What's Next: Generating hydroelectricity without building dams

As we know it

One of the most ancient forms of energy is hydropower. Its use has been documented for centuries and it is one of the most common forms of renewable energy. So common is its application in this regard that the United States’ renewable energy sector depends on hydropower for 49 percent of overall production. So, how exactly is hydropower generated? The process depends on massive amounts of falling water whose pressure triggers turbines that in turn produce electricity.

Hydroelectricity without dams

The need for change

Hydropower is especially suitable for those areas that see a lot of water. Currently, it makes up 21 percent of global renewable energy sources. Conventional methods of generating hydropower require the use of dams which act as water reservoirs to drive turbines and generators. While hydropower provides us with a much greener alternative than fossil-fuel based power, dams are expensive to construct and aren’t all that environmentally friendly. They divert water which many people rely on while flooding other areas and posing a risk to the ecosystem. Some have also been known to contribute to geological imbalances.

What’s next

In view of the many dangers that large water reservoirs meant for hydropower can pose, there is a growing urgency to derive the same energy result without building dams. Fortunately, this urgency has spawned attractive concepts that could very well see us doing away with dams in the future.

1. Hydropower Kinetic Technology

Hydropower Kinetic Technology

What’s new

Hydro Green Energy has developed turbine arrays that work on the principle of hydrokinetics. These modular turbines can be lowered and raised with the help of an on-board gantry, making it easier to conduct maintenance operations and doing away with the need to dive below the surface of the water to conduct checks. A floating raft acts as a platform for whatever operation needs to be undertaken. The rated capacity of the turbine arrays is 250kW per unit.

What difference will it make

This method of hydropower ensures that marine life is not disturbed and balance is maintained in the ecosystem. Unlike conventional hydropower, no dams are needed and the only requirement is flowing water.

2. FlipWing turbine

FlipWing turbine

What’s new

Seattle’s Hydrovolts Inc. launched the FlipWing turbine in 2010, with a view to generating hydropower without the use of dams. What is great about the technology is that the turbine can be used to generate power in shallow waters, serving as a solution to those areas where water bodies aren’t deep. The turbine is completely submerged and the blades are pushed against the center shaft by the current to drive the rotation. Incidentally, the technology is believed to be able to generate about 4kW of power. The company is currently working on building turbines of different sizes.

What difference will it make

The FlipWing turbine can be used in aqueducts and irrigation canals, offering areas with shallow water sources a chance to generate their own hydropower.

3. Free flow underwater turbines

Free Flow Underwater Turbines

What’s new

Ontario’s Verdant Power has built free flow turbines as part of the Cornwall Ontario River Energy Project. The turbines work much like a wind turbine does, except that they’re powered by water. The blades are slow-moving to allow marine life safe passage through the waters.

What difference will it make

Verdant’s free flow water turbines can also be applied to harness tidal currents to generate more energy. And while the impact of this technology cannot be said to be nil, it is still a far safer option than conventional hydropower techniques.

4. CARE Electric

CARE Electric

What’s new

Johann Hoffmann is a name that is synonymous with eco-based inventions. Continuing his legacy of patenting innovative concepts, Hoffmann had CARE Electric Energia develop a turbine that generates electricity while protecting marine life and ensuring passage for small boats. The system is suspended in the midst of flowing water bodies while attached turbine blades rotate due to water flow and pressure that builds up from behind the installation. CARE Electric says that their system generates up to 90 percent of the total capacity of the generator which is substantially higher than conventional systems.

What difference will it make

The system, unlike conventional ones, can operate all year round to generate smooth supply of electricity. What is more impressive, however, is that CARE Electric’s system offers fish and small boats easy passage, maintaining the ecological balance and giving way for transportation and commerce.

5. Hydrokinetic river turbine

Hydrokinetic river turbine

What’s new

A hydrokinetic river turbine developed and installed by New Energy Corp and Alaska Power & Telephone respectively, is currently being used by the small town of Eagle, Alaska, to generate hydropower in a safe manner. The system has been attached to a barge and rotates at speeds slow enough so as not to disturb aquatic life. According to the makers, their system is capable of generating 25kW of renewable power.

What difference will it make

The system is beneficial where aquatic life is seen in plenty and offers towns the option of generating their own clean power.