Today we come to talk about one of the most used renewable energies in the world: hydraulic energy. It is a clean energy and renewable energy that harnesses the gravitational potential energy of water to produce electricity. Throughout this article, we will explain how it works, its advantages, types of hydroelectric plants and how this resource can be essential for a sustainable energy future.
Do you want to know more about hydropower and how it works? Keep reading!
What is hydraulic energy?
La hydraulic energy, Also known as hydroelectric power, is a renewable energy source obtained by harnessing the force of moving water. It is produced by transforming the potential energy from water stored in reservoirs or in the flow of rivers, which, when falling from a height, generates kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is used to rotate turbines connected to generators that produce electricity.
One of the main characteristics of hydraulic energy is its high energy efficiency, which can reach 90%. In addition, it is a clean and renewable energy. does not produce emissions of greenhouse gases during their generation.
This type of energy has been used since ancient times, but with the Industrial Revolution and the invention of the hydraulic turbine, it began to be used on a large scale to produce electricity. Today, hydroelectric power remains one of the main sources of renewable energy in the world.
How Does It Work?
The operation of the hydroelectric power It is based on harnessing the energy of water stored in reservoirs or rivers. Through forced conduits, the water is released and flows towards a turbine, generating a rotary motion. This movement causes the water to pass through a series of generators that transform kinetic energy into electrical energy. The key elements in this process are:
- reservoirs: Where the water is stored and, when released, generates the necessary fall.
- Turbines: Equipment that transforms water energy into rotating mechanical energy.
- Generators: Devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy using alternators.
This process allows water to follow its natural course after being used to generate electricity, so it is not consumed but reused in the hydrological cycle.
Types of hydroelectric plants
There are several types of hydroelectric plants which are classified according to their location and technology used. Below we detail the main types:
- Reservoir power plants: These are the most common and have large reservoirs that retain water. They can be released as needed, allowing for constant energy production throughout the year.
- Run-of-river power plants: Also known as run-of-river power plants, they do not have large-capacity reservoirs and depend on the regular flow of rivers, which limits them in times of drought.
- Reversible or pumped storage plants: These plants work by storing water in upper reservoirs during hours of low demand. The water is pumped to an upper reservoir and then returned to generate electricity during hours of high demand.
This last type is particularly important because it allows energy to be stored, making these plants highly flexible and useful for supplementing intermittent energy sources such as solar or wind.
Advantages of hydraulic power
La hydraulic energy It is one of the most widely used energy sources in the world due to its many advantages. Among them, the following stand out:
- It is a renewable energy: It is nourished by the kinetic and potential energy of water, which is an inexhaustible resource thanks to the natural hydrological cycle.
- Clean energy: It does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or toxic waste, making it an environmentally friendly option.
- High energy efficiency:Hydraulic energy has one of the highest energy yields, making it one of the most efficient forms of generation.
- Reduction of energy dependence:By being produced locally, it can reduce dependence on imported energy.
- Stability in generation: By being able to store water in reservoirs, electricity production is stable and can be regulated based on demand.
- Low operating costs:Once the plants are built, maintenance and operating costs are relatively low.
- Generates local employment:The construction and operation of hydroelectric plants provides direct and indirect jobs in the areas where they are installed.
In short, hydropower combines efficiency, sustainability and a low carbon footprint, making it a key solution for a cleaner and safer energy future.
Disadvantages of hydraulic power
Despite the advantages, it is also important to know the disadvantages of hydropower:
- Environmental impactThe construction of reservoirs and dams can seriously affect aquatic ecosystems, altering the habitat of various species and modifying the natural course of rivers.
- Initial construction costThe economic and environmental cost of building a dam is high, which can be a significant obstacle in certain regions.
- Dependence on weather conditions:In times of prolonged drought, the ability to produce energy can be seriously affected.
- Land floodingLarge reservoirs can flood large areas of agricultural land or inhabited areas, requiring the relocation of entire communities.
History of hydropower
Hydropower has a long history in human history. From the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used water mills to grind grain, to the Industrial Revolution, where it became one of the primary sources of energy. The invention of the water turbine allowed the efficiency of these systems to be significantly improved, making them viable for large-scale electricity production.
Today, hydropower remains one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide. In countries such as Norway and Brazil, more than 60% of their electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants.
Over the years, hydropower has proven to be one of the most reliable and efficient energy technologies to contribute to the transition towards more sustainable energy sources.