Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology Latest News
In a major push to expand renewable energy and ensure 24x7 electricity supply, the Tripura government recently identified 10 river sites to generate 185 MW of power using Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology.
About Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology
- Hydrokinetic turbines are an emerging hydropower technology that takes advantage of moving water currents to generate power.Â
- Unlike traditional hydroelectric dams that require larger in-channel infrastructure that can disrupt flow and the river ecosystem, hydrokinetic turbines are placed directly in the river channel and have a much smaller environmental footprint.
- These turbines offer a renewable energy source by tapping into the natural flow of water in aquatic environments.
- It uses kinetic energy of flowing water with practically zero potential head for generation of electrical energy, unlike conventional units, which utilize potential energy of water through construction of suitable civil structures such as dams, diversion weirs, and barrages for creation of necessary 'Head'.
Benefits of Hydrokinetic Turbines
- Renewable Energy Source: Hydrokinetic turbines harness the steady flow of water to generate power. This clean energy source reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
- Minimal Environmental Impact: These turbines operate with the natural flow of water, unlike traditional dams. It preserves ecosystems and minimizes disruption to aquatic life and landscapes.
- Scalable and Flexible: Hydrokinetic turbines can be adjusted to meet different energy needs. They work well for small local setups or larger multi-turbine arrays, making them suitable for various projects.
- Cost-Effective Maintenance: With fewer moving parts and strong debris protection, these turbines require less upkeep. This reduces maintenance costs and ensures reliable long-term operation.
Source: IT
Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology FAQs
Q1: What do hydrokinetic turbines primarily exploit to generate electricity?
Ans: The kinetic energy of flowing water.
Q2: How do hydrokinetic turbines differ from traditional hydropower dams in terms of infrastructure?
Ans: Hydrokinetic Turbines do not require large in-channel structures like dams, weirs, or barrages.
Q3: Do hydrokinetic turbines require a significant potential head for power generation?
Ans: No, they operate with practically zero potential head.
Q4: How do hydrokinetic turbines affect aquatic ecosystems compared to large dams?
Ans: They cause minimal disruption and preserve natural flow and habitats.
Q5: Why do hydrokinetic turbines have lower maintenance costs?
Ans: They have fewer moving parts and include strong debris-protection systems.
