Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that is used by many people in their homes, schools, hospitals, and manufacturing businesses. Hydroelectric power is generated by using water force to turn turbines that generate electricity. Water is contained in a dam and released from a height, where its pressure strikes turbines driven at high speeds to generate electricity. The energy is converted into mechanical form by the turbines, and the mechanical energy is eventually converted into electricity by a hydroelectric generator. Depending on the application, the electricity is routed via numerous transformers to step-down or step-up power.
The demand for electricity is increasing, and hydroelectric power is convenient when compared to the nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The reservoir of water ensures a continuous and efficient production of power even during peak times where a lot of electricity is consumed. Hydroelectric power has been used over the last 135 years. The Han dynasty in China was among the first innovations of water power, and that was from 202 BC to 9 AD. Water power has been used to drive the economy of many nations through the advancement of processing and production industries. The first water turbine was engineered by James Francis, and the turbine is used up to date. An improvement of the turbine was made in the early 1990s when Benoit Fourneyron came up with a turbine that could produce over six horsepower. China and Brazil are among the most significant producers of hydroelectric power with Three Gorges dam in China making approximately 22,500 MW.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Hydroelectric production has its pros and cons. The advantages include renewability, cost-effectiveness, clean energy source, recreational purposes, and development. The production relies on water that continues to be available as long as people do not tamper with river and other water catchment areas. Its production does not emit poisonous gases to the atmosphere as compared to steam turbines and the power is also cost efficient providing the chance to run electronic entertainment gadgets. The cons include environmental damage, droughts, risk floods and it may even lead to conflicts. Blocking water on a dam can change the mechanism of the river, and it may turn direction. Additionally, many people rely on rivers for irrigation and blocking them may lead to conflicts among people and can also lead to flooding on the upper sides of a river.
Work Cited
The USGS Water Science School, Hydroelectric power: How it works U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey pg 1-3.
URL: http://water.usgs.gov/edu/hyhowworks.html
Union of Concerned Scientists: Science for a healthy planet and safer world. 2 Brattle square, Cambridge MA 02138-3780. © Union of Concerned Scientists UCS is a 501c(3) organization. Pg 1-13.
A brief history of hydropower , International Hydropower Association. Pg 1-3
https://www.hydropower.org/a-brief-history-of-hydropower
Various Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Power-Conserve Energy Future. pg 1-8
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-hydroelectric-power.php.
