Overview

This book provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of hydropower, microhydropower, dams, and turbines, with information on everything from the basics, federal incentives and funding opportunities, environmental impact, fish passage, design concepts, practical small hydropower systems, federal research, and more. This compendium is an excellent reference source for up-to-date hydropower information. The hydrologic cycle - water constantly moves through a vast global cycle, in which it evaporates from lakes and oceans, forms clouds, precipitates as rain or snow, then flows back to the ocean. The energy of this water cycle, which is driven by the sun, is tapped most efficiently with hydropower. Hydropower facility types include: Impoundment hydropower - uses a dam to store water. Water may be released either to meet changing electricity needs or to maintain a constant reservoir level. Pumped storage - pumps water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir at times when demand for electricity is low. During periods of high electrical demand, the water is released back to the lower reservoir to generate electricity. Diversion projects - channel a portion of the river through a canal or a penstock and may require a dam. The adjacent project did not require a dam. Microhydropower projects - produce 100 kilowatts (kW)or less. Microhydro plants can utilize low heads or highheads. If you're considering building a small hydropower system on water flowing through your property, you have a long tradition from which to draw your inspiration. Today, small hydropower projects offer emissions-free power solutions for many remote communities throughout the world-such as those in Nepal, India, China, and Peru-as well as for highly industrialized countries, like the United States. This information will help you determine whether a small hydropower system will work for your power needs and whether your location is right for hydropower technology. It will also explain the basic system components, the need for permits and water rights, and how you might be able to sell the excess electricity you generate.

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9781549558900

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