What is water energy?
Water
is a natural renewable resource that can be used to produce electricity and
power in several different ways, since it has tons of kinetic energy. Besides, it has been used for thousand of years for this purpose. For example, did you know that the Niagara Falls have been generating energy for more than 100 years? Amazing, right?
The
electric current produced from the energy of moving water is called
hydroelectricity. It´s incredible how it’s almost as twice as efficient as
fossil fuels and nuclear power plants and contaminates much less and we still
use the contaminating alternative...
Electricity,
with the help of water can be generated in several different ways, for example
with a hydroelectric dam (captures
energy from the movement of a river), wave power (captures
energy from the surface of the ocean) and tidal
power (uses de force of flowing waters and turbines).
Hydroelectricity
with the help of rivers:
IMPOUNDMENT
How does a hydroelectric power plant work?
They’re
built in large rivers to retain water, so the more water enters the reservoir,
the more electricity will be produced. The main, basic parts of a hydroelectric
power plant are the dam, are the sluice gates, the turbines, the pipes through
which water flows, and the electric generators.
Steps:
a) Water from precipitation, rivers, lakes and oceans is
collected throughout the water cycle until it gets to the river where the power
plant is located. Since it’s supposed to be on a very high spot, water falls
down the dam.
b) The sluice gates open and close to regulate how much water enters the pipes.
b) The sluice gates open and close to regulate how much water enters the pipes.
c) Water enters the structure and turns a large wheel,
called a turbine.
d) The turbine converts the energy of flowing water to
mechanical energy in order for the generator to work.
e) A shaft is turned, making magnets in the generator
rotate. These magnets pass copper coils and as they do, a magnetic field is
created. Electricity is produced.
f) Step-up transformers increase the voltage of
electricity so it can be delivered to communities.
g) Power lines deliver the electricity to respective
communities, where it’s given many uses.
h)After this, water is again released to rivers, lakes and oceans and since it’s a renewable resource and it’s kind of being recycled and reused, it doesn’t pollute at all.
h)After this, water is again released to rivers, lakes and oceans and since it’s a renewable resource and it’s kind of being recycled and reused, it doesn’t pollute at all.
DIVERSION
Diversion
channels a river into a canal and then into a turbine and generator without the
need of altering the natural flow of the river.
PUMPED STORAGE HYDROPOWER
It
works just like a battery. Water is pumped back into a reservoir when there is
a low-energy use and demand, especially during the night. Then, when people
need more water during the day to produce electricity, water is released.
Pros and Cons of Water Energy:
Pros:
ü The energy generated through hydropower relies on the
water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it a renewable power source. It’s
much better than fossil fuels.
ü Hydropower plants can generate power to the grid immediately;
they provide essential back-up power during major electricity outages or
disruptions.
ü Each city or state can produce its own energy with the
help of water without having to depend on international fuel sources.
ü Pollutes less because it doesn’t release greenhouse
gases.
ü Even though a lot of money has to be invested to build
a dam, for example, the gain is larger.
ü Scientists and engineers are trying to design fish
ladders (so they can migrate upstream past some dams) and stuff like that so
the animals’ lives and paths are not disrupted.
Cons:
ü Takes up lots of space and may cause animal habitats
to go lost.
ü Animal life may not be able to live and swim near the
area where the dam is located.
ü A hydroelectric dam may alter the temperature of
water, altering at the same time the natural habitat where so many creatures
live.
ü River sediments build up behind the dam and affect the
life downstream.
What countries around the world have been using it?
As
you may or may not know, water is the mostly used renewable source of energy;
it supplies 20% of the world’s energy. All around the world, many countries, especially
the most developed ones have been implementing hydroelectric power on a higher
and more advanced level. 99% of Norway’s electricity comes from water! Can you
imagine? How wonderful for our environment and our economy is that? Other
countries as New Zealand are getting there, making it already 55%, next is
China with a 25% and the U.S with 13%. The United Kingdom and Brazil also
support it, followed by developing countries that generate electricity with 50%
of only water.
Let’s
start helping the world a bit more, let’s fight against global warming! Let’s
start seizing our helpful, super-efficient and less-polluting renewable energy resources!
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