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Hydropower is not limited to the traditional dam. It has been proven to work under our oceans, and in our backyards. This brief overview is intended to spark drive and further awareness of hydropower's capabilities. Below you will find information regarding several prominent avenues of creating electricity with water power.
Overview:
It is likely that hydropower is a source of energy not seemingly very prevalent in most people’s lives. For those of us who do not live in a vicinity of a dam, hydropower is usually out of sight and out of mind. Hydropower is however the largest source of renewable energy. That is actually kind of amazing, and scary, for if you were like me you hadn’t noticed much at all of hydroelectricity. Amazing because it produces so much, especially worldwide, yet remains quiet and reliable compared to fossil fuel and nuclear energy production. Scary because, in this writers opinion, should be utilized more.
So what are some sources of hydroelectricity? The traditional and iconic dam and powerhouse, the fascinating and powerful micro-hydroelectric systems, run-of-the-river systems which do not use any dams, and pumped storage systems that keep a reserve of water to use akin to a battery.
Below you will find a compilation of information regarding hydroelectricity, and a brief summary of each. It is intended that this information concisely and conveniently sparks interest towards further utilization of this sustainable energy source.
From: http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/affect/hydro.html
“Hydropower is considered a renewable energy resource because it uses the Earth's water cycle to generate electricity. Water evaporates from the Earth's surface, forms clouds, precipitates back to earth, and flows toward the ocean.”
It is likely that hydropower is a source of energy not seemingly very prevalent in most people’s lives. For those of us who do not live in a vicinity of a dam, hydropower is usually out of sight and out of mind. Hydropower is however the largest source of renewable energy. That is actually kind of amazing, and scary, for if you were like me you hadn’t noticed much at all of hydroelectricity. Amazing because it produces so much, especially worldwide, yet remains quiet and reliable compared to fossil fuel and nuclear energy production. Scary because, in this writers opinion, should be utilized more.
So what are some sources of hydroelectricity? The traditional and iconic dam and powerhouse, the fascinating and powerful micro-hydroelectric systems, run-of-the-river systems which do not use any dams, and pumped storage systems that keep a reserve of water to use akin to a battery.
Below you will find a compilation of information regarding hydroelectricity, and a brief summary of each. It is intended that this information concisely and conveniently sparks interest towards further utilization of this sustainable energy source.
From: http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/affect/hydro.html
“Hydropower is considered a renewable energy resource because it uses the Earth's water cycle to generate electricity. Water evaporates from the Earth's surface, forms clouds, precipitates back to earth, and flows toward the ocean.”
• Hydropower is the most important and widely-used renewable source of energy.
• Hydropower represents 19% of total electricity production.
• China is the largest producer of hydroelectricity, followed by Canada, Brazil, and the United States (Source: Energy Information Administration).
Approximately two-thirds of the economically feasible potential remains to be developed. Untapped hydro resources are still abundant in Latin America, Central Africa, India and China.
• Hydropower represents 19% of total electricity production.
• China is the largest producer of hydroelectricity, followed by Canada, Brazil, and the United States (Source: Energy Information Administration).
Approximately two-thirds of the economically feasible potential remains to be developed. Untapped hydro resources are still abundant in Latin America, Central Africa, India and China.
From: http://www.homepower.com/articles/microhydro-power/basics/what-microhydro-power
The basic components of a small hydro-electric system, running from “water to wire” are:
• Diversion and intake screen—Directs water from the stream or river into the pipe or channel
• Penstock (pipeline)—Carries the water to the turbine
• Turbine—Generates electricity (includes nozzles, runner, and generator)
• Electronics and batteries (if used)—Regulates turbine and stores energy
• Dump load—Absorbs surplus energy
Transmission and distribution—Delivers the energy to its end use
The basic components of a small hydro-electric system, running from “water to wire” are:
• Diversion and intake screen—Directs water from the stream or river into the pipe or channel
• Penstock (pipeline)—Carries the water to the turbine
• Turbine—Generates electricity (includes nozzles, runner, and generator)
• Electronics and batteries (if used)—Regulates turbine and stores energy
• Dump load—Absorbs surplus energy
Transmission and distribution—Delivers the energy to its end use
From: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/microhydropower-systems
WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTS?
• Microhydropower can be one of the most simple and consistent forms or renewable energy on your property.
• The amount of electricity you can generate depends on how much water flows and on the head (the vertical difference between where the water is taken into your system and where the turbine is located).
If you have water flowing through your property, you might consider building a small hydropower system to generate electricity. Microhydropower systems usually generate up to 100 kilowatts of electricity. Most of the hydropower systems used by homeowners and small business owners, including farmers and ranchers, would qualify as microhydropower systems. But a 10-kilowatt microhydropower system generally can provide enough power for a large home, a small resort, or a hobby farm.
WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTS?
• Microhydropower can be one of the most simple and consistent forms or renewable energy on your property.
• The amount of electricity you can generate depends on how much water flows and on the head (the vertical difference between where the water is taken into your system and where the turbine is located).
If you have water flowing through your property, you might consider building a small hydropower system to generate electricity. Microhydropower systems usually generate up to 100 kilowatts of electricity. Most of the hydropower systems used by homeowners and small business owners, including farmers and ranchers, would qualify as microhydropower systems. But a 10-kilowatt microhydropower system generally can provide enough power for a large home, a small resort, or a hobby farm.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/10-hydropower-innovations.htm
This site provides an interesting and brief commentary on new ideas and direction of some modern hydropower capabilities.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=micro+hydro
Amazing the number of results from a YouTube search for ‘Micro Hydro’!
This site provides an interesting and brief commentary on new ideas and direction of some modern hydropower capabilities.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=micro+hydro
Amazing the number of results from a YouTube search for ‘Micro Hydro’!
Conclusion
Hydroelectricity currently provides the greatest efficiency returns of all prominent sustainable energy sources; A small micro hydroelectric system can power an entire hobby farm! Of all the rivers available to incorporate an eco-friendly hydropower system, only a small percentage are utilized. Changing just this one aspect will significantly decrease a reliance on fossil fuel derived energy, creating a cleaner and more livable place for ourselves.
Hydroelectricity currently provides the greatest efficiency returns of all prominent sustainable energy sources; A small micro hydroelectric system can power an entire hobby farm! Of all the rivers available to incorporate an eco-friendly hydropower system, only a small percentage are utilized. Changing just this one aspect will significantly decrease a reliance on fossil fuel derived energy, creating a cleaner and more livable place for ourselves.