Hydroelectric Power Calculator is a useful online calculation tool used to calculate the power generated in kilowatts and megawatts from the known values of density in kg/m3, efficiency value, volume flow in m3/s, and water head.
If time in hours and power in kilowatts is known, then energy can be calculated using kW to kWh Formula Conversion Calculator.
List of Contents
Hydro Power Formula Equation
Formula: Phydro = ηρqgh
- Phydro = Theoretical Power Available
- ρ = density (kg/m3) (~ 1000 kg/m3 in case of water)
- q = water flow (m3/s)
- g = acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s2)
- h = falling height, head (m)
- μ = efficiency (Usually ranges between 0.75 to 0.95)
Example
A hydroelectric power plant has a 200 m high head, if water flow is 1 m3/s and efficiency if 85%. Calculate the hydropower available. (Assume water density as 1000 kg/m3)
Solution:
Phydro = ηρqgh = 0.85 * 1000 kg/m3 * 1 m3/s * 9.81 m/s2 * 200 = 1667.7 kW
Classification of Hydroelectric Power Plants based on Head
Based on the height of the water head, hydroelectric power plants are classified into four classes:
- Low Head Power Plants: 1 – 15 meters
- Medium Head Power Plants: 16-70 meters
- High Head Power Plants: 71-500 meters
- Very High Head Power Plants: >500 meters