Energy from water - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 20:25, 4 August 2026
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	[[Category:Done ~~2018~~-05-18]]		[[Category:Done 2026-08-01]]
	[[File:MicaDam.JPG\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. The Mica Dam in British Columbia is one example of how the energy in water can be harnessed for human use.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (September 2, 2015). ''Mica Dam'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MicaDam.JPG</ref>]]		[[File:MicaDam.JPG\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. The Mica Dam in British Columbia is one example of how the energy in water can be harnessed for human use.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (September 2, 2015). ''Mica Dam'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MicaDam.JPG</ref>]]

	<onlyinclude>The '''energy from water''' can be harnessed to be useful in a variety of different ways through [[water wheel]]s or in [[hydroelectricity]] generating facilities.</onlyinclude> As [[water]] moves through some body, such as a river, its [[gravitational potential energy\|potential]] and [[kinetic energy]] vary. Additionally, if the area through which the water is moving changes size the [[pressure]] can also change. A device such as a [[turbine]], can harness the kinetic and potential [[energy]] to be transformed into a type of useable energy, such as [[electricity]].		<onlyinclude>The '''energy from water''' can be harnessed to be useful in a variety of different ways through [[water wheel]]s or in [[hydroelectricity]] generating facilities.</onlyinclude> As [[water]] moves through some body, such as a river, its [[gravitational potential energy\|potential]] and [[kinetic energy]] vary. Additionally, if the area through which the water is moving changes size the [[pressure]] can also change. A device such as a [[turbine]], can harness the kinetic and potential [[energy]] to be transformed into a type of useable energy, such as [[electricity]]. Figure 1 on the left is an example of a dam, which takes advantage of the gravitational potential energy of water.

	==Kinetic Energy of Water==		==Kinetic Energy of Water==
	The kinetic energy of water is a result of the [[speed]] or [[flow rate]] of the water. The relationship for the kinetic energy per unit [[volume]] of water is thus proportional to its [[velocity]] and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1">Hyperphysics. (December 30, 2015). ''Pressure'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/press.html</ref>		The '''[[kinetic energy]] of water''' is a result of the [[speed\|''speed'']] or [[flow rate\|''flow rate'']] of the water. The relationship for the kinetic energy per unit [[volume]] of water is thus proportional to its [[velocity]] and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1">Hyperphysics. (December 30, 2015). ''Pressure'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/press.html</ref>

	<center><math> \frac{E_K}{V} = \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 </math></center>		<center><math> \frac{E_K}{V} = \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 </math></center>

	~~where~~:		Where:
	* <math>E_K</math> is the kinetic energy of the [[fluid]] in [[joule]]s per cubic meter (J)		* <math>E_K</math> is the kinetic energy of the [[fluid]] in [[joule]]s per cubic meter (J)
	* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid (m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid (m<sup>3</sup>)
Line 15:		Line 15:
	* <math>v</math> is the velocity of the fluid in [[meters per second]] (m/s)		* <math>v</math> is the velocity of the fluid in [[meters per second]] (m/s)

	As well, from this expression for kinetic energy the [[power]] that can be harnessed from this kinetic energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"/>

			As well, from this expression for kinetic energy, the [[power\|'''power''']] that can be harnessed from this kinetic energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2" />

	<center><math>P=\frac{1}{2}\rho A v^3</math></center>		<center><math>P=\frac{1}{2}\rho A v^3</math></center>

	~~where~~:		Where:
	* <math>P</math> is the power in [[watt]]s per cubic meter (W)		* <math>P</math> is the power in [[watt]]s per cubic meter (W)
	* <math>\rho</math> is the density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>\rho</math> is the density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)
Line 25:		Line 27:
	* <math>v</math> is the velocity of the fluid in meters per second (m/s)		* <math>v</math> is the velocity of the fluid in meters per second (m/s)

	~~The result of the~~ cubic relationship ~~is that a flow with twice~~ the velocity ~~of a reference will have~~ eight times the ~~kinetic energy~~. This ~~fact has a large influence on the placement of potential hydroelectric [[generator]]s, as the best place to put them is where water is flowing most quickly~~.		This cubic relationship means ''doubling the velocity'' gives ''eight times the power''. This relationship also holds for wind turbines.

