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Water as a source of energy

Hydropower

Water as asource of energyHydropower
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Water as an Energy Source

Water energy resources include hydroelectric power from lakes and rivers, ocean energy in its various forms, and energy technologies that take advantage of saline water.
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Water energy

If you've ever stood in a fast–moving stream, under a waterfall, or on the ocean shore as waves come crashing in, then you've felt the power of the water. The energy from moving water can be used to create electricity in several different ways.

Types of water energy

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Hydroelectric Power

Hydropower makes use of the kinetic energy water gains when it drops in elevation. Typically, water dammed in a lake or reservoir is released through turbines and generators to produce electricity, Hydropower has been a staple of electricity since the beginnings of the electric age.
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Ocean Energy

Three distinct types of ocean resource are commonly mentioned as possible energy sources: tides, waves, and ocean temperature differentials (ocean thermal energy conversion, or OTEC). For example, tidal energy schemes capture water at high tide and release it at low tide. Wave energy generation devices fall into two general classifications, fixed and floating. In both cases, the oscillating motion of an incoming and outgoing wave is used to drive turbines that generate electricity.
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Saline Water

Saline and brackish water is common - normally it poses a problem for fresh water supplies. Several technologies, however, can take advantage of saline water for energy production. These include solar ponds and algae production. Solar ponds use the salt water in such a manner that heat from sunlight is effectively locked in the pool and can be used for a number of process heat applications or electricity production. The ability of the pond to store solar thermal energy is unique and overcomes the resource variability that is a drawback of traditional solar development.

A hydroelectric dam

  1. Flowing water turns a water wheel or turbine.
  2. A generator attached to the turbine produces electricity.

Wave power

is the transport of energy by ocean surface waves, and the capture of that energy to do useful work – for example, electricity generation, water desalination, or the pumping of water. A machine able to exploit wave power is generally known as a wave energy converter

Tidal power

Tidal power also called tidal energy, is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity.
Tidal power captures the energy of flowing waters with the help of turbines as tides rush in and out of coastal areas.