Hydro Power - What Is Hydro Power And How Is It Used?
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by: TimMcDonald | Total views: 120 | Word Count: 503
Using the water's power is an age-old phenomenon. Over the years it has been employed for irrigation and working a variety of machines, including water-wheels. But today, it is used more importantly as a alternative energy source.
Electricity from hydro-power can be generated in three different ways: in hydroelectric dams, using the tides, and through the ocean's waves and currents.
Hydroelectric Power:
This is the most common form of hydro-power, making up the majority of all renewable energy produced. Electricity is produced in hydroelectric dams where the force of falling water drives massive turbines.
The advantage of this type of power is that not only does it produce electricity, but the dam helps collect water for our use, so it's a power and water source in one. Furthermore, the force of the water is so strong that megawatts of electricity can be produced to help power entire cities.
However, many governments have come under scrutiny for using hydro-electric dams. These dams tend to flood a lot of land where thriving communities live. They can affect various plants and animals in the region, and cut-off the water supply for communities living downstream.
Tidal Power:
Using the tides is the second most common form of hydro-power. Here, electricity is generated by using the low and high tides.
France and Russia have successfully used tidal power since 1966. One system is used in large bays and estuaries where water from the high tide is dammed up and diverted through turbines at low tide.
Although the tides are very predictable and consistent, the problem with this system is that the turbines only operate every 6 hours (once every tide).
The latest tidal power system operates where large windmill-type turbines are placed in shallow water, and spin slowly as the tide comes in and goes out.
Since this system is an underwater version of a wind turbine, the technology is up to date and refined. Also, water has a high density than air, so the turbines can spin in the lightest of currents.
The drawback is that the current systems can only be built in shallow water, where tidal activity is greatest. This is very limiting since many other economic activities - like oyster farming - occur in the shallows. Furthermore, these structures can damage marine life on the seafloor.
Wave Power:
This is the latest in hydro-power technology. Here oceans surface waves displace and compress air that is then fed through turbines, that generate power. These systems are either attached on floating platforms in the open ocean, or built along the shore where waves break.
The good thing about using the ocean's waves is that they have the equivalent kinetic energy of 2 million kilowatts of electricity.
However, wave power systems do have environmental concerns. Their hydraulic fluids could leak out into the ocean, causing water pollution. And the fixed structures on the coastline, can damage the natural plant and animal life on the seafloor.
Closing thought:
Man has developed innovative techniques to harness the power of water to produce electricity. But, like most renewable energy solutions there will always be social and environmental impacts.
About the Author
Tim McDonald has been making his own solar and wind power since June 2008. He suggests you read this Earth4Energy review before learning how to make your own DIY Renewable Energy at home and slashing your power in half.
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