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Water power, or hydropower, is the world's leading source of renewable energy, providing over 97% of all electricity produced by renewable sources.
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Approximately 20% of all electricity throughout the world is generated by hydropower.
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Canada is the largest producer of hyropower, followed by the United States. In Norway almost 100% of the country's electricity is generated by hydropower; in New Zealand it counts for 75% of the electricity.
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Hydropower is the most efficient and cost-effective way to generate electricity. While the most efficient fossil fuel plants can convert only up to 50% of the energy into electricity, modern hydro-turbines are able to convert as much as 90%.
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In the US hydropower-generated electricity costs 50% less than nuclear, 40% less than fossil fuels and 25% less than natural gas.
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Approximately 20% of all electricity throughout the world is generated by hydropower.
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Canada is the largest producer of hyropower, followed by the United States. In Norway almost 100% of the country's electricity is generated by hydropower; in New Zealand it counts for 75% of the electricity.
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Hydropower is the most efficient and cost-effective way to generate electricity. While the most efficient fossil fuel plants can convert only up to 50% of the energy into electricity, modern hydro-turbines are able to convert as much as 90%.
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In the US hydropower-generated electricity costs 50% less than nuclear, 40% less than fossil fuels and 25% less than natural gas.
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Water Power: some statistics
HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER
Hydro electricity is generated from moving or falling water. A mill by the side of a fast-moving river, for example, takes advantage of water power by channelling the water through a water-wheel to generate energy, while hydro-electric stations such as the famous plants of Niagara Falls and Boulder Dam use the gravitational power of falling water.
In actual fact, electrical power may be generated from any steady current of flowing water from a river or other waterway.
The modern-day water turbine is based on the same principle as the ancient water-wheel, though it is a great deal more efficient.
TIDAL POWER
Tide mills have existed for thousands of years, the earliest dating back to Roman times.
Tidal power uses the force of the tide to generate energy. It depends, therefore, on the relative motion of the earth, moon and sun, and their interaction with the forces of gravity. Consequently, tidal power is considered a virtually inexhaustible renewable energy source.
Tidal Stream Generators are a relatively new technology.
Sea Gen (see below), the world's first large-scale commercial tidal wave generator, was installed in April 2008 off the coast of Ireland. More information on Sea Gen and tidal power can be found here.
Wave Power uses the power of surface ocean waves to create wave power electricity, using machinery collectively referred to as a Wave Farm.
Wave Dragon (below), a joint EU research project set up in the waters of Denmark, is the world's first offshore floating energy converter. More information on Wave Dragon and wave power can be found here.
Hydro electricity is generated from moving or falling water. A mill by the side of a fast-moving river, for example, takes advantage of water power by channelling the water through a water-wheel to generate energy, while hydro-electric stations such as the famous plants of Niagara Falls and Boulder Dam use the gravitational power of falling water.
In actual fact, electrical power may be generated from any steady current of flowing water from a river or other waterway.
The modern-day water turbine is based on the same principle as the ancient water-wheel, though it is a great deal more efficient.
TIDAL POWER
Tide mills have existed for thousands of years, the earliest dating back to Roman times.
Tidal power uses the force of the tide to generate energy. It depends, therefore, on the relative motion of the earth, moon and sun, and their interaction with the forces of gravity. Consequently, tidal power is considered a virtually inexhaustible renewable energy source.
Tidal Stream Generators are a relatively new technology.
Sea Gen (see below), the world's first large-scale commercial tidal wave generator, was installed in April 2008 off the coast of Ireland. More information on Sea Gen and tidal power can be found here.
Wave Power uses the power of surface ocean waves to create wave power electricity, using machinery collectively referred to as a Wave Farm.
Wave Dragon (below), a joint EU research project set up in the waters of Denmark, is the world's first offshore floating energy converter. More information on Wave Dragon and wave power can be found here.
Hydro-power can be divided into two types: large-scale hydro power systems (see information in right column), which generate over 30 MW (enough to power almost 30,000 homes) and small-scale or micro hydro power systems (generating up to 30 MW).
Since this website is about alternative energy solutions for everyday application, we shall be focusing on the microhydro systems.
Since this website is about alternative energy solutions for everyday application, we shall be focusing on the microhydro systems.
Ancient Tidal mill at Bréhat, France
Microhydro power generation is a much more environmentally-friendly way of creating electrical energy than its large-scale counterpart, as it does not interfere with the normal flow of the river. Any home with free access to a nearby waterway can generate electricity from the water by installing either a water wheel (above left) or a water turbine.
The water wheel, which descends directly from the original water wheel dating as far back as Roman times, is comparatively slow yet extremely efficient. Information, photos and kits can be found at the Waterwheel Factory website.
The water wheel, which descends directly from the original water wheel dating as far back as Roman times, is comparatively slow yet extremely efficient. Information, photos and kits can be found at the Waterwheel Factory website.
MICRO HYDRO VIDEOS
Figure from the original Pelton Wheel patent (1880).
So where can I find a microhydro turbine?
(We thought you'd ask that).
(We thought you'd ask that).
In the case of the water turbine, meanwhile, water is channelled through a pipe upstream into the turbine wheel, which is powered by a generator or alternator. Today all commercial microhydro generators use a turbine. The wheel itself is usually a Pelton wheel type, named after the American inventor who created the 'impulse water turbine' in the 1870s. Another type of turbine used is the Turgo turbine, which was developed from the Pelton in 1919.
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Microhydro power systems operate with free-flowing water and do not dam up or collect the water, which means that in dry seasons power will be reduced.
They are frequently used to complement solar and wind power, therefore, as each season typically provides its own specific type of energy.
They are frequently used to complement solar and wind power, therefore, as each season typically provides its own specific type of energy.
Harris 4-nozzle Hydro Turbine.
Sturgy, one-piece Pelton-wheel microhydro turbine in tough silicon bronze.
Sturgy, one-piece Pelton-wheel microhydro turbine in tough silicon bronze.
California-based alternative energy company Real Goods Solar, Inc. has been providing solar energy and off-the-grid solutions for the past 30 years. The company offers a wide range of solutions and products, including micro hydro turbines and such as those shown below. See the whole range here.
Hi-Power High Voltage Hydroelectric Generator
Specifically designed for long distances and high flow rates
Specifically designed for long distances and high flow rates
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Sea Gen (Ireland)
