Hydropower Technologies Quiz

¿Cuál es la fuente principal de energía para las tecnologías de energía hidroeléctrica?

• Energía eólica

• Energía geotérmica

• Energía hidráulica

• Energía solar

Answer explanation

The primary source of energy for hydropower technologies is water energy. Hydropower harnesses the energy from flowing or falling water to generate electricity, making water the key element in this technology.

Since when has hydropower been a major source of renewable energy in the United States?

• 1880s

• 1900s

• 2000s

• 1950s

Answer explanation

Hydropower has been utilized in the U.S. since the 1880s, making it one of the earliest sources of renewable energy. This period marked the beginning of significant hydropower development, establishing its importance in the energy sector.

What is the process of converting flowing water into electricity called?

• Geothermal power

• Wind power

• Hydroelectric power

• Solar power

Answer explanation

The process of converting flowing water into electricity is known as hydroelectric power. It harnesses the energy of moving water, typically from rivers or dams, to generate electricity.

¿Qué tipo de instalación hidroeléctrica utiliza una presa para almacenar agua de río?

• Micro hidroeléctrica

• Almacenamiento por bombeo

• Desvío

• Embalsamiento

Answer explanation

An impoundment facility uses a dam to store river water, creating a reservoir. This allows for controlled water release to generate electricity, distinguishing it from other types like micro hydropower or diversion.

How many dams in the United States produce power?

• 5,000

• 10,000

• 80,000

• 2,400

Answer explanation

In the United States, approximately 2,400 dams are used for power generation. This number reflects the significant role of hydropower in the country's energy mix, making 2,400 the correct choice.

¿Cuál es el rango de capacidad para las instalaciones de gran hidroeléctrica según lo definido por el DOE?

• Hasta 100 kilovatios

• Más de 30 megavatios

• Menos de 10 megavatios

• 100 kilovatios a 30 megavatios

Answer explanation

The Department of Energy (DOE) defines large hydropower facilities as those with a capacity of more than 30 megawatts. Therefore, the correct answer is 'More than 30 megawatts'.

¿Qué sucede en una instalación de almacenamiento por bombeo durante una baja demanda de electricidad?

• Se bombea agua a un reservorio superior

• Se libera agua para generar electricidad

• La electricidad se almacena en baterías

• El agua se desvía para riego

Answer explanation

During low electricity demand, excess energy is used to pump water to an upper reservoir in a pumped storage facility. This process stores potential energy, which can later be released to generate electricity when demand increases.

What is the maximum capacity of a micro hydropower plant?

• 10 kilowatts

• 1 megawatt

• 100 kilowatts

• 30 megawatts

Answer explanation

The maximum capacity of a micro hydropower plant is defined as up to 100 kilowatts. This makes it suitable for small-scale energy generation, unlike larger plants which can exceed this capacity.

What is the primary energy source driving the water cycle?

• Wind

• The sun

• Geothermal heat

• Nuclear energy

Answer explanation

The primary energy source driving the water cycle is the sun. It heats water in oceans and lakes, causing evaporation, which is essential for the cycle of precipitation and condensation.

¿Qué tipo de instalación hidroeléctrica no necesariamente utiliza una represa?

• Micro hidroeléctrica

• Desvío

• Almacenamiento por bombeo

• Embalsamiento

Answer explanation

A diversion hydropower facility channels river water through a turbine without the need for a dam, making it distinct from other types like impoundment or pumped storage, which rely on dam structures.