Types Of Hydro Power
Harness the power of water has been used for centuries in many charitable causes. First used for irrigation, and operation of various machines such as turbines and dockside cranes. But those days are used more important as a renewable source of electricity.
So what’s Hydro?
Well, basically it is the production of electricity using the natural force of water.
And how is hydroelectricity generated?
It is generated in 3 ways: hydro, tidal and wave.
Hydroelectricity:
This is the most common form of hydropower, which constitutes the bulk of all renewable energy produced. The electricity produced in hydroelectric dams where the force of falling water to drive massive turbines.
The advantage of such power is that it only generates electricity, but the dam to collect water at our disposal, so there is a power and water supply in one . In addition, the water force is so strong as megawatt of electricity can be produced with the aid of power entire cities.
It is also largely control the speed of rotation of the turbines. If more power is needed, just open the controller door window, allowing more water into the turbine and spins faster.
The disadvantage is the devastating impact of dams may have on plants, animals and even humans. When dams are built in flood areas tracts of land formerly occupied by different species and groups of people. In addition, waterborne animals such as fish may also be affected. An example would be blocked salmon from swimming upstream to spawn with the newly built dam.
Tidal Power:
The second most popular type of water, tides are produced by currents caused by the natural ebb and flow of tides.
This was done by France and Russia since 1966 in areas with a large tidal range, such as bays and estuaries. A system of tidal energy works by trapping water at high tide with tidal barrage, then let the water in a sudden burst at low tide. This precipitation leads to water turbines to produce energy.
Although the tides are very predictable and consistent, the problem with this system that the turbines only run every 6 hours (once every tide).
A second, more recently, the tidal system is much like a wind tunnel. Large wind turbines that are driven into shallow water where they slowly spun by changing tidal waters.
The advantage of this system is that it is an adaptation of a technologically advanced wind turbines – if no improvement has occurred. In addition, the dense water, much more efficient than the wind to turn the turbines. Thus, although slow moving water is also effective as a strong wind.
The disadvantage is that the current system can be built in shallow waters, where tidal activity is greatest. This is very restrictive, since many other economic activities – like oysters – occurs in shallow water. In addition, these structures can harm marine life on the ocean floor.
Wave Power
He is the youngest of the three hydro solutions. The system uses the power of the wave of sea surface, where the air displaced by waves driven by a generator to turn a turbine. The end result is electricity. These generators can be either coupled to floating devices outta the ocean or down along the beach where the waves are high.
Although this technology is relatively new, it was felt that there is enough energy in ocean waves to produce up to 2,000 megawatts.
But as with all solutions of hydropower has the potential environmental issues. Environmentalists are concerned about how these structures will have on flora and fauna Coast. In addition, there is a possibility of water pollution on – for example – the hydraulic fluid accidentally spilled into the sea This could be expected if the wave generators constantly battered by rough seas.
Closing thoughts:
We have found ingenious ways to use the power of nature to generate electricity, hydropower is one of them. Although it is a renewable source of energy for the future, there is still much controversy over its environmental impact in the long term.
Category: Hydro Energy
