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Hydro Energy 101 |
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Hydro energy is created from the movement of water. Water is constantly moving around the earth in what is known as the water cycle. This involves the evaporation of water out of the ocean, forming clouds, and then falling to the ground as precipitation. This water may collect in lakes or rivers and may eventually reach an ocean before being evaporated to begin the cycle again. |
Applications
Water can be used to produce electricity. A common way to harness this power is to dam a river or lake. At a dam, water is pulled downwards by gravity and past a turbine, which is spun in the process. The turbine generates electricity. Hydro can also be used on a small scale, even under 5 kw.
Learn more: U.S.Department of Energy - How Hydropower Works
USGS - Hydroelectric power: How it works
Environmental
Water, unlike fossil fuels, does not produce pollution when generating power. Damming a river will cause the water level to rise behind it, creating recreational opportunities with the water. At the same time, however, the backup of water will cover any low lying areas, forcing people and businesses to relocate and natural resources to disappear. Dams can also impede the movement of animals, such as fish, from moving freely upstream. Organisms moving downstream may become caught in the turbines. If the flow of water is properly controlled, areas below the dam should not be adversely effected, but if the water is too high or low, it can cause flooding or drought. Dams can also disrupt the chemical and nutrient content of the water. Micro-hydro, or small scale projects will not have nearly the impact that a larger project would have.
Learn more: Environmental Consequences of Microhydroelectrification [pdf]
This paper was written for rural electrification of developing countries, but it includes good information on how small turbines work and how to install them responsibly.
Economic
Hydropower is typically the cheapest way to produce electricity. Once the equipment is installed, maintenance is the only cost, because the water will flow for free. The equipment will generally last longer than that of other energy sources. Hydropower can be produced in the United States, so resources do not need to be imported. Getting licensing to complete a project can be time consuming.
Learn more: U.S. Department of Energy - Evaluating a Potential Microhydropower Site
 Installers-Interested in installing a hydro power system? Check out our business directory. History
Hydropower has been used by people for thousands of years. Projects to provide lighting from the power of water began in the 1880s. Since then, a number of large scale projects have developed across the country, with the west coasts states producing the most energy from hydropower. Learn more: U.S. Department of Energy - History of Hydropower |
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Case Studies and Examples Ontario Power Generation: Hydroelectric Power: How It Works Greenpeace: Micro hydro: How It Works Alaskan Case Study [pdf] Boulder, Colorado Case Study [pdf]
Penn Lines: Watermark: Twenty Years of Clean Generation at Raystown Hydroelectric Project [pdf] (pages 7-11) |
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