Hydroelectric Energy
In our quest for becoming a greener Earth, one of the best solutions is the continued usage and utilization of hydroelectric energy. Hydroelectric energy is created by utilizing the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. This process is quite reminiscent of the way that wind energy is created. Most people dont know, but roughly 7% of the utilized power in the United States is created using hydroelectric energy.
One common procedure to do so is by damming up water flowing in a river behind a large concrete wall. This water holds a large amount of potential energy. As it falls from the dam, it flows through a turbine with rotary blades. Electromagnets spin within the turbine as the water flows through it and a current is created. The energy is transferred to coils. These coils take the current to a transformer and the voltage is multiplied for transmission to homes and businesses through power lines.
This form of energy creation holds numerous advantages. The primary advantage is that it is environmentally friendly: it does not pollute the earth, it reduces green house gasses and global warming. Furthermore, it is potentially limitless: since water sources are constantly being replenished through rainfall, this is very efficient – unlike utilizing fossil fuels which exist in finite amounts (and will eventually run out).
Other advantages of this energy are that water is also a generally an available resource in many countries and eliminates the cost of the fuel used for this power source. Once hydroelectric power plants are built on waterways they are relatively inexpensive to operate. As the technology continues to mature, it is likely that power resource will become even more efficient and widespread.
Regardless of the source of electricity, whether it is created using wind, water, oil or coal, the benefits we gain are endless. Currently, water provides the electricity needed for homes and businesses around the world. This electricity operates everything from house hold appliances to wireless devices and large production equipment. Hydroelectric energy can also be stored to be later used in a motor vehicle to reduce our dependence on fuel.