Waterpower

The basis for water power utilisation is the natural hydrologic cycle with the factors evaporation, precipitation and run-off. The part of the rainfall which flows into the rivers is used for energy production.

The energy of a water current can do work. This is used in hydroelectric power stations: There the flow energy (kinetic energy) drives generators via a turbine wheel and the generators produce electricity. High electric efficiencies of over 90 percent are achieved. The quantity of electricity generated primarily depends on the quantity of flowing water and the height difference. In Germany the predominant types of power stations used are run-off river power stations as well as storage and pumped storage power stations. Different turbines such as Kaplan turbines, Francis turbines, Pelton turbines and cross-flow turbines are used depending on the volumetric flow rate and the height through which water falls.