Learn How Water Power Alters The Look Of This Planet

T he night of Friday, March 22, 1880, heralded a revolution as man’s long-standing need to master a low-cost source of energy became a reality. On that fateful night, the people of Michigan felt greatly captivated by the sight of lamps powered by a water turbine. This spectacular demonstration actually played a vital role in guiding man towards the development of hydroelectricity. As you know, electricity provides the impetus for the industrialization we see in recent times. The world’s first hydroelectric power plant became operational on Sept 30, 1882. That power plant was built on the Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin. The plant was later named as The Appleton Edison Light Company. Appleton paper manufacturer H.F. Rogers initiated the project. The plant could only power 250 bulbs, but more importantly, it opened new horizons. Hydroelectric power makes use of the idea of renewable energy —energy from natural processes, such as sunshine, wind and flowing water. Since it does not require any sort of fuel, it does not emit either carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide during the process. Hydroelectricity accounts for a total of 20 per cent of the electricity produced worldwide. The United States is the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the world after Canada. In the US, hydropower contributes between 10 and 12 per cent of the total electricity needs. Hydropower alleviates research and development needs, as the mechanical energy of falling water is an age-old tool. Greeks, who pioneered this potential, were using water-powered wheels more than 2,000 years ago. In reminiscence, we see the usage of water wheels to grind grains and for many other purposes. It is a fact that prior to the development of steam engine, water was the only source of producing mechanical energy besides wind. Due to the usage of water powered wheels, waterfalls and rivers would naturally determine the location of mills and factories. The first hydroelectric facility in the US, which was built in Appleton, Wisconsin, produced direct current (DC) for local industry. Early hydroelectric plants were DC type and built to power incandescent lighting — the lamps in which the light is produced by a filament of conducting material contained in vacuum and heated to produce light by an electric current. Sunlight strikes all the water surfaces. It causes water to heat up, resulting in its evaporation which eventually forms clouds. The release of latent heat in certain situations causes the vapours to condense and form water again. Some of the water seeps into the ground, and travels back to the ocean underground. The rest forms into rivers, which flow downwards due to the force of gravity. The water flowing down is used to turn a turbine, which generates electricity. Turbine, a very important and essential part of this setup, gets spin affect due to the force exerted by water. The turbine converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Thus, gravitational force initially changes into mechanical energy, which later turns into electrical energy. The conventional hydroelectric power plants are essentially inclusive of four major parts (source: www.wikipedia.org) Dam: A dam serves as a barrier across the flowing water. It controls the flow of water. Dam obstructs, directs or retards the flow. It usually creates a reservoir, lake or impoundment (water body).

It raises the water level and creates falling water. Most dams have a section called a spillway; a passageway or channel to carry off excessive water. Water Turbine: A water turbine is a rotary engine that takes energy from the flowing water. The simplest turbines include one moving part, a rotor-blade assembly. Flowing or falling water pushes on the blades to spin them and impart energy to the rotor. A water turbine is much like a windmill, except the energy is provided by falling water instead of wind. The turbine converts the kinetic energy of falling water into mechanical energy. Generator: The principle of “electromagnetic induction”, discovered in 1831 by Michael Faraday, provides the basis for the generator. The shafts and possibly gears establish a linkage between generator and turbine. When the flowing water sets the turbine in spin, it causes to set the generator in motion too. Resultantly, the mechanical energy from the turbine converts into electric energy. Hydropower plant generators work just the same way, as we see in other types of power plants. Transmission lines: Transm- ission lines are the material, medium or structure that forms a path from one place to another for directing the transmission of energy. With specific context to turbines, transmission lines form a crucial linkage between the power plant and immediate outlet for the conduction of electricity. Meanwhile, the productivity of a hydroelectric power plant depends upon two factors: Height of the dam — The more distance the water travels to reach the ground, the more power it carries. The distance through which the water falls depends upon the size of the dam. The higher the dam, the greater the waterfalls and the more power it would produce. Scientists believe that the power of falling water is “directly proportional” to the distance it falls through. In other words, water falling twice as far, would induce twice as much energy. Amount of water falling — More water falling through the turbine will produce more electricity. The quantity of water is dependent on the amount of water flowing down the river. More water would definitely produce more energy. Power is also “directly proportional” to the flow of water through the river. A river carrying twice the amount of flowing water as compared to another river, would induce double the energy. The most appealing aspect of the hydroelectric plant is its energy source. Actually, it is solar energy that powers water to reach mountains and its costs nothing. Once the dam is built, the energy is almost free. The hydroelectric plants are considered environment friendly, as they don’t pollute the environment, whereas all other systems throw out carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. Another key advantage of hydropower is its ability to store energy (in the shape of water) in times of low demand. Hydroelectric power has many other advantages as well, which may vary from site to site. At some sites, the reservoir becomes an area of recreational attraction.

We have Tarbela, Mangla and Hub as examples. In certain situations, dams serve as protection against disastrous floods. Hydroelectric power stations can easily switch to maximum increase, or to full power capacity very quickly, unlike other power stations. Last, but not the least, electricity can be generated constantly.