Hydropower Technology Descriptions

Hydroelectric energy is created by converting the kinetic energy of falling or moving water. Electricity is produced by spinning electromagnets within a generator, which creates a flow of electrons. The movement of water is what keeps the electromagnets in motion. The amount of electricity generated by water sources is determined by two factors: the vertical distance water must fall and the rate at which it falls.

Image courtesy of Western Power Corporation

Hydroelectric power stations either leverage the natural flow of water or force rapid water movement by building a dam. Water falls from the higher level into the intake pipe, which is carried into a turbine. The turbine spins as a water wheel, converting the water’s kinetic energy into mechanical power. The turbine is connected to a generator which produces electricity. After flowing through the turbine, the water exits the power station and is routed back into the river.

The same principles apply to the generation of power using “microhydro” equipment, which creates energy from the flow of water through smaller rivers, streams, and brooks. Microhydro is seeing increased use in the third-world to help meet the energy demands of remote locations that don’t have high-volume water supplies nearby.

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