggested answers:
A power station does not create energy – it can only convert energy. The amount of energy is constant.
The turbine is hit by the water at high speed and is connected by a shaft to a generator, which will rotate accordingly and generate power.
The height of the waterfall, the amount of water and the cross-section of the pipes are the factors that decide the effect of a power plant.
The purpose of the dam is to collect and store water in a reservoir to secure a stable supply of water to the plant.
The options are to heat water so the steam can make the turbine rotate. This is usually done by burning coal or oil or by a nuclear reaction.
You get clean, non-polluting energy by using natural sources.
The voltage is stepped up to prevent energy loss during distribution.
Overhead cables: PROS – Relatively cheap (compared to the other option) Easy to troubleshoot and maintain CONS -An eyesore in nature Dangerous electromagnetic radiation
Underground distribution: PROS -Distribution is kept away from public eye Electromagnetic radiation will be eliminated CONS -Expensive to construct Difficult maintenance and troubleshooting