Hydro-electric power

Hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power, also known as hydroelectricity can be simply defined as the power derived by using the gravitational force of dynamically flowing or falling water. Water is available in plenty throughout the earth and maybe for this reason hydroelectric power is the most popular and widely used form of alternative sources of energy.

The basic principle behind hydroelectric plants is the conversion of potential energy of the flowing water into mechanical energy that is finally converted into electrical energy. The water drives a turbine and a generator that converts the potential energy in the dammed water efficiently to electrical energy.

Due to use of fossil fuels during construction, in the initial stage there is minimal release of carbon but after construction there is absolutely no carbon release; even if there is, it is only in negligible quantities. But this is not true for dams in tropical regions. If the surrounding plantation is not cleared, it is said to produce large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane. This happens due to the rapid decay of plant-life in the flooded areas.

Hydroelectricity is also produced from the movements of tidal waves; the movements of the tides are used to power turbines and generators to produce energy. Though this type of generating hydroelectricity is not very popular now, it’s potential is being realized and is believed to become widespread soon.

Tidal power is harnessed in two ways – Tidal Stream generators and Tidal barrages.
Tidal Stream generators: These generators use the kinetic energy of the dynamic tidal waves to drive the turbines and works very similar to windmills except it works under water. The generator must be placed wherever the currents are strong for efficient harnessing of power.

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Tidal Barrages: Tidal barrages function similar to a dam as it uses the potential energy to harness power. But the barrages have not yet been asserted to be environment friendly and are also highly expensive. This method is not considered eco-friendly because, the fish in the surrounding area might enter the turbines along with water; research is going on to devise a way to guide the fish away from the barrages using SONAR.

Hydroelectricity is a most welcome method of harnessing power as it is eco-friendly and it almost absolutely does not contribute to carbon emission; emission of sulphur, nitrogen dioxide and similar pollutants are absolutely nil. It contributes to lowering electricity costs as it does not depend on the price of other fuels. The hydroelectric plants also have a much longer life when compared to other power harnessing plants and operate efficiently for many years after their construction. The advantages of hydroelectric power plants outshine their disadvantages and these plants are employed throughout the world for harnessing power.