Hydroelectric Power

Although many of us consider hydroelectric power to represent a relatively new concept, it was actually first implemented with the intention to generate a renewable source of electricity as far back as 1878.[1] Having said this, the mechanical concepts have existed for millennia.

For example, water wheels have been traditionally used to perform tasks such as cutting wood and grinding wheat kernels. Mills along rivers could also be employed to drive mechanical pistons or to manipulate objects that would otherwise be impossible to move. Things have obviously changed in recent times.

What are the primary principles associated with hydropower? How are these then applied within a hydroelectric power plant? What is the role of a water turbine? Perhaps most importantly, what is the future of the hydropower industry as a whole? These and other topics will be addressed throughout our article.

The Generation of Energy Through Hydropower: The Fundamentals

To appreciate hydroelectric power on a basic level, it is first wise to examine the concept of energy production from a general perspective. We are referring to electrical energy in this sense.

There are many ways in which electricity can be produced. All of these involve converting one form of stored energy into another. For instance, batteries often employ chemical reactions in order to generate electricity. Nuclear power plants use fuels such as enriched uranium in order to create a sustainable chain reaction that ultimately turns water into steam. The main takeaway point here is that matter which is changed from one form to another can often generate power.

In terms of hydroelectric power, this involves modifying the mechanical energy of water into usable electricity. How does the process work? Not only is this a relatively efficient method, but hydroelectric energy represents an environmentally friendly alternative to other methods such as the combustion of fossil fuels. So, how are plants able to produce hydroelectric power?

A Quick Look at a Typical Hydro Generator

There are many components found within a hydro power plant. For the sake of brevity, we will only be focusing on those which are innately involved with the production of electricity via hydroelectric power. This comes in the form of an apparatus known as a hydro turbine. Here are the steps involved[2]:

  • A volume of water will enter into the hydroelectric power station via a large pipe or tunnel (known as a "penstock").
  • The movement of this water will be used to mechanically turn the blades of a turbine.
  • In turn, the hydroelectric power turbine will spin a generator armature.
  • This results in the production of electricity.

Note that this is a highly simplified breakdown of the principles associated with hydroelectric power.

What are the Benefits of Hydroelectric Power?

Now that we have a fundamental appreciation of how hydroelectric power is generated, we can begin to move on and discuss the associated benefits. Perhaps the most obvious is that hydroelectric power represents a clean and renewable source of energy. There are nonetheless several other advantages to stress.

Hydroelectric energy also enables regions and even entire countries to rely upon internal sources of electricity without being forced to turn to outside aid. This all but eliminates situations such as political embargos while controlling any price hikes that might have otherwise resulted from nations cutting supplies.[3]

Hydro power stations can likewise adjust their energy output in accordance with consumer needs. This is often as simple as allowing more water to flow through the penstock; providing the energy to spin generators at a faster rate (resulting in a greater output in terms of kilowatt hours).

Interestingly enough, hydroelectric power often results in ancillary benefits that are not often apparent to the general public. Hydroelectric power plants will often create on-site reservoirs that are used to store water. These artificial lakes can then be used to irrigate crops, to provide homes with drinking water or simply to offer a nice spot for a picnic.

Hydroelectric plants likewise provide a source of cheap and reliable energy. This is certainly not the case when referring to other techniques such as fossil fuels that will often incur high transportation and storage costs. In other words, the presence of a hydro plant will normally result in lower energy tariffs for nearby communities.[3]

What are the Costs
of a Hydroelectric Power Terminal?

It is actually quite difficult to generalise the costs associated with a hydroelectric power facility. Some are larger than others and intended to serve massive areas (such as entire cities). Others will supply energy to a local hydroelectric power grid.

Civil engineering is yet another important component. The costs attributed to building a massive structure (such as a hydroelectric dam) are obviously quite high. Construction projects may take years to complete and during this time, some of the financial burden is likely to be placed on local communities. Once these areas finally receive hydroelectric power, they are often provided with rebates in the form of subsidies.

