Calculation of hydroelectric power and energy![hydroelectricity power calculator](images/hydropower-calculator-small.jpg)
Principle
The principle of hydro electricity generation is quite simple. Circuit waterworks provides the necessary pressure of water supplied to the turbine blades, which drives a generator, producing electricity.
Formula to calculate hydropower
How to calculate output power of a hydroelectric turbine? The simplest formula is :
![formula hydro power formula hydroelectric power](images/formula-hydro-power-calculation.jpg)
Where
P = Mechnical power in Watt (W)
Q = flow rate in the pipe (m3/s)
ρ = density (kg/m3)
g = Acceleration of gravity (m/s²)
H = waterfall height (m)
η = global efficiency ratio (usually between 0,7 and
0,9)
Calculator
Enter your own values in the white boxes, results are displayed in the green boxes.
Example of stream flow in m3/s, l/minute and l/s, for hydro power calculation
Water stream | Water flow in m3/s | Water flow in l/minute | Water flow in l/s |
Tap water (pressure 2-3 bar) | 0.0002 | 10 l/min | 0.2 l/s |
Fire hose | 0.008 | 500l/min | 8 l/s |
Very small river | < 2 m3/s | < 120 000 l/min | < 2 000 l/s |
Small River | > 2 m3/s | > 120 000 l/min | > 2 000 l/s |
Big River | 100 m3/s | 6 000 000 l/min | 100 000 l/s |
Very big river | >500 m3/s | >30 000 000 l/min | >500 000 l/s |