Hydroelectric Renewable Energy
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Hydroelectric Renewable Energy
In the quest for more environmentally friendlypower sources hydroelectric renewable energy is a great option. Because thewater is cycled to create the energy this means that a natural resource is notbeing depleted by being used for energy. Renewable, in terms of energy orresources simply means that it is used again and again. Energy sources such ascoal or wood are not renewable; in fact they are being used up each day andbefore long many of these natural resources and deposits will be gone. That meansthat the race to find renewable sources of energy that are efficient and affordableis important.
From the days of using a water wheel to grindgrain water has been used to create energy. Recycling water through thehydroelectric plants allows the water to be used again and again withoutdepleting the source. The earth just happens to be mostly covered with water,which means that the use of hydroelectric renewable energy is not a passingfad, it's a legitimate energy source that will provide energy for cities allaround the globe.When you are considering making moves toward agreener business look into the renewable hydroelectric power sources and see ifthey would work for your business. You can find more information in the linkson the left side of this page to help your business be more environmentally friendly.
Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Key Terms
Transform water into environmentally safe electricity with hydroelectric renewable energy sources and toolsBy Deneatra Harmon One of the first steps in generating hydroelectric renewable energy is to evaluate sites that hold dams, rivers or other large bodies of water. Equipment, such as electric generators and hydraulic turbines, must be constructed near water sources so that it can work to convert the rapidly flowing water into energy. Hydroelectric renewable energy provides a safe, cost-efficient alternative source for power plants, farms and municipalities. Some important hydroelectric renewable energy key terms should be kept in mind when planning your alternative energy projects.
Alternating current
Alternating current is the electric current generated by water-powered turbines in hydroelectricity. Alternating current (AC) has the electrical current flowing through a circuit that changes direction several times per second. The first AC hydroelectric plant was built at Niagara Falls by Nikola Tesla, and this format generally replaced the use of direct current (DC), which was advocated by Thomas Edison.
Try: The Energy Information Administration provides basic facts about alternating current and hydroelectric renewable energy. Sierra Solar Systems looks at the differences between alternating current and direct current, and how they apply to hydroelectric renewable energy.
High-voltage direct current (HVDC)
In parts of the world where the electricity generated by hydroelectric power plants must travel over great distances, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) can be used as an alternative to AC transmission. Modern HVDC technology is safer and more efficient than earlier forms of DC.
Try: Read a Transmission & Distribution World article about the use of HVDC for hydroelectric power transmission in rural China.
Bypass system
The bypass system provides a route that enables fish to swim freely through the dam without getting caught in the blades of hydroelectric turbines.
Try: The Foundation for Water and Energy Education reports on the balance of hydroelectric renewable energy, as well as developments in fish and wildlife preservation.
Cavitation
Cavitation is the formation of bubbles in the water as it flows through the hydroelectric turbine.
Try: The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation explains the effects of cavitation on hydraulic turbines.
Hydropower turbine
Hydropower turbines spin with the force of water, which converts to energy with the help of electrical generators that are connected to the turbines. Impulse turbines and reaction turbines are two main types.
Try: The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy page presents the differences between impulse and reaction hydropower turbines. The Idaho National Laboratory also explains the benefits of hydropower turbines. Hydro Green Energy features information about hydroelectric turbine technology.
Wicket gates
Wicket gates are devices that control and carry water flow through the passage of hydropower turbines.
Try: Alden Research Laboratory explains hydroelectric turbine design strategies, which include wicket gates testing. Bioblend examines environmentally safe lubricants for wicket gates used in dams.
Energy from anywhere is reaching everywhere: Siemens Green Energy.
BP is investing in business and technology to deliver clean energy.
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