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Water Energy

Water energy may come from many different aspects involving water. Hydropower is the most common of these options. In fact, it is the most popular choice when it comes to creating electricity from a renewable energy source.

Hydropower is generally what people mean when they use the term, "water energy." This power is created from the force of moving water. There are many different methods of harnessing hydropower. These include through penstocks or a run-of-the-river systems. Both of these involve the use of turbines. A storage system may be another important aspect of harnessing such energy.

Water energy may also come from tides, waves, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC.) Tides are caused by the gravitation pull of the moon and sun as well as the rotation of the earth. Waves, on the other hand, are created by wind force over the surface of the ocean.

With tides, turbines are used in tidal barrages and tidal fences. Standalone tidal turbines are a newer option also. Wave power is also harnessed with turbines. These may be located within a catch basin. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion involves using temperature differences within the ocean to produce electricity.

 

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