	==Potential Energy of Water==		==Gravitational Potential Energy of Water==
	The potential energy of water is the energy the water ~~obtains~~ as a result of being at some elevation. Put simply, the [[hydraulic head\|head difference]] of water is what results in potential energy. The relationship for the potential energy per unit volume of water is thus proportional to its height and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1"/>		The '''[[gravitational potential energy]] of water''' is the energy the water holds as a result of ''being at some elevation''. Put simply, the [[hydraulic head\|head difference]] of water is what results in potential energy. The relationship for the potential energy per unit volume of water is thus proportional to its height and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1"/>

	<center><math> \frac{E_P}{V} = \rho g h</math></center>		<center><math> \frac{E_P}{V} = \rho g h</math></center>

	~~where~~:		Where:
	* <math>E_P</math> is the potential energy of the fluid in joules (J)		* <math>E_P</math> is the potential energy of the fluid in joules (J)
	* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid (m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid (m<sup>3</sup>)
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	* <math>h</math> is the height of the fluid in meters (m)		* <math>h</math> is the height of the fluid in meters (m)

	As well, from this expression for potential energy the power that can be harnessed from this potential energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"> Vishul Suresh. (September 2, 2015). ''Physics of Hydropower'' [Online]. Available: http://www.academia.edu/8701598/Physics_of_Hydropower</ref>

			As well, from this expression for potential energy the '''power''' that can be harnessed from this potential energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"> Vishul Suresh. (September 2, 2015). ''Physics of Hydropower'' [Online]. Available: http://www.academia.edu/8701598/Physics_of_Hydropower</ref>

	<center><math>P=\rho Q g h</math></center>		<center><math>P=\rho Q g h</math></center>

	~~where~~:		Where:
	* <math>P</math> is the power in watts (W)		* <math>P</math> is the power in watts (W)
	* <math>\rho</math> is the density of fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>\rho</math> is the density of fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)
Line 50:		Line 54:
	* <math>h</math> is height difference between two points of the fluid flow in meters (m)		* <math>h</math> is height difference between two points of the fluid flow in meters (m)

	This expression is known as the [[hydroelectric power equation]]. The height difference between inlet and outlet in conventional generation is generally created by [[hydroelectric dam\|damming]] a river to create a [[reservoir]]. Water from the reservoir is then directed through [[turbine]]s which convert the energy in the [[fluid]] to [[electrical energy]]. The amount of energy that can be converted is related to the efficiency of the turbine and electrical generator.		This expression is known as the [[hydroelectric power equation]]. The height difference between inlet and outlet, in conventional generation, is generally created by [[hydroelectric dam\|damming]] a river to create a [[reservoir]] (as seen in Figure 1 above). Water from the reservoir is then directed through [[turbine]]s which convert the energy in the [[fluid]] to [[electrical energy]]. The amount of energy that can be converted is related to the efficiency of the turbine and electrical generator.

	==Pressure==		==Pressure Potential Energy of Water==
	Pressure potential energy is the final type of energy that fluids exhibit. This term along with ~~the two mentioned~~ above can be combined in [[Bernoulli's equation]] to fully represent the energy of a flowing fluid. Pressure, P, is simply a measure of energy per unit volume, or energy density. This concept can be clarified in terms similar to that of potential energy using the relationship:<ref name="RE1"/>		'''Pressure potential energy''' is the final type of energy that fluids exhibit. This term, along with kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy (above), can be combined in [[Bernoulli's equation]] to fully represent the energy of a flowing fluid. '''Pressure''', '''P''', is simply a measure of energy per unit volume, or ''energy density''. This concept can be clarified in terms similar to that of potential energy using the relationship:<ref name="RE1"/>

