The most common large scale hydro power systems are incorporated into dams and reservoirs. Stored water is released down chutes in the dams containing turbines; as the turbines work electricity is created. The potential energy of the stored water is transformed into usable power. This is a relatively simple method that has been used for centuries: in the past waterwheels have powered mills, and the at the start of the industrial revolution the main method of powering factories, especially in areas where iron and steel were being processed, was hydro power. Now, though, giant hydroelectric power stations are being constructed to provide energy in place of conventional sources such as fossil fuels, the prime example being the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China. At the time of writing providing three percent of the energy needs of the whole of China, this is a truly stupendous engineering achievement.

Other large scale systems are beginning to be implemented in tidal and coastal areas. Tidal barrage systems operate across the mouths of river estuaries, where the ebb and flow of the tide can be exploited to provide energy. Wave farms operate on the open ocean, with floating turbines moored in areas where wave activity is strong enough to generate electricity efficiently but not so strong that there is a risk of damage to the turbines. Being less familiar than hydroelectric dams, these systems are taking longer to design and implement but could prove to be an effective solution for countries with extensive coastlines.

The benefits of such hydro power systems are clear: once constructed, the energy produced is cheap and clean when compared to other power sources; the amount of pollution produced is minimal. There are, however, negatives. The construction of hydroelectricity systems can lead to environmental problems: the building of the aforementioned Three Gorges Dam led to the displacement of millions of people and the submerging of the habitats of endangered species such as the Siberian Crane. Also, tidal barrage systems have also been criticised for their potential to upset the ecological balance of the estuaries in which they are located, though system designers have responded by promising to attempt to minimise such disruption.

Despite these problems, it is clear that hydro power is an attractive option for future provision of energy, especially in coastal countries. Problems associated with other forms of energy will ensure that one of mankind’s oldest power sources will continue to be exploited well into the twenty-first century.

To find out more about hydro power, including the emergence of small scale systems usable by businesses and homeowners, visit http://www.electricitygeneration.co.uk – This site also contains information on a wide variety of conventional and non-conventional energy sources, allowing the visitor to assess how they can ensure their power needs are met for years to come.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Drabble

One of the major advantages of a micro hydro power system is that it only takes a relatively small amount of flow or a drop that is as low as two feet to be able to generate electricity. This electricity can then be delivered as far as a mile away to the area where it is being used.

As hydro produces a continuous supply of electric energy compared to other small-scale renewable systems, it can be a reliable electricity source. The winter months would be the peak season wherein large amounts of electricity are required.

The micro hydro power system functions as a ‘run-of-river’ system wherein the water passing through the generator will be directed back into the stream with little effect on the surrounding environment. Most states and municipalities require a permit to operate a hydro power project.

Since the building of a small-scale hydro power system would cost you from $1,000 – $20,000 depending on the location and electrical requirements, it is still a cost effective energy solution. Even the costs you will have to invest for maintenance are relatively small in comparison to other systems.

Let’s move on with the disadvantages. Now, a suitable site will be required in order to gain full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams. And there are a number of factors that would have to be considered, and these are: the stream size, the distance from the power source to the location where energy is needed, and a balance of system components such as batteries, inverter, controller, transmission line, and pipelines.

The stream size will also tend to fluctuate seasonally in most locations, especially during the summer months wherein there will be decreased flow and decreased power output. To make sure that your energy requirements are met, advanced planning and research is needed.

While there will be minimal ecological impacts of a micro hydro power system, these environmental effects must still be taken into consideration. Proper caution may be needed to ensure that it will not cause any damage to the local ecology or civil infrastructure, since stream water will be diverted away from the portion of the stream.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_W_Smith

The most common large scale hydro power systems are incorporated into dams and reservoirs. Stored water is released down chutes in the dams containing turbines; as the turbines work electricity is created. The potential energy of the stored water is transformed into usable power. This is a relatively simple method that has been used for centuries: in the past waterwheels have powered mills, and the at the start of the industrial revolution the main method of powering factories, especially in areas where iron and steel were being processed, was hydro power. Now, though, giant hydroelectric power stations are being constructed to provide energy in place of conventional sources such as fossil fuels, the prime example being the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China. At the time of writing providing three percent of the energy needs of the whole of China, this is a truly stupendous engineering achievement.

Other large scale systems are beginning to be implemented in tidal and coastal areas. Tidal barrage systems operate across the mouths of river estuaries, where the ebb and flow of the tide can be exploited to provide energy. Wave farms operate on the open ocean, with floating turbines moored in areas where wave activity is strong enough to generate electricity efficiently but not so strong that there is a risk of damage to the turbines. Being less familiar than hydroelectric dams, these systems are taking longer to design and implement but could prove to be an effective solution for countries with extensive coastlines.

The benefits of such hydro power systems are clear: once constructed, the energy produced is cheap and clean when compared to other power sources; the amount of pollution produced is minimal. There are, however, negatives. The construction of hydroelectricity systems can lead to environmental problems: the building of the aforementioned Three Gorges Dam led to the displacement of millions of people and the submerging of the habitats of endangered species such as the Siberian Crane. Also, tidal barrage systems have also been criticised for their potential to upset the ecological balance of the estuaries in which they are located, though system designers have responded by promising to attempt to minimise such disruption.

Despite these problems, it is clear that hydro power is an attractive option for future provision of energy, especially in coastal countries. Problems associated with other forms of energy will ensure that one of mankind’s oldest power sources will continue to be exploited well into the twenty-first century.

To find out more about hydro power, including the emergence of small scale systems usable by businesses and homeowners, visit http://www.electricitygeneration.co.uk – This site also contains information on a wide variety of conventional and non-conventional energy sources, allowing the visitor to assess how they can ensure their power needs are met for years to come.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Drabble