Hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power: use flow rate, net head, efficiency. Review the formula, worked example and calculation steps.

Inputs

Use the units shown
RESULT
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Formula & explanation
Power = density ×9.80665 × flow × head × efficiency/100

Variables & units

Flow rate
m³/s · minimum 0, maximum 1000000000000
Net head
m · minimum 0, maximum 1000000000000
Efficiency
% · minimum 0, maximum 100
Water density
kg/m³ · minimum 0.000001, maximum 1000000000000

Worked example

Use the example inputs to explore this model; the solution shows each supplied quantity.

Assumptions

Uses supplied net head and efficiency; ignores changes in flow and detailed hydraulic design.

Formula version 1.0.0. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic applies. Results display up to 6 decimal places; stored values retain available precision. Use the units shown.

Practice with an example

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