Having said all of this, we can still breakdown the costs of hydroelectric power production in accordance with aggregate energy output. Here are some recent figures associated with pumped hydro stations[4]:

  • 25 kilowatts: £169,000 pounds.
  • 100 kilowatts: £529,000 pounds.
  • 500 kilowatts: £1.6 million pounds.

Note that these are only the costs attributed to the initial construction of a hydroelectric power terminal. Ongoing maintenance and future upgrades have not been taken into account.

What Challenges Does
Hydroelectric Power Currently Face?

The hydroelectric power industry still faces a handful of challenges that need to be overcome. One issue is that hydroelectric power as a market sector is extremely vulnerable to climate change and scenarios such as reduced volumes of water due to evaporation.[5]

Another potential issue involves certain delivery systems such as pumped storage hydropower (PSH). The sheer footprints of these hydroelectric power facilities may lead to opposition from the general public and construction could take years to complete.

Accessibility is yet another issue. Only a handful of locations are suitable for the presence of hydroelectric power terminals. Local climates likewise need to be mild, as freezing water would otherwise render the hydroelectric power terminal useless for months at a time.

What is the Future of Hydroelectric Power?

It is estimated that up to 16 percent of the world's energy is derived from hydroelectric power.[6] While this is an impressive figure, several advancements will need to be made in order to increase the availability of such a renewable source of energy.

For example, hydroelectric power terminals are being outfitted with advanced fuel cell technology (such as DMFC systems) in order to ensure that backup energy is available in the event of a grid failure. Experts believe that this level of redundancy can save time and money while simultaneously expediting the recovery process.[7]

Experts also note that modernising the infrastructure of existing hydroelectric power facilities is becoming a priority due to the fact that many have already existed for decades.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is likewise expected to play an important role in hydroelectric power. Examples may include systems that can be remotely monitored with the use of a smartphone application or a redundant on-site hydrogen fuel cell that automatically activates a charging apparatus when low on power. Simply stated, integration within the digital world is likely to at least partially represent the future of hydroelectric power generation.[8]

Conclusion

While other sources of renewable energy such as photovoltaics and wind power have gained a fair amount of popularity, we need to remember that hydroelectric power represents a reliable and familiar technology. There is no reason why hydroelectric power should fail to enjoy a bright future.

What is Hydroelectric Power?

Not only is it a relatively efficient method, but hydropower is also an environmentally friendly alternative to other methods such as burning fossil fuels. The most common hydro power that uses this type of concept are water wheels, which have been invented far back in 1878.

How does the Hydro Generator basically work?

  1. A volume of water will enter into the hydroelectric power station via a large pipe or tunnel (known as a “penstock”).
  2. The movement of this water will be used to mechanically turn the blades of a turbine.
  3. In turn, the hydroelectric power turbine will spin a generator armature.
  4. This results in the production of electricity.

What are the Benefits of Hydroelectric Power?

  • Hydroelectric power provides a clean and renewable source of energy.
  • Hydroelectric power allows regions and even entire countries to rely on internal sources of electricity.
  • Hydroelectric power plants can also adapt their energy production to the needs of consumers.
  • Hydroelectric power plants provide a source of cheap and reliable energy.

What are the costs of a hydropower plant?

It is actually quite difficult to generalise the costs associated with a hydroelectric power facility. Some recent figures associated with pumped hydro stations:

  • 25 kilowatts: £169,000 pounds.
  • 100 kilowatts: £529,000 pounds.
  • 500 kilowatts: £1.6 million pounds.

Sources

[1] https://www.hydropower.org/iha/discover-history-of-hydropower
[2] https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/how-hydropower-works
[3] https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/benefits-hydropower
[4] https://www.renewablesfirst.co.uk/hydropower/hydropower-learning-centre/how-much-do-hydropower-systems-cost-to-build/
[5] https://www.fuergy.com/blog/hydroelectricity-major-challenges-and-issues
[6] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/hydropower
[7] https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/how-fuel-cells-power-infrastructure-for-disaster-recovery/
[8] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/02/why-hydropower-is-the-worlds-most-overlooked-renewable.htm