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Hydro Power
Renewable energy where power is created by the movement of large quantities of water.
1,373 Questions
Where is hydro power produced?
Hydro power is used all over the world since the Industrial revolution in England through to the current major project in China with it'd Three Gorges Dam and hydro electricity generation.
The are thousands of installation with the Aswan Dam in Egypt, the Hoover Dam in the US and the Snowy Mountain Scheme in Australia being prime examples of many installations.
The technology is incredibly well proven and reliable.
What is one risk associated with hydroelectricity?
There are several risks with hydroelectric energy power. Hydroelectric does use up resources from rivers, so there is a chance of depleting those bodies of water. Also, dams frequently have ceased to work and flooded living areas.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using micro hydro water wheels?
==== ==== ==== ==== == Efficient energy source
It only takes a small amount of flow (as little as two gallons per minute) or a drop as low as two feet to generate electricity with micro hydro. Electricity can be delivered as far as a mile away to the location where it is being used. Reliable electricity source
Hydro produces a continuous supply of electrical energy in comparison to other small-scale renewable technologies. The peak energy season is during the winter months when large quantities of electricity are required. No reservoir required
Microhydro is considered to function as a 'run-of-river' system, meaning that the water passing through the generator is directed back into the stream with relatively little impact on the surrounding ecology. Cost effective energy solution
Building a small-scale hydro-power system can cost from $1,000 - $20,000, depending on site electricity requirements and location. Maintenance fees are relatively small in comparison to other technologies. Power for developing countries
Because of the low-cost versatility and longevity of micro hydro, developing countries can manufacture and implement the technology to help supply much needed electricity to small communities and villages. Integrate with the local power grid
If your site produces a large amount of excess energy, some power companies will buy back your electricity overflow. You also have the ability to supplement your level of micro power with intake from the power grid. == Suitable site characteristics required
In order to take full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams, a suitable site is needed. Factors to consider are: distance from the power source to the location where energy is required, stream size (including flow rate, output and drop), and a balance of system components - inverter, batteries, controller, transmission line and pipelines. Energy expansion not possible
The size and flow of small streams may restrict future site expansion as the power demand increases. Low-power in the summer months
In many locations stream size will fluctuate seasonally. During the summer months there will likely be less flow and therefore less power output. Advanced planning and research will be needed to ensure adequate energy requirements are met. Environmental impact
The ecological impact of small-scale hydro is minimal; however the low-level environmental effects must be taken into consideration before construction begins. Stream water will be diverted away from a portion of the stream, and proper caution must be exercised to ensure there will be no damaging impact on the local ecology or civil infrastructure.
Why is the use of hydropower criticized?
Hydropower is not necessarily bad, and is actually one of the cleaner power sources people have come up with. The problem with it is caused by damming rivers, a necessary step in creating hydropower. These dams sometimes cause problems for fish and for the natural flow of the water.
What is one drawback to hydroelectric?
The major hurdle associated with hydro power is to ensure uniform availability of water which is not possible as water availability is gioverened by nature. The huge capital cost ( almost three to four times than thermal power) is another drawback yielda higher unit rate of production.
What does hydroelectric energy come from?
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the output of electrical power through the exercise of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water.
apex!! It can only be used in areas with specific kinds of rivers:)
What percent of the worlds electricity is supplied by hydro-power?
16% of the world's electricity is generated by hydropower (water power).
A dam usually contains hydro-electric generators to supply power. It also acts as a water supply in time of drought. I would say it's beneficial to humans.
Why is hydroelectric energy produce the most electricity?
It produces the most in a country like Canada which has plenty of mountains with high lakes, therefore hydro energy is abundant. Countries without mountains do not have so much hydro energy, although they might use water wheels driven by rivers.
Hydropower is a renewable energy source that harnesses the energy from flowing water, making it a sustainable option for electricity generation. It has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, hydropower facilities can provide consistent and reliable energy, as water flow can be managed to meet demand. However, it is essential to balance its benefits with environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems and local communities.
Who were some of the first people to harness the power of water to do work?
Some of the first people to harness the power of water for work were ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans. They developed water wheels to grind grain and facilitate other tasks. Additionally, the Chinese used water-powered devices for irrigation and milling as early as 300 BC. These innovations laid the groundwork for the use of hydro power throughout history.
Where does hydro power get its energy?
Hydro is Latin for water so hydro power gets its energy from water. It's often powered by a waterwheel.
