Part 3 of Small Hydropower Systems. Small run-of-the-river hydropower systems consist of these basic components: Water conveyance—channel, pipeline, or pressurized pipeline (penstock) that delivers the water Turbine or waterwheel—transforms the energy of flowing water into rotational energy Alternator or generator—transforms the rotational energy into electricity Regulator—controls the generator Wiring—delivers the electricity. Many systems also use […]
Overview It is natural and all around us. It comes up from the ground, down through the atmosphere, and even from within our own bodies. It can be man-made too. But it’s nothing new. It’s been present since the birth of the planet. It is radiation, and radiation is, quite simply, part of our lives. […]
Part 6 of Get Your Power from the Sun. The value of your photovoltaic system’s electricity depends on how much you pay for electricity now and how much your utility will pay you for any excess power that you generate. If your utility offers net metering (and so pays the full retail price for your […]