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Water is the most important fluid that exists on Earth and offers us many resources and services. Water has allowed the development of life, has contributed to the regulation of the climate and also provides us with energy. Energy is another of the most necessary resources for human beings since without it, we would not have electricity or heat, for example. Perhaps the best known form of energy from water is hydraulic or hydroelectric energy, however, this is obtained from other energies, what are kinetic and potential energies. In this Green Ecologist article we are going to delve into explaining what is the kinetic energy of water in order to better understand the importance of water as an energy resource.
What is energy: simple definition
First of all, we have to know what energy is. Energy is understood as the ability of an object to do work and to transfer heat. In turn, work corresponds to the effort that must be made to move an object or substance over a certain distance. But, as we spoke at the beginning, energy is also heat and, therefore, energy can also be defined as the heat flow that moves from a hot object or substance to a colder one.
Energy It can be found in many forms, such as light, heat, electricity, chemical energy, and / or mechanical energy. The latter is based on the movement of matter and is normally defined as the sum of the kinetic and potential energies. The flow of water is a clear example of this mechanical energy and next we are going to see what the kinetic energy and the potential energy of water consist of.
What are the kinetic energy of water and potential energy
The Kinetic energy it is the energy associated with any body that is in motion. To calculate kinetic energy, it must be taken into account that its calculation depends on both the mass and the speed of the body. Therefore, knowing this general definition of kinetic energy, we could define the kinetic energy of water as that energy that comes from its movement or flow. The greater the volume (and mass) of water and the greater its velocity, the greater its kinetic energy.
However, there is another form of energy that is closely related to kinetic energy, and that is the potential energy. This potential energy is simply energy that can potentially be transformed into another form of energy, normally kinetic. In other words, potential energy is that which is stored in a body and can be used.
Although water has kinetic energy, there is also the potential energy of water. The potential energy of water is that which is stored in a body of water and which is transformed into kinetic energy when it begins to flow. Potential energy depends to a large extent on height, therefore, those bodies of water that are higher up have higher potential energy. In this way, those bodies of water that are found in gorges or have cataracts have a higher potential energy and if the water flows also higher kinetic energy.
How the hydraulic energy or potential and kinetic energy of water works
As well we have explained the kinetic energy of water it can be harnessed when it flows or moves. Consequently, this energy can be used in the execution of processes such as moving a turbine. On the other hand, to take advantage of the highest possible kinetic energy, the maximum potential energy is also needed. On this principle is based hydraulic power and for this the construction of dams is necessary. Dams and reservoirs also make it possible to store water and thus make it available for consumption and other activities such as agriculture.
For make the most of hydraulic power Two important factors must be taken into account:
- The flow.
- The height of the waterfall.
The dams are used to regulate the flow depending on the time of year and also to increase the waterfall and thus the potential energy.
For produce electrical energy, the dam is opened and some of the stored water is dropped, thus converting the potential energy into kinetic energy. The falling water drives a turbine that is linked to an electrical power generator. Thus, it is achieved that the water that passes through the turbines at high speed causes the rotational movement of the turbines, generating electricity. In this way electricity is produced from the kinetic (and potential) energy of water.
There are other ways to increase the height of the waterfall. One of them consists of diverting the river water through a channel with a small slope (less than that of the river bed). Thus, with this technique a greater unevenness is achieved between the channel and the river bed. On the other hand, in many countries (especially in developing countries) small plants have been installed, with low powers, but which allow the production of enough electrical energy to power small regions. This is the case in China or Costa Rica where these small dams are the main source of electricity. This miniaturized form of hydraulic energy is known as energy mini-hydraulics and is considered more environmentally friendly.
In this other Green Ecologist article we will talk more about how hydraulic energy works, specifically about what mini hydraulic energy is and how it works.
Hydraulic power: advantages and disadvantages
The hydraulic energy obtained from the kinetic energy of water and the potential has advantages and disadvantages, like all.
Advantages of hydropower
- It is considered a renewable and clean energy.
- Very stable energy production.
- Flexible production thanks to the flow of water.
- Safe energy, unlike other non-renewable ones, such as nuclear energy.
Disadvantages of hydropower
- It depends on the rains and thaws, as well as whether there are no major droughts.
- The places for its installation are limited.
- High initial investment.
- It has an environmental impact, more specifically on the landscape.
In this other article on the Advantages and Disadvantages of hydropower we will talk more about this topic.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is the kinetic energy of water, we recommend that you enter our category of Renewable Energies.
