Tidal Energy-Alternate Power Source
July 28, 2008
Tidal Energy or tidal power, is created when the flow of water moves in the incoming and outgoing tide. There are two types of tidal energy that can be created for naturally created power. The first type is referred to as kinetic power. Its the energy generated as water moves in flowing rivers or ocean tides. Harnessing this kinetic tidal energy requires utilizing a turbine to produce the green energy. You can compare this process to the power generated by windmills, except there is water turning the turbine instead of wind.
This is a popular alternate energy because of the minimal impact on the surrounding ecology. In terms of harnessing hydro electricity it has much less impact than the building of dams. Nations around the world are looking toward their coastal areas to generate sustainable power via kinetic tidal power. The advantage is the consistent and predictable flow of water energy, as the tidal movement is a constant.
The efficiency of tidal energy depends on the tides rise and fall during the normal tidal cycle, dictated by the lunar cycle. Certain regions have a greater tidal swing, and all coastal areas experience varied tide heights throughout the monthly cycle. For optimal power generation a tidal energy facility needs to be place at the right location. In addition, the location needs to be located within a reasonable distance to a power collection facility so that the energy can be transferred to the grid for consumption. Read more
Micro Hydro Electric Power Generators-Alternative Energy
March 6, 2008
Micro hydroelectric power systems can be extremely beneficial to the entire environment, simply because neither the air nor the water is contaminated by pollutants. These small hydroelectric applications generally require very little space to operate. There are actually several different types of small water-powered generators which can operate using so little water, that they can actually be placed next to a small stream without ever needing a dam or a reservoir. It is becoming increasingly apparent over the years just how important these micro hydro-powered systems are, because they are friendly to the environment and produce renewable energy. As a result of this newfound understanding, many countries have begun to set up small hydroelectric power systems as a way to provide at least some if not all of their electricity. These micro water powered generators have the capability of producing a large amount of electricity without harming the environment. Read more
Hydroelectric power-renewable energy source
March 3, 2008
Power can be harnessed from the energy found in water, which is one of the most common compounds on the entire earth. More than seventy five percent of the earth is covered in water, a substance which is absolutely essential to life. One of science’s major goals is to find water on other planets. There are several different ways to harness the power found in water, including through water wheels and water turbines. Waterwheels were involved with the first water-power harnessing process which was used for cutting stone and lumber mills. Water energy harnessing is essentially attained by converting potential energy into kinetic energy using the power found in the flow of water.
Water energy is a completely renewable energy resource which is primarily harnessed through hydroelectric generation. Water flows through a turbine which is then used in order to drive a generator. The United States takes nearly ten percent of its total power from hydroelectric energy producing plants, making it one of the world leaders in the creation and use of hydroelectric power. Because the price of oil is constantly increasing, more and more consumers are beginning to see and understand the benefits that come from water energy creation and hydroelectric plants. There may be environmental impacts, and high costs for dam construction products, but many people are beginning to believe that the costs are worth the benefits involved, as our non-renewable energy sources begin to deplete over time.
Water energy was first harnessed using water wheels during classical times. Lumber mills and stone cutting saws were easily powered by water energy. Advances in gearing including the slip cam and the transverse axel made it possible for water wheels to be used for grain mills as well.
Water energy is actually the result of converting what is known as potential energy, into what is known as kinetic energy. Potential energy can be acquired from water that is stored at a higher pressure level. Water wheels or electrical turbines can both be used to help convert this energy into kinetic energy. Hydroelectric power is fairly predictable because our rainfall patterns are generally fairly stable. It does not require us to burn fossil fuels to create this renewable form of power and energy. However, once a hydroelectric plant is built, its output cannot be increased or modified, because water energy power is determined by the weight of water as well as the rate of flow, and these factors cannot be changed later.
Water energy is an energy source which is clean and non-emitting, but there are environmental impacts that come with this type of energy creation. For example, hydroelectric plants require the building of dams when they are created, and when reservoirs are created the local environment can be significantly impacted. Hundreds of square miles can be flooded in the process. For example, the Three Gorges Dam in China floods an area which is larger than the entire state of Nebraska to fill its reservoir.
