Alternative/Renewable Energy




Posted by: Mary Rose Tolentino


Monday, January 23, 2012

Hydroelecticity / Hydropower


Water is the most essential component of life. Without it, we cannot live. But did you know that water can be used in different activities rather than drinking, or washing? Yes, that’s right! Water can also be used to generate electricity. It is called Hydropower or Hydroelectricity. So what exactly is hydropower? Well according to http://environment.nationalgeographic.com,  Hydropower is electricity generated using the energy of moving water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy, accounting for 16 percent of global electricity consumption, and 3,427 terawatt-hours of electricity production in 2010, which continues the rapid rate of increase experienced between 2003 and 2009 (cited by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroelectricity). 

(Image from talegrapgh.co.uk)

(Image from flowersplane.com)
Ever heard of a Dam? A dam is barrier, typically of concrete, constructed to hold back water and raise its level, the resulting reservoir being used in the generation of electricity or as a water supply.
These types of structures are built mostly where there is a natural lake or a big river in a valley to efficiently get the energy out of the flowing water. The reason for holding back the water in dams is to create more pressure so that when the water is released, it can create more electrical power.


The Good thing in hydroelectric power is, it is a renewable source of energy.  The water stays in the water cycle and keep producing energy endlessly.




(Image from photobucket.com)

 
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of hydropower.

Advantages: 

1. Once a dam is constructed, electricity can be produced at a constant rate.
2. Dams are designed to last many decades and so can contribute to the generation of electricity for many years / decades.
3. The lake's water can be used for irrigation purposes.
4. When in use, electricity produced by dam systems do not produce green house gases. They do not pollute the atmosphere.

Disadvatages:

1. Dams are extremely expensive to build and must be built to a very high standard.
2. People living in villages and towns that are in the valley to be flooded, must move out. This means that  they lose their farms and businesses.
3. The high cost of dam construction means that they must operate for many decades to become profitable.



Posted by: Mary Rose Tolentino
Posted by at 8:27 PM

17 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    i'm just wondering why IT students blogging articles like this.haha anyway this helped me on my Hydrology assignment!. thanks for this good article!

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    blogging is really one great way to disseminate information. Hope everyone will always care about our nature :D

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 8:57 AM

    So I heard there was a global shortage on water.

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    i like this blog huh. so much related to your course.all kidding aside, i never really knew the importance of a dam until i read this article.

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    yeah, IT students are everywhere :)

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    very informative. :)

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 9:40 AM

    I hope that different kinds of alternative and other environmentally renewable sources will be given attention here in the Philippines, so as to create a more greener environment.
    Kudos!

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    This blog could really help in saving up water. Also on how dams could prevent spillage in times of calamity to avoid flash floods.

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2012 at 9:59 AM

    Thanks for the information!:) I just found out dams also produce energy o.O :))

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  10. Chris LeeJanuary 24, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    Dams are very beneficial especially here in the country as we have so many water system (rivers) in here. Too bad if it is not managed properly as it may cause more problems to the affected area.

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2012 at 1:52 AM

    True. Knew this 'cause we studied dams in Fluid Mechanics. :)

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  12. Divina Trisha ParungaoJanuary 25, 2012 at 2:15 AM

    Really found this to be awesome! Two things. ONE, it's a pleasure to get such information for free and TWO, it's so cool to know that you use blogging to provide mini lesson like this. Good job guys! :)

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2012 at 5:26 AM

    This is another renewable use of water as source of energy...This is a nice blog. It will be more educational if you can post many information about renewable technology..

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2012 at 8:10 AM

    It's amazing how water can be used also for electricity.

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2012 at 8:57 AM

    this blog is very educational.people will be aware about what Hydropower is

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    the blog is really helpful especially for those who are studying about hydroelectricity

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  17. albina N muroMay 26, 2013 at 12:32 AM

    Water is the most essential component of life. Without it, we cannot live. But did you know that water can be used in different activities rather than drinking, or washing? Yes, that’s right! Water can also be used to generate electricity. It is called Hydropower or Hydroelectricity. σομπες pellet

    ReplyDelete

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