	<center><math>E_P = p V</math></center>		<center><math>E_P = p V</math></center>

	~~where~~:		Where:
	* <math>p</math> is the pressure of the fluid		* <math>p</math> is the pressure of the fluid
	* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid		* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid

	This expression can be thought of as a potential type energy as it represents the energy stored in a vessel of a given volume, containing a given amount of fluid stored at a certain pressure. This fluid has not been released, but when released this pressurized fluid has the ability to do work.		This expression can be thought of as a potential type energy as it represents the energy stored in a vessel of a given volume, containing a given amount of fluid stored at a certain pressure. This fluid has not been released, but ''when released this pressurized fluid has the ability to do work''.

			== For Further Reading ==

			* [[Kinetic energy]]
			* [[Gravitational potential energy]]
			* [[Hydraulic head]]
			* [[Hydroelectric power equation]]
			* [[Bernoulli's equation]]
			* Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	== References ==		== References ==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-05-18T22:53:07Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:53, 18 May 2018
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Jmdonev at 19:09, 11 May 2018

2018-05-11T19:09:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:09, 11 May 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done ~~2016~~-01-15]]		[[Category:Done 2018-05-18]]
	[[File:MicaDam.JPG\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. The Mica Dam in British Columbia is one example of how the energy in water can be harnessed for human use.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (September 2, 2015). ''Mica Dam'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MicaDam.JPG</ref>]]		[[File:MicaDam.JPG\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. The Mica Dam in British Columbia is one example of how the energy in water can be harnessed for human use.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (September 2, 2015). ''Mica Dam'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MicaDam.JPG</ref>]]

	<onlyinclude>The '''energy from water''' can be harnessed to be useful in a variety of different ways through [[water wheel]]s or in [[hydroelectricity]] generating facilities.</onlyinclude> As [[water]] moves through some body, such as a river, its [[gravitational potential energy\|potential]] and [[kinetic energy]] vary. Additionally, if the area through which the water is moving changes size the [[pressure]] can also change. ~~If some sort of~~ device ~~is used to harness the energy that this water has -~~ such as a [[turbine]] - the kinetic and potential [[energy]] ~~can~~ be transformed into a type of useable energy, such as [[electricity]].		<onlyinclude>The '''energy from water''' can be harnessed to be useful in a variety of different ways through [[water wheel]]s or in [[hydroelectricity]] generating facilities.</onlyinclude> As [[water]] moves through some body, such as a river, its [[gravitational potential energy\|potential]] and [[kinetic energy]] vary. Additionally, if the area through which the water is moving changes size the [[pressure]] can also change. A device such as a [[turbine]], can harness the kinetic and potential [[energy]] to be transformed into a type of useable energy, such as [[electricity]].

	==Kinetic Energy of Water==		==Kinetic Energy of Water==
	The kinetic energy of water is a result of the [[speed]] or [[flow rate]] of the water. The relationship for the kinetic energy per unit [[volume]] of water is thus proportional to its [[velocity]] and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1">Hyperphysics. (December 30, 2015). ''Pressure'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/press.html</ref>		The kinetic energy of water is a result of the [[speed]] or [[flow rate]] of the water. The relationship for the kinetic energy per unit [[volume]] of water is thus proportional to its [[velocity]] and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1">Hyperphysics. (December 30, 2015). ''Pressure'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/press.html</ref>

	<center><m> \frac{E_K}{V} = \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 </m></center>		<center><math> \frac{E_K}{V} = \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 </math></center>

	where:		where:
	* <m>E_K</m> is the kinetic energy of the [[fluid]] in [[joule]]s per cubic meter (J)		* <math>E_K</math> is the kinetic energy of the [[fluid]] in [[joule]]s per cubic meter (J)
	* <m>V</m> is the volume of the fluid (m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid (m<sup>3</sup>)
	* <m>\rho</m> is the [[density]] of the fluid in [[kilogram]]s per [[cubic meter]] (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>\rho</math> is the [[density]] of the fluid in [[kilogram]]s per [[cubic meter]] (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)
	* <m>v</m> is the velocity of the fluid in [[meters per second]] (m/s)		* <math>v</math> is the velocity of the fluid in [[meters per second]] (m/s)

