How to Build a Hydro Generator
How to Build a Hydro Generator
Hydroelectricity generators are capable of producing electricity using hydropower. It is a form of convertible energy. Small hydro generators also have considerable potential for giving electric supply in major countries like the U.K.
Required Materials
Motor/electrical generator - a small motor to attach the water tube, or an electrical AC generator may also be used.
LED (i.e. light emitting diode) - for testing purposes.
Water wheel - for rotation.
Wire coils - for the connection of circuits.
Garden pipe connected to a river or waterspout.
Writing materials to maintain records.
Instructions
Step one: Water needs to be taken from a nearby river or reservoir. It is to be then fed through the garden pipe, into blades of the water wheels. The hydroelectric potential of the river can also be determined through this operation.
Step two: The force of the running or flowing water on the blades causes it to rotate. Electric power is generated from the movement of the water.
Step three: The rotating wheel is connected to the AC generator, which spins the rotor inside it. The rotor is attached to strong magnets inside wire coils. As the magnets start to spin, electricity flows in the wires, thus the rapid motion of the water is converted into electrical energy.
Step four: The LED is used to test the operation. As the electricity is generated, it lights up the LED instantly. Observations of the LED can be recorded.
Step five: All of these activities can be recorded on paper for further observations.
Enthusiastic science students can build a model hydroelectricity generator and experiment with its operational adaptabilities. The advantages and disadvantages of these generators can be assessed. It generally takes an hour to conduct an experiment outdoors or half an hour in class. Reviewing the whole on-site operation in the class, taking interviews of professionals who have designed small hydro generators for private houses or office cabins can also prove to be helpful.
In the U.K most of the power is made by big generators that work more or less on the same rules mentioned above. Dams built on large rivers are used for such purposes, which release water through big pipes also known as penstocks. Generators as huge as any house are utilized for the spinning task to produce large units of electricity.
Mostly hydro generators are used for creating electricity; some are also employed to serve industrial purposes. The operating cost of a hydro generator is lower as compared to fuel like oil, coal and natural sources of gas. Economically it has a longer life of more than 100 years. The labor used for such operational plants are few, as most of these plants are automatic in nature requiring minimum staff or laborers.
Finally, the hydroelectricity generators help companies transmit large supply of electricity to homes and business centers thousands of kilometers away through a network of wires.