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Micro Hydro Energy
What is Micro Hydro Energy?
Micro hydro energy is a form of renewable energy that may be available to you if you live near a running river or creek. Micro hydro electricity is based on the same principals as a dam.
Often times, however, a dam changes the natural flow of streams and rivers, which can disrupt the local eco-system. Micro Hydro energy, however, is a little different. It uses the natural flow of the river or stream, without disrupting it. Therefore, it produces little, if any, environmental impact.
While solar powered panels have to store their energy for night time use, and while wind turbines are dependent on the weather, micro hydro energy is only dependent on the stream and the flow of the water. Therefore, it will run day or night, and will not be dependent on the weather.
Also, the turbines that are placed into the streams work with moderate water flow, which means that even softly flowing river or stream can be sufficient to generate power.
How does it work?
The process is quite simple. Water-wheel turbines are placed into the river or stream in a place where the water flows quickly. The water can either flow through the turbines or over them, and moves them, which is the source of the energy.
There might only be some small changes made in the area where the turbines are placed, but in general the micro hydro energy does not have an environmental impact.
Like other forms of renewable energy, your electricity is gathered, harnessed, and sent to your home. If you are off the grid, you can potentially power your whole home completely on micro hydro energy. If you are on the grid, this translates into energy savings, and also sometimes any excess energy you generate can be sold back to the electric company.
Recommended Products:
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