	As well, from this expression for kinetic energy the [[power]] that can be harnessed from this kinetic energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"/>		As well, from this expression for kinetic energy the [[power]] that can be harnessed from this kinetic energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"/>

	<center><m>P=\frac{1}{2}\rho A v^3</m></center>		<center><math>P=\frac{1}{2}\rho A v^3</math></center>

	where:		where:
	* <m>P</m> is the power in [[watt]]s per cubic meter (W)		* <math>P</math> is the power in [[watt]]s per cubic meter (W)
	* <m>\rho</m> is the density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>\rho</math> is the density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)
	* <m>A</m> is the cross-sectional [[area]] of the flow in square [[meter]]s (m<sup>2</sup>)		* <math>A</math> is the cross-sectional [[area]] of the flow in square [[meter]]s (m<sup>2</sup>)
	* <m>v</m> is the velocity of the fluid in meters per second (m/s)		* <math>v</math> is the velocity of the fluid in meters per second (m/s)

	The result of the cubic relationship is that a flow with twice the velocity of a reference will have eight times the kinetic energy. This fact has a large influence on the placement of potential hydroelectric [[generator]]s, as the best place to put them is where water is flowing most quickly.		The result of the cubic relationship is that a flow with twice the velocity of a reference will have eight times the kinetic energy. This fact has a large influence on the placement of potential hydroelectric [[generator]]s, as the best place to put them is where water is flowing most quickly.
Line 30:		Line 30:
	The potential energy of water is the energy the water obtains as a result of being at some elevation. Put simply, the [[hydraulic head\|head difference]] of water is what results in potential energy. The relationship for the potential energy per unit volume of water is thus proportional to its height and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1"/>		The potential energy of water is the energy the water obtains as a result of being at some elevation. Put simply, the [[hydraulic head\|head difference]] of water is what results in potential energy. The relationship for the potential energy per unit volume of water is thus proportional to its height and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1"/>

	<center><m> \frac{E_P}{V} = \rho g h</m></center>		<center><math> \frac{E_P}{V} = \rho g h</math></center>

	where:		where:
	* <m>E_P</m> is the potential energy of the fluid in joules (J)		* <math>E_P</math> is the potential energy of the fluid in joules (J)
	* <m>V</m> is the volume of the fluid (m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid (m<sup>3</sup>)
	* <m>\rho</m> is the density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>\rho</math> is the density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)
	* <m>g</m> is the [[acceleration due to gravity]] in meters per second squared (m/s<sup>2</sup>)		* <math>g</math> is the [[acceleration due to gravity]] in meters per second squared (m/s<sup>2</sup>)
	* <m>h</m> is the height of the fluid in meters (m)		* <math>h</math> is the height of the fluid in meters (m)

	As well, from this expression for potential energy the power that can be harnessed from this potential energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"> Vishul Suresh. (September 2, 2015). ''Physics of Hydropower'' [Online]. Available: http://www.academia.edu/8701598/Physics_of_Hydropower</ref>		As well, from this expression for potential energy the power that can be harnessed from this potential energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"> Vishul Suresh. (September 2, 2015). ''Physics of Hydropower'' [Online]. Available: http://www.academia.edu/8701598/Physics_of_Hydropower</ref>

