You have probably seen those large rectangular solar panels on your neighbors roof or maybe even those crazy large wind turbines give energy to residents in West Texas! But have you heard of energy made from water?
What is Hydropower?
Hydropower is renewable electricity made from water! It’s a great way to get your power from the source. Although hydropower can be created using dams or reservoirs, there are three most common ways to do it: rushing water at a high elevation, falling water through turbines in large volumes near sea level, and dams.
There are at least 6 different types of water energy that are used today! You probably have heard of Hydroelectric, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, Tide, Wave and Current. All of these come from the power of running waters natural movement!
1.) Hydroelectric.
This is made by harnessing the power of water to cause a turbine blade to spin and make energy. This water comes from dams that are created by the natural flow of a river.
2.) Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion- OTEC
OTEC is made by using the difference in temperature between surface water and deep sea water to make energy. This water comes from the temperature difference of between warm surface seawater and colder deep sea water that is at least 3000 meters(10000ft) below the surface.
3.) Tide Energy- Tidal Energy
Tidal energy harnesses the ebb and flow of tides to make energy! The water comes from powerful tidal movements from the seas moon’s gravitational pull.
4.) Wave Energy- Wave Power
Wave power makes energy from the powerful movement of waves! The water comes from the height and speed of large ocean waves.
5.) Current Energy- Ocean or Underwater Turbines.
Ocean turbines are a form of current energy that uses underwater turbines that harness the energy of ocean currents to make energy! The water comes from the movement of ocean currents.
6.) Tidal Barrage
A fixed Hydroelectric dam/barrage is created by using a dam to stop and store the flow of a river. When the tide begins to rise, gates are opened and water is allowed to flow into a large basin then when the tide falls the gates are closed and the water is forced through turbines to make energy.
Fun Facts About Hydropower
Did you know it takes more than 10,000 gallons of water to power a house for 1 year?
It is possible to increase the flow of rivers by building dams.
More than 80% of the worlds electricity comes from Hydroelectric dams?
The largest hydroelectric dam in North America is located at Niagara Falls and produces around 4 million kilowatts!
Half of the worlds Hydropower is done by China.
This is why water plays such an important role in society and the power behind energy! Energy is very important for our everyday lifestyles, so it amazes me how many different forms of energy there are. Energy is constantly being discovered all around the world and being used to power our activities!
If you’re looking for energy plans in Texas, check out
Reliant Energy,
Houston energy plans,
Dallas energy plans, and
New Power Texas reviews. You’ll also want to look into
home insurance plans to protect your investment.
