Resources on hydroelectric energy.
Purchasing Resources for Hydroelectric Renewable Energy
Keep water a sustainable resource. Siemens Water Technologies offers a wide range of water reuse and recycling systems for your industrial or municipal wastewater needs. Find out more.
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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.
More Reliable Than The Grid. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint. Learn More!
Rated Highest Power Solar Panels. Get a Free Cost Assessment Quote.
Find Out Today with GetSolar Get Free Solar Quotes & Info
Get $1,000 Off a Home Solar System Save Now with Promo Code Feb1000
Belgian firm providing expertise in power generation systems and equipment, as well as financial packages, project management and insurance, operations and maintenance contracts, training, retrofit and repowering services.
http://www.abb-alstom-power.com/
A non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Americas rivers, and committed to fostering a river stewardship ethic.
Case Studies of Small Hydro Systems
Website featuring publications on european hydro systems by the European Commission including U.K. Garnedd Hydropower Station.
http://erg.ucd.ie/sectors/res/res_casestudies_sh.html
Center for Resource Solutions (CRS)
dedicated to promoting renewable energy and economic and environmental sustainability; administers national and international programs (such as Green-e) that preserve and protect the environment through the design of sustainable energy strategies and te
http://www.resource-solutions.org/
Paper by Charlie Higley against electricity deregulation and dams.
http://www.citizen.org/CMEP/restructuring/damfinal.htm
Provider of forums and information about environmental concerns such as solar & wind power, recycling, agriculture, sustainable living, environmental preservation, water quality and more.
Producer of micro-hydroelectric components including the steam engine.
http://www.microhydropower.com/
Energy Technology Support Unit (ETSU)
UK organization provides national and international programs in energy efficiency and sustainable energy technologies.
European Commission Directorate-General XVII (Energy)
Manager of programs centering on transEuropean networks, technological development and innovation in the European Union.
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/energy_transport/index_en.html
European Union Renewable Energy Centers Agency (EUREC)
Organization established to strengthen European efforts in renewable energy technologies including biomass and ocean energy.
Foundation for Water and Energy Education
Provider of information regarding use of water as a renewable energy resource in the Northwest including online tours of a hydroelectric plant.
General Power Engineering Associates(GPEA)
Provider to hydropower industry of studies, designs, generation and component supply.
Official website for Hoover Dam. Information provided about construction, how it works, and how to take a tour.
Provide wind and hydro-electric generation, transmission, distribution and consulting.
Hydroelectric Licensing Process Improvement Act of 1999 (S. 740)
Provider of legislative , congressional record, and committee information including Library of Congress links, text of bills and major legislation.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z
Coalition of national, state, and local conservation and recreation organizations working to reform national hydropower policies and upgrade rivers altered by hydropower dams.
http://www.americanrivers.org/about-us/
A subsidiary of IDACORP Inc., providing electric service to Idaho and parts of Oregon and Nevada. Operate hydro and coal-fired plants, and offer consulting services.
INFORSE: International Network for Sustainable Energy
Worldwide network acts as independant initiator of programs and projects to promote sustainable energy and social development.
International Centre for Hydropower
Promoter of development and sustainable utilization of hydropower resources. Activities include education and training and project development.
International Economic Platform for Renewable Energies
Provider of information and free emails regarding renewable energies in Europe including solar, hydropower, wind, and bioenergy.
http://www.uni-muenster.de/Energie/
Supplier to the hydroelectric industry of products and services including excitation, turbine and generator auxiliary systems.
Low Impact Hydropower Institute
Nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing environmental impacts of hydropower by creating a standard for consumers to evaluate hydropower as an energy source.
http://www.lowimpacthydro.org/
Wim Klunne's international microhydro web portal includes discussion forum, expert database, business directory, literature and internet links on microhydro.
http://www.geocities.com/wim_klunne/hydro/
Model for Tennessee Rivers Adapted to Montana Project
Provider of nationwide information, news, products, articles, and events calandar regarding sustainable renewable energy.
http://www.sustainableusa.com/news/sanewsview.cfm
National Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
U.S. Department of Energy program online database includes nationwide state, utility and local government financial and regulatory incentives promoting renewable energy technologies.
http://www-solar.mck.ncsu.edu/
National Hydropower Association (NHA)
Dedicated to representing the interests of the hydropower industry; NHA unites the diverse North American hydropower community, providing a voice among US decision makers, the general public and the international community.
New Mexico Energy Conservation and Management Division
Provider of programs and information for state agencies, companies and individuals in New Mexico.
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/ecmd/
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
NYSERDA develops innovative solutions to energy and environmental problems via research and development projects.
Manufacturer of electric gate control for vertical or horizontal gateshaft applications in older, manually controlled hydro plants.
http://www.nahydro.com/index.html
Protection, control and automation specialists. Clients include mining, power generation and pulp and paper industries.
http://www.starcon.com/paradigm
Pinecrest: Living Off the Utility Grid
Provider of pictures and extensive details of an earth sheltered home and hydroelectric system providing power to home and well house.
http://www.public.usit.net/pinecrst/
Nonprofit organization promoting clean energy strategies for powering state's economy in an environmentally responsible manner.
http://www.renewwisconsin.org/
Renewable Energy for Development
Electronic version of printed newsletter of the Energy Programme at SEI, focused on energy utilisation and technologies in Third World.
http://www.sei.se/red/redindex.html
Distributor of photovoltaic, solar thermal and pool and spa products.
Comprehensive buyers guide and business directory to more than 3700 renewable energy businesses worldwide.
http://energy.sourceguides.com/index.shtml
Supplier of alternative energy equipment, including solar panels and wind generators.
Design, manufacture and repair hydro electric turbines and pumps, from 0.1kW to 1MW.
Universal Electric Power Corp. (UEP)
Manufacturer of turbine/generating systems for hydroelectricity.
Provider of information regarding use of water as a renewable energy resource in the Northwest. Website includes tour of a hydroelectric project.
Online water power reference includes topics on hydroelectric dams, ocean heat power and wave power.
http://hydroelectricity.hypermart.net/index.html
Water Power: Info on Hydroelectricity, Water Power, Dams...
Water power reference includes topics on hydroelectric dams, waterwheels, ocean heat power, and wave power.
http://hydroelectricity.hypermart.net/
Renewable energy manufacturer and distributor of human, solar, wind and microhydro systems.
http://www.windstreampower.com/
World Bank Asia Alternative Energy Program
Program designed to mainstream alternative energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency) in the World Bank's power sector lending operations in Asia.
http://www.worldbank.org/astae/
World Directory of Renewable Energy Suppliers and Services
Annual guide to the international renewable energy industry. Listings only publication including market overview of companies active in the field.
http://www.jxj.com/yearbook/wdress/
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 ... moreIn 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.