Stupid Energy (Electrical) Question.

[herbicide]

They were just showing the Saylorville dam/spillway on the news, talking about the flooding.

Why in the world is there a dam anywhere without hydro-generators attached to it? I know it is a flood control lake. (actually the charter shows it as a recreational lake 1st, but that is another issue)

Is this just another example of a flawed energy policy? I mean, that is "free" energy that is not going to any use. I know some environmentalists are against damming for the sole purpose of power, but if there is another reason for damming a river (flood control) it seems like a no-brainer.

[cyfan964]

Thought the same thing myself and couldn't agree more.

[CrossCyed]

Kind of like there's no reason Nebraska isn't just covered with windmills, since the state serves no real or actual purpose.

[Wesley]

Originally Posted by CrossCyed

Kind of like there's no reason Nebraska isn't just covered with windmills, since the state serves no real or actual purpose.

Thank the public power districts for no windmills in NE - no tax incentive to build.

[Sousaclone]

It all depends on the flows. Do those places put out enough water at normal levels to generate enough electricity to be profitable? I just don't think those place store enough water behind them to keep a constant source of power going.

[cyclonedave25]

Originally Posted by CrossCyed

Kind of like there's no reason Nebraska isn't just covered with windmills, since the state serves no real or actual purpose.

But then, where would all of those sand cranes live?!?

[kingcy]

Originally Posted by CrossCyed

Kind of like there's no reason Nebraska isn't just covered with windmills, since the state serves no real or actual purpose.

Why give Nebraska that money. I wish some of my gound could raise windmills, I hear they pay very well. Them and cell phone towers.

[kingcy]

The real purpose of Saylorville is not really to insure Des Moines of a water suppy, or flood control, or to make power, its real purpose is to give people a place to boat, party, and fish.

[cyclonekj]

It's not economically viable because of large seasonal variations in flow rate.

[CrossCyed]

Originally Posted by kingcy

Why give Nebraska that money. I wish some of my gound could raise windmills, I hear they pay very well. Them and cell phone towers.

Maybe you could combine the two......

I totally call that idea, btw.

[kingcy]

Originally Posted by cyclonekj

It's not economically viable because of large seasonal variations in flow rate.

With energy costs going up at what point is it viable to look at doing something at Saylorville?

[cyclonekj]

Originally Posted by kingcy

With energy costs going up at what point is it viable to look at doing something at Saylorville?

Right now they could generate a fair amount of electricity because of a tremendous volume of water being discharged. This only lasts a few weeks a year. The rest of the time, flow is so small they wouldn't generate much.

[kingcy]

Originally Posted by CrossCyed

Maybe you could combine the two......

I totally call that idea, btw.

I think maybe the electricty generator in the windmills, the turbins going round and around and the height of the windmills could affect the cell phone singal. I am no expert though.