Mountain water battery

In the picture

1. 1Upper reservoir: water held high on the mountain.
2. 2Lower lake: water collected at the mountain’s foot.
3. 3Steep pipe: the channel between the two water levels, shown with up and down arrows.
4. 4Powerhouse and turbine: the machine that pumps water up or generates electricity as water falls.
5. 5Power lines to town: the route that carries electricity between the town and the powerhouse.

Examples

• Charging a power bank overnight and using it at lunchtime.
• Filling a rainwater barrel during a storm and using it to water plants later.

Quiz: Mountain water battery (Age 18)

1. 1

   According to the card, how does pumped-storage hydropower save surplus electricity?

   • It sends the electricity straight to homes without changing it.
   • It stores the electricity in a chemical battery.
   • It lifts water to a higher place so the energy can be stored.
2. 2

   When does the card say the stored water can be used to generate electricity?

   • When electricity demand rises.
   • Only when the lower lake is completely dry.
   • Only when the power lines are disconnected from town.
3. 3

   What can the powerhouse and turbine do in this system?

   • They can only generate electricity and cannot move water uphill.
   • They can pump water uphill and also generate electricity when water flows downhill.
   • They can turn water directly into fuel for the town.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.