Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity is a process that has been done for thousands of years.  In 2011, hydroelectricity accounted for 16% of the world's total electricity, which is second only to fossil fuels.  Hydroelectric power generation has more than doubled since 1970(How Hydroelectric energy works).The process has become must more industrialized and efficient, but the basics of the process are the same that they were thousands of years ago.

The basis behind hydroelectricity is gathering the energy generated by a flowing water source.  The flowing water is directed towards a turbine, which looks just like a propeller.  This propeller then causes a generator to turn, turning mechanical energy into electrical energy.  This energy can then be sent off to be used in any number of ways.  Below is a picture showing what this process looks like.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Hydroelectric_dam.png

There are many different turbines that are currently used in this process, and it depends on how much power generation is desired.  Currently, turbines produce between 200 and 800 Megawatts.  In comparison, the average household in America used 901 Kilowatts per month in 2015(EIA 2016). This shows just how much power can be generated by hydroelectricity.

Unfortunately, hydroelectricity also has downfalls.  A big, flowing, water source is needed.  This makes it difficult to build this systems world-wide, as there are only select locations that will work. Additionally, the energy harvested can only be transferred a certain distance.  Finally, the systems require a lot of maintenance.  Turbine and generators constantly have problems, so regular maintenance is necessary.

Overall, hydroelectricity is a good alternative source of power, but it has limitations.  But it is a good step forward to becoming a cleaner planet.  If you are looking for more information on hydroelectricity, this page gives a good description of how the process works.

Works Cited

How Hydroelectric energy works. (n.d.) Retrieved February 15,2017, from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/how-hydroelectric-energy.html#.WKSwZ_krLcs

U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis. (2016, October 18). Retrieved February 15, 2017, from https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=97&t=3