Hydro or Wind?

Hydroelectric systems are underwater (like ship propellers but just generating energy in a static system) in a river or stream and thus are protected from many sudden weather changes. These seem to have the advantage of some level of underwater protection. I'm not sure if these systems are as efficient as windmills, but that would seem to be a big advantage at a time when the weather may be so unpredictable. As long as one's hydroelectric installation can be situated to withstand any possible destruction from flooding.

Offered by Craig.

Yes, hydroelectric has some advantages. More constant power, less susceptible to wind damage. Disadvantages - propellers can get damaged due to floating objects (like trees) washing down stream after storms, The stream may change course after the pole shift and you have no water near you for miles. I think the wise community will be prepared to use both.

Offered by Mike.

Hydroelectric is an excellent alternative. One thought occurs to me. You could use some of the rotational energy directly to turn fans, pump water, grind grain, etc. Generation of electricity is necessary for lights, but most of the other power requirements could run directly off of the rotating axle of the hydro-paddles.

Offered by Roger.

If you collect the water from the almost constant drizzle and rain in the Aftertime, you can direct this down a simple piping system, perhaps down several different pipes of different widths, and direct it in this way on several generators for simple lighting. When you want to increase the power then make the water flow harder, you need more water, too. As I expect the rain not to be able to provide such quantities (a drizzle is not a downpour) you can use the hydrowheels to produce enough electricity for lighting. Equipment that require more power could better be powered by batteries or, when the wind provides such speeds, by windpower.

Offered by Michel.

Besides maybe having multiple wind generators, hydro may be a good backup source since there will be plenty of rain. Debris in a stream can be a problem, though many hydro-electric systems have the water fed to them via a pipe, as opposed to some that have a blade directly in a stream.

Offered by Steve.

I would definitely go for both hydro and wind power. In fact rotational energy was used for a number of purposes before electricity came about - saw mills, grain mills etc. After the pole shift, you may find that the rivers and streams no longer run in the same places as before. Strange, what a little Richter 9 may do. Furthermore, with constant rain, the stream may grow much larger than anticipated, relocating your mill or hydro power to places you didn't know existed. You should also expect your stream to be filled with debris just after the pole shift. Just as with wind power, you would have to remove your hydroelectric and/or mechanical hydropowered equipment before the pole shift, putting it in place again when conditions allow.

Offered by Jan.