Rainwater as an Alternative Source of Electricity

Introduction
Electricity is one of the essential part of our daily lives. It is a form of energy that can be
carried by wires and is used for heating and lighting, and to provide power for machines (Collins
Dictionary, 2019). People use electricity to power different appliances or gadgets that they use
every day. Having said that electricity helps people to go on with their daily lives, especially in
schools and works, it is important to have an alternative source of it which is also accessible and
convenient to use.
There are different sources of electricity like wind, solar, biomass, hydroelectricity, etc.
But the main focus of this study is hydropower or hydroelectricity (EWG, 2000).
Hydroelectricity is a form of energy that harnesses the power of water in motion—such as water
flowing over a waterfall—to generate electricity. Since Philippines is a tropical country, it is
common for Filipinos to experience heavy rains, but these heavy rains can also cause power
outage which can interrupt lessons, work, etc. Using the concept of hydropower plants and the
rainwater itself could generate electricity.
This research aims to develop an alternative source of electricity which is from rainwater.
By using the concept of hydropower, the researchers aim to create an electricity source that is
sustainable and can also store energy for emergency use.

Definition of terms
Electricity - It is the presence and flow of electric charge. 
Hydropower - It refers to the conversion of energy from flowing water into electricity. It is
considered a renewable energy source because the water cycle is constantly renewed by the sun. 
Rainwater – It is the water that has fallen as or been obtained from rain.

Statement of the Problem

“The frequent occurrence of heavy rainfalls is breaking down the power supplies causing power
outage.”
It is a given that rain could cause power outage to affected areas. When that happens,
what do we do? What if there is a way to transform the negative phenomena to a positive one. In
this case being, the use of the same rain that caused the power outage to produce electricity via a
hydro powered generator.
There are factors attached to the main problem that pose a problem themselves
“What if there is not enough rain to power the generator?”
“How do we store the rain for more efficient and consistent generation of electricity?”
“What if the generator was not able to produce much electricity?”

Significance of the Study

Electricity is essential in our daily lives, it helps us in almost everything from lighting,
cooking to our own leisure like television, gadgets and many more. Electricity easily became one
of the necessities we need to live, but with the frequent occurrence of rain and due to the power
outage it causes, that necessity is frequently being taken from us. To address this issue, the study
is conducted to propose a solution to power outages when it occurred. This study aims to help
resolve the problem of power outage not by fixing it but by introducing a new way to produce
electricity. This is just a temporary power source, but it can save us in case of power outage in
our community.This will benefit the people living in a community that experience frequent
heavy rainfalls and is exposed to the risk of having a power outage. This will also help many
people who can’t access electricity due to lack of resources or people who live in uncivilized
areas.

Scope and Delimitations

This study aims to develop a working hydroelectric generator as an alternative source of
energy during power outrages and to utilize the rainwater produced during rainfalls. The
researchers would like to develop a small scale generator to test whether it can possibly be used
for a larger purpose such as powering up classrooms and other facilities.
This study will not include other types of water and will only focus on the use of
rainwater. The collected rainwater will be the source of energy in powering the developed
generator. It delimits the study to achieve its aim to utilize and use rainwater as an alternnative
source of electricity.

Bibliography
Collins Dictionary. (2019). Electricity. Retrieved from
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/electricity
EWG Organization. (2000). Green Energy Guide: Sources of Electricity. Retrieved from
https://www.ewg.org/research/green-energy-guide/sources-electricity