WBPSC » WBPSC Study Materials » Geography » Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity

The Properties of Hydroelectricity, Types of Hydraulic function, Water dam, Hydropower, Hydro energy, Hydro power plant

 Hydroelectricity  has been regarded as one of the most conventional and oldest sources of  renewable  energy. The current  form in turn brings into use the natural  flow and stream centric flow of moving water for the generation of electricity. This moving water flow can  be in different forms starting from  waterfall centric flowing water.In a much more  comprehensive and simple manner, concerned  power is generated from a wide range of generators driven by turbines that in turn convert the moving water’s potential energy into mechanical source of energy. The Hydraulic energy does not create emission which is a major positive effect in the environmental domain  Moreover, this energy has the ability to cope up with other natural resources. In every crisis moment it can meet the demand of the situation. However, along with all the positive impacts it has some drawbacks too. These drawbacks range from  negatively impacting the water quality and flow to the marine life working. 

Current set of renewable energy discussion also brings within light certain key terms and keywords that amplify  hydroelectric power overview. These are- effectiveness of Hydropower properties of   Hydroelectricity, variety of Hydraulic functions, energies from Water damn, Hydropower energies, Hydro energy, Hydro power plants. These are the major attributes that impact hydrapower.

Properties of  Hydroelectricity 

Hydroelectricity refers to the energy that is generated from the hydropower that is from the reservoir or the waterfall.      Hydro power is  fully sources by water thus, its one of the major and conclusive property lies in its production of  clean source of fuel, showcasing its lack of action in polluting air like other coal driven power  . The hydro energy  have effectiveness beyond only the electricity generating power. It is used to control the flood by storing the excess water in a dam for a long period of time. Moreover,  the discussed power source  has a  system of reservoir centric working mechanisms. Power plants of hydroelectric powers have in- built water reservoirs, a valve for the controlling of the flow of water displaced out and the ultimate outlet where water flows out. Hydroelectric power’s longer lifespan  within the arena of power projects spreads its cost over a larger span of time, making it effectively cheaper than the other renewable energy sources. 

Hydroelectricity power and Environment 

There is a strong correlation between the discussed  energy form and  its environmental  domain.  Although  hydroelectricity is regarded as a clean energy source, it does have its own set of negative impacts on natural working. It can  bring an impact on the usage of land and natural habitats within the dam-catchment areas. The dam and reservoir centric workings of discussed  energy  can  essentially obstruct fish migration. In addition to it, the hydroelectric power plants and their reservoirs can be seen to change the temperature of water and also the flow of rivers. This along with the obstruction of migration of marine entities  is seen as a  major negative impact that hydroelectric power generation brings along. Lastly, reservoirs have also been seen to be the creators of Methane, which is a strong greenhouse gas, thus leading to its high end emission within the atmosphere .

Water dam 

The water dam plays a huge role in generating hydroelectric power. Firstly, it stores the water that flows from the river, waterfalls, flooded water and so on. Additionally, it preserves the water from the seasonal rain and water springs. In the winter seasons, discharge from these unregulated catchment areas are at its lowest phase.

Hydropower 

Hydropower refers to the power that can be obtained from energy of water. There can be three types of hydropower and they are “impoundment”, “diversion”, and “pumped storage”. Impoundment is most commonly used in order to extract power from water in reservoirs. Diversion is also referred to as “run-of-river” by making a channel and using natural inclination of the river to extract power from flowing water. Pumped storage is to store the electricity from the power generated from water(energy, 2021).

Hydro energy 

Hydro energy in its vivid form refers to the energy source that could be harnessed for the production of electricity by mobilising flowing water to power machineries. It is well known that water essentially moves under a global cycle of evaporation with the dissipation  from rivers, seas in forms of vapour, rain and snowfall.. Thus, as the reality of the earthly water cycle is in the form of a cycle it  comes within the banner of sustainable and clean source of energy. 

Hydro power plant 

 The hydro power plants in a conventional manner can be broken down into a range of categories , which has its dependence upon size,respectively.  Smallest of the range of power plants have been seen to be within the range of 1 to 100 KW and are essentially termed as micro “hydropower plants. In addition to it, the discussed plants range from 100 KW-1 MW to 1-10 mw as mini and small hydropower plants respectively.  Moreover, plants with capacity greater than 10 MW can be classified as large scale hydropower plants.

Conclusion

Hydroelectricity refers to the power that is generally generated from the water motion using the turbines. Hydroelectricity is a renewable energy, it has numerous impacts in terms of providing electricity, eco-friendly energy and so many other things. Basically, it is created from the huge waterfalls by utilising the generator.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the WBPSC Examination Preparation.

What are the different types of Hydroelectric power plants?

Ans : Pelton turbines Francis...Read full

Does hydropower help in combating climate change?

Ans : Yes. Unlike other power plants that  carry out the burning of fuels like coal, gas or oil, it does no...Read full

Do hydropower plants have an impact on the health of people?

Ans : No peer reviewed medical study has in turn brought out the hydropower plant centric negative ...Read full