	<center><m>P=\rho Q g h</m></center>		<center><math>P=\rho Q g h</math></center>

	where:		where:
	* <m>P</m> is the power in watts (W)		* <math>P</math> is the power in watts (W)
	* <m>\rho</m> is the density of fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)		* <math>\rho</math> is the density of fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m<sup>3</sup>)
	* <m>Q</m> is the flow rate of the fluid in cubic meters per second (m<sup>3</sup>/s)		* <math>Q</math> is the flow rate of the fluid in cubic meters per second (m<sup>3</sup>/s)
	* <m>g</m> is the acceleration due to gravity in meters per second squared (m/s<sup>2</sup>)		* <math>g</math> is the acceleration due to gravity in meters per second squared (m/s<sup>2</sup>)
	* <m>h</m> is height difference between two points of the fluid flow in meters (m)		* <math>h</math> is height difference between two points of the fluid flow in meters (m)

	This expression is known as the [[hydroelectric power equation]]. The height difference between inlet and outlet in conventional generation is generally created by [[hydroelectric dam\|damming]] a river to create a [[reservoir]]. Water from the reservoir is then directed through [[turbine]]s which convert the energy in in [[fluid]] ~~into~~ [[electrical energy]]. The amount of energy that can be converted is related to the efficiency of the turbine and electrical generator.		This expression is known as the [[hydroelectric power equation]]. The height difference between inlet and outlet in conventional generation is generally created by [[hydroelectric dam\|damming]] a river to create a [[reservoir]]. Water from the reservoir is then directed through [[turbine]]s which convert the energy in the [[fluid]] to [[electrical energy]]. The amount of energy that can be converted is related to the efficiency of the turbine and electrical generator.

	==Pressure==		==Pressure==
	Pressure potential energy is the final type of energy that fluids ~~have, and this~~ term along with the two mentioned above can be combined in [[Bernoulli's equation]] to fully represent the energy of a flowing fluid. Pressure, P, is simply a measure of energy per unit volume, or energy density. This concept can be clarified in terms of a potential~~-like~~ energy using the relationship:<ref name="RE1"/>		Pressure potential energy is the final type of energy that fluids exhibit. This term along with the two mentioned above can be combined in [[Bernoulli's equation]] to fully represent the energy of a flowing fluid. Pressure, P, is simply a measure of energy per unit volume, or energy density. This concept can be clarified in terms similar to that of potential energy using the relationship:<ref name="RE1"/>

	<center><m>E_P = p V</m></center>		<center><math>E_P = p V</math></center>

	where:		where:
	* <m>p</m> is the pressure of the fluid		* <math>p</math> is the pressure of the fluid
	* <m>V</m> is the volume of the fluid		* <math>V</math> is the volume of the fluid

	This expression can be thought of as a potential type energy as it represents the energy stored in a vessel of a given volume, containing a given amount of fluid stored at a certain pressure. This fluid has not been released, but when released this pressurized fluid ~~could~~ do ~~some~~ work.		This expression can be thought of as a potential type energy as it represents the energy stored in a vessel of a given volume, containing a given amount of fluid stored at a certain pressure. This fluid has not been released, but when released this pressurized fluid has the ability to do work.

	== References ==		== References ==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
			[[Category:Uploaded]]

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2016-02-18T04:31:16Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 04:31, 18 February 2016
(No difference)

Jmdonev at 22:37, 8 January 2016

2016-01-08T22:37:22Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2016-01-15]]
[[File:MicaDam.JPG|360px|thumb|right|Figure 1. The Mica Dam in British Columbia is one example of how the energy in water can be harnessed for human use.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (September 2, 2015). ''Mica Dam'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MicaDam.JPG</ref>]]

<onlyinclude>The '''energy from water''' can be harnessed to be useful in a variety of different ways through [[water wheel]]s or in [[hydroelectricity]] generating facilities.</onlyinclude> As [[water]] moves through some body, such as a river, its [[gravitational potential energy|potential]] and [[kinetic energy]] vary. Additionally, if the area through which the water is moving changes size the [[pressure]] can also change. If some sort of device is used to harness the energy that this water has - such as a [[turbine]] - the kinetic and potential [[energy]] can be transformed into a type of useable energy, such as [[electricity]].

