HYDROPOWER ENERGY
Historical water-wheel use
- The energy in moving waters is one of the most widely used renewable energy source. Humans have harnessed waterpower since the times of the Roman Empire. In earlier times the kinetic energy of flowing rivers and streams was trapped by means of water wheels that were used to grind grain, saw wood and manufacture textiles. It was only in 1800s that the energy of water was converted into electricity. Hydroelectric power uses the kinetic energy of moving water to make electricity.
- Generation of electricity by using the force of falling water is called hydroelectricity or hydel power. It is cheaper than thermal or nuclear power. Dams are built to store water at a higher level; which is made to fall to rotate turbines that generate electricity.
Hydroelectric dams/turbines/generators
- Hydroelectricity or hydropower is the fourth largest source of commercial energy production and consumption globally. The basic principle behind hydropower energy is the damming of rivers to create artificial in waterfalls, sometimes natural waterfalls are also used. The falling water is used to turn the turbines that drive electrical generators. One of the greatest advantages of hydropower is that once the dam is built and turbines become operative, it is relatively cheap and clean source of energy.
Pros & cons
- Hydropower also has some disadvantages, building of dam seriously disturbs and damages the natural habitats and some of them are lost forever. Human habitations also get disturbed making people homeless.
