Learn about Hydroelectric Power Alternative Energy Source

Hydroelectric power supplies about 19% of the world’s electricity.  It produces no carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions compared to fossil fuels and/or gas. Hydroelectric power can be less expensive than electricity generated by fossil fuel. The Tennessee Valley Authority or (TVA) is America’s leading provider of hydroelectric energy. TVA maintains 29 hydroelectric dams throughout the Tennessee River system.

Small scale hydro power or micro-hydro power is increasingly used as an alternative energy source. It is becoming popular in remote areas where other power sources are not available. Small scale hydro power systems can be installed on small streams or rivers without the use of a dam which makes the system environmentally friendly, and legal issues with water rights would be reduced. The U.S. government supports the use of small scale hydro systems with grants, tax benefits, and loans.

The micro-hydro turbine system is the most environmentally friendly system to make electricity. The turbine can be as small as 10 centimeters in diameter and consists of spoon shaped cups arranged around the center wheel. Jets of high pressure water causes the wheel to spin a shaft at high speeds which can be used to power electrical generators, pumps, fans, and more. The high pressure water required for a micro-hydro system can be supplied by water that flows down into a pipe above the micro-hydro turbine. The lower pipe then directs the water to nozzles aimed at the micro-turbine. The greater the distance from where the water enters and exits the pipe the greater the water pressure coming from the lower pipe will be.

Micro-hydro systems are simple to install, plus pipes and generators are inexpensive and easy to find. They are small enough to be installed without heavy equipment. The system requires only a small amount of water flow that can be provided by a small stream. Landowners with small streams can take advantage of this clean inexpensive alternative fuel source reducing their dependency on local utilities.

Learn More:
Wave Power
Tidal Power
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
How Hydroelectric Energy Works
Ocean Pressure Electric Conversion (OPEC) Concept