==Kinetic Energy of Water==
The kinetic energy of water is a result of the [[speed]] or [[flow rate]] of the water. The relationship for the kinetic energy per unit [[volume]] of water is thus proportional to its [[velocity]] and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1">Hyperphysics. (December 30, 2015). ''Pressure'' [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/press.html</ref>

<center><m> \frac{E_K}{V} = \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 </m></center>

where:
* <m>E_K</m> is the kinetic energy of the [[fluid]] in [[joule]]s per cubic meter (J)
* <m>V</m> is the volume of the fluid (m3)
* <m>\rho</m> is the [[density]] of the fluid in [[kilogram]]s per [[cubic meter]] (kg/m3)
* <m>v</m> is the velocity of the fluid in [[meters per second]] (m/s)

As well, from this expression for kinetic energy the [[power]] that can be harnessed from this kinetic energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"/>

<center><m>P=\frac{1}{2}\rho A v^3</m></center>

where:
* <m>P</m> is the power in [[watt]]s per cubic meter (W)
* <m>\rho</m> is the density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3)
* <m>A</m> is the cross-sectional [[area]] of the flow in square [[meter]]s (m2)
* <m>v</m> is the velocity of the fluid in meters per second (m/s)

The result of the cubic relationship is that a flow with twice the velocity of a reference will have eight times the kinetic energy. This fact has a large influence on the placement of potential hydroelectric [[generator]]s, as the best place to put them is where water is flowing most quickly.

==Potential Energy of Water==
The potential energy of water is the energy the water obtains as a result of being at some elevation. Put simply, the [[hydraulic head|head difference]] of water is what results in potential energy. The relationship for the potential energy per unit volume of water is thus proportional to its height and can be expressed as:<ref name="RE1"/>

<center><m> \frac{E_P}{V} = \rho g h</m></center>

where:
* <m>E_P</m> is the potential energy of the fluid in joules (J)
* <m>V</m> is the volume of the fluid (m3)
* <m>\rho</m> is the density of the fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3)
* <m>g</m> is the [[acceleration due to gravity]] in meters per second squared (m/s2)
* <m>h</m> is the height of the fluid in meters (m)

As well, from this expression for potential energy the power that can be harnessed from this potential energy can be expressed as:<ref name="RE2"> Vishul Suresh. (September 2, 2015). ''Physics of Hydropower'' [Online]. Available: http://www.academia.edu/8701598/Physics_of_Hydropower</ref>

<center><m>P=\rho Q g h</m></center>

where:
* <m>P</m> is the power in watts (W)
* <m>\rho</m> is the density of fluid in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3)
* <m>Q</m> is the flow rate of the fluid in cubic meters per second (m3/s)
* <m>g</m> is the acceleration due to gravity in meters per second squared (m/s2)
* <m>h</m> is height difference between two points of the fluid flow in meters (m)

This expression is known as the [[hydroelectric power equation]]. The height difference between inlet and outlet in conventional generation is generally created by [[hydroelectric dam|damming]] a river to create a [[reservoir]]. Water from the reservoir is then directed through [[turbine]]s which convert the energy in in [[fluid]] into [[electrical energy]]. The amount of energy that can be converted is related to the efficiency of the turbine and electrical generator.

==Pressure==
Pressure potential energy is the final type of energy that fluids have, and this term along with the two mentioned above can be combined in [[Bernoulli's equation]] to fully represent the energy of a flowing fluid. Pressure, P, is simply a measure of energy per unit volume, or energy density. This concept can be clarified in terms of a potential-like energy using the relationship:<ref name="RE1"/>

<center><m>E_P = p V</m></center>

where:
* <m>p</m> is the pressure of the fluid
* <m>V</m> is the volume of the fluid

This expression can be thought of as a potential type energy as it represents the energy stored in a vessel of a given volume, containing a given amount of fluid stored at a certain pressure. This fluid has not been released, but when released this pressurized fluid could do some work.

== References ==
{{reflist}}