Hydro energy is a renewable energy, which harnesses potential energy of flowing, or falling water from rivers, rivulets, artificially created storage dams or canal drops for generation of electricity. This is typically achieved by constructing dams or other water diversion structures to control the flow of water.
Water Cycle – a dynamic expression of Solar Energy:
Interestingly, the entire process of hydropower generation is intricately connected to the sun's influence on Earth. Solar energy drives the water cycle, creating the conditions for flowing water with potential energy. Hydropower captures this energy in motion and converts it into a usable and sustainable form of electricity. Therefore, hydro energy is, in a sense, a dynamic expression of solar energy as it manifests in the movement of water on our planet.
From Water Currents to Electrical Currents
Hydropower technologies generate power by using the elevation difference, created by a dam or diversion structure, of water flowing in on one side and out, far below, on the other. Power generation in case of hydropower systems depend on the volume and change in elevation or head of the flowing water. Greater water volumes and higher heads produce more energy and electricity, and vice versa.
How hydro energy works:
The water flows from behind the dam through penstocks, turns the turbines, and causes the generators to generate electricity. The electricity is carried to users by a transmission line. Other water flows from behind the dam over spillways and into the river below.
Reservoir Hydropower involves the construction of a dam and a reservoir to store water. The controlled release of water from the reservoir allows for electricity generation. Water released from the reservoir flows through a turbine, spinning it, which in turn activates a generator to produce electricity.
The water may be released to meet changing electricity needs or other needs, such as flood control, recreation, fish passage, and other environmental and water quality needs.
