vízenergiatermelést

Vízenergiatermelés, also known as hydropower, is the process of generating electricity from the energy of moving water. This is typically achieved by harnessing the potential energy of water stored at a height or the kinetic energy of flowing water. The most common method involves constructing a dam across a river to create a reservoir. Water is then released from the reservoir and flows through turbines, which are connected to generators. The spinning turbines drive the generators, producing electricity.

There are several types of hydroelectric power plants. Run-of-river plants utilize the natural flow of a river with minimal water storage, while storage plants, also known as reservoir plants, store large amounts of water behind a dam, allowing for more controlled electricity generation. Pumped-storage hydroelectricity uses two reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, excess power is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper one. When demand is high, the water is released back to the lower reservoir, passing through turbines to generate electricity.

Hydropower is a renewable energy source, as water is replenished naturally. It is also a relatively clean source of energy, producing no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, the construction of large dams can have significant environmental impacts, including altering river ecosystems, displacing communities, and affecting fish migration. The efficiency of hydropower generation depends on factors such as the volume of water flow and the height of the water drop.