Mercer Island High School, Mercer Island
Solar Recycling of Hydroelectric Power
We aim to show that the state of Washington can recycle hydroelectric power for residential, commercial, and industrial venues. To do so we will construct a miniature hydroelectric power station that generates electrical power where the spent water will be recycled back to the storage facility behind a reservoir by the use of solar energy. Measurements of electrical power production will be taken in order to extrapolate the amount of solar panels and acreage required to recycle water and provide power for Washington state. This recycling scenario is like a battery where instead of having many batteries that can create an environmental hazard, clean water is being recycled and stored for power generation, agricultural irrigation, and use by homeowners and businesses. This recycling of the water would help to provide a constant source of power during periods of climate change that could result in drought or unpredictable precipitation.
“You are setting the pace — the dynamic — for a better and brighter future.”
—Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D.
President, Washington State University