Past and future of water turbines in Romania
Résumé
Water wheels have been known since Antiquity, being primarily used to raise water from rivers, and to generate mechanical power for mills. Water wheels spread during Middle Ages, being widely used till the 19th century. Some water wheels, entirely built in wood, dated from the 18th and 19th centuries and in use till the mid 20th century, are well preserved in Romanian museums were they have been transferred. With the widespread introduction of Hydro-Power Plants for generating electricity, in the late 19th century, water turbines have largely replaced the water wheels. A brief overview of the concepts and evolution of water turbines is realised within this paper, being illustrated with pictures from Romania. As the need of renewable energy sources increases, new concepts of turbines adapted for marine currents or hydropower farms are emerging. Water-current turbines or collections of such turbines (farms) use directly the kinetic energy of the water current to produce electricity. Water-current turbines only need minor civil works and are easy to transport and relocate.
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
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