One of our sometimes overlooked renewable energy sources is hydroelectric or the use of water to produce electricity. The basic concept of hydroelectric energy can best be impart as using water flow to turn a turbine, and this turning action produces electricity. It is a slight more involved than that but it plainly can be put as the energy of flowing water converting to mechanical energy, mechanical energy to electrical energy. Here are some entertaining facts about this renewable energy source.
About 20% of the world's electricity is produced by hydroelectric- One entertaining fact that I found is that only 20% of the world's total electricity is produced by hydroelectric generation, which accounts for 88% of all renewable sources. Important the way today are coal, nuclear, and natural gas power plants. Advantages- The one major factor for using water as an energy source is economics. There is no fuel cost associated with this type of power plant, which is a major advantage over the others. As continued fuel cost rise, hydroelectric operation cost are minimal. The life of a hydroelectric power plant is still to be determined since many plants are 100 years old and still operating. Most modern-day plants are almost totally automated requiring less personal to claim them. A combine other advantages are no Co2 emissions, because there is no burning of fuels, and they become great recreational areas for boaters and families. Disadvantages- It has been proven that dams cause both downstream and upstream ecosystem changes caused by water flow. The damage can be allinclusive depending on the size and flow of the power plant system. The generation process does convert downstream river beds and have been known to cause flooding and destruction of land. allinclusive studies are ongoing for best originate and less ecosystem result downstream. Flow of water shortage can occur when power quiz, is high and the river drops to levels were generation must cease. This is one area that is also being studied along with best damn design. Compared to other renewable energy sources- If you were to correlate hydroelectric power generation to wind energy generation, you will find that the use of water is much more predictable than the use of wind farms. It is easier to regulate the power distribution based on rain fall and the availability of water.
Nuclear Power
As you can see hydroelectric is a very unused resource compared to other types of power producing means, but needs additional studies and best designs against eco damage. However, being a renewable energy source, it without fail has its advantages over nuclear, fossil fuel, and natural gas electrical power plants.
Electrical power to our homes and businesses has been proven a viable necessity for our modern-day society. As we continue to need more electrical power, we need to use more renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric.
Renewable vigor Sources - Hydroelectric
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