Hydro energy is mainly produced by harnessing the power of falling or flowing water. The energy generated by falling water is converted to electricity, typically in a hydroelectric plant. Today, one-fifth production of electricity in the world is through harnessing hydropower. Here are some interesting myths and facts connected with hydro energy. Myth: Hydro energy can only be harnessed by building huge and costly hydroelectric plants near dams. Fact: Hydropower has been harnessed since ancient times by erecting simple water wheels on rivers and streams. The flow of the water turned the wheel, which was harnessed for grinding grains. The same concept is used even today, and the wheel mechanism is used to produce electricity on a smaller scale compared to huge power plants built near dams. The flow of water turns a turbine that is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy to electricity. Hence, it is not necessary to have water falling from a great height to produce electricity, and even relatively flat areas can harness hydro energy from rivers and streams. In fact, small hydro stations have much less impact on the environment compared to ones near dams. The composition and temperature of water remains unchanged as it flows downstream, whereas this may not be possible when it falls off a dam. Secondly, inspecting the inlets and controlling the residual flow of the river will ensure protection of wildlife. Myth: Hydro energy does not affect the environment in any way. Fact: Even though hydro energy is produced without burning any fuels, the production process does have some impact on the environment. For instance, when dams are built, they can have an effect on the natural flow of water, which can affect fish population and wildlife living in the area. Secondly, the construction of dams itself can cause considerable amount of pollution and disruption of life in the area. Hence, it is necessary to plan dams and hydroelectric stations should be built in places where there will be least impact on the environment. Additionally, steps should be taken to preserve the eco system that is likely to be altered by the changes in the water flow. Myth: Hydro energy is an unreliable power source. Fact: Compared to other sources of renewable energy, hydro energy is one of the most reliable sources. Since, average rainfall of a place is now predictable with increasing level of accuracy; it is easier to predict the amount of energy that can be harnessed from a flowing water body. However, in case of wind energy, this is not possible, as the wind flow, changes every minute and is never constant compared to the flow of water in a river or stream. Myth: Hydro energy is least expensive. Fact: The cost of producing hydro energy varies between places and it could work out quite expensive in certain areas. The cost of producing energy from renewable sources also fluctuates with developing technology. For instance, the cost of producing power from solar energy, which was quite high a decade ago, has come down dramatically due to technological development in the field of solar panels. For more info visit: http://www.naniaenergy.com/green-energy
Related Articles -
Solar Energy Illinois, Wind Energy Illinois, Hydro Energy Illinois, Biopower, renewable energy Chicago, Chicago electricity providers, green energy,
|