Hydro Power Calculator:
Enter the values of efficiency, n, height, h(m) and flow rate, Q(m3/s) to determine the value of Hydro power, Ph(W).
Hydro Power Formula:
Hydropower (Ph), measured in watts (W), represents the rate at which electrical energy is generated by harnessing the movement of falling water. Dams, canals, and turbines are key components in hydropower plants.
This power generation method uses the gravitational force of falling or flowing water to drive turbines, which in turn generate electricity. Hydroelectric power is a renewable and clean energy source, contributing significantly to the global energy mix.
Higher efficiency translates to more electrical power generated from the available water flow and head.
While density can vary slightly depending on factors like temperature, it’s generally considered constant for freshwater calculations.
This constant force plays a vital role. Greater height difference (h) between the water source and the turbine increases the potential energy of the falling water, leading to higher hydropower generation.
Higher flow rates signify more water passing through the turbine per second, potentially generating more electricity.
Hydro power, Ph(W) in watts is calculated by the product efficiency, n, height, h(m) in metres, flow rate, Q(m3/s) in cubic metres per second, density of water, p(kg/m3) in kilograms per cubic metres and acceleration due to gravity, g(m/s2) in metres per second squared.
Hydro power, Ph(W) = n * h(m) * Q(m3/s) * p(kg/m3) * g(m/s2)
Ph(W) = hydro power in watts, W.
n = efficiency.
h(m) = height in metres, m.
Q(m3/s) = flow rate in cubic metres per second, m3/s.
p(kg/m3) = density of water in kilograms per cubic metres, kg/m3.
g(m/s2) = acceleration due to gravity in metres per second squared, m/s.
Hydro Power Calculation:
- A hydroelectric plant has an efficiency of 0.85, with a water flow rate of 3 m3/s and a head height of 50 metres. Calculate the hydroelectric power generated.
Given: n = 0.85, Q(m3/s) = 3m3/s, p(kg/m3) = 1000kg/m3, g(m/s2) = 9.81m/s2, h(m) = 50m.
Hydro power, Ph(W) = n * h(m) * Q(m3/s) * p(kg/m3) * g(m/s2)
Ph(W) = 0.85 * 3 * 1000 * 9.81 * 50
Ph(W) = 0.85 * 1471500
Ph(W) = 1250775W.
- A hydroelectric plant generates 500 kW of power with an efficiency of 0.90 and a head height of 40 meters. Calculate the flow rate of water.
Given: n = 0.9, Ph(W) = 500000W, p(kg/m3) = 1000kg/m3, g(m/s2) = 9.81m/s2,
h(m) = 40m.
Hydro power, Ph(W) = n * h(m) * Q(m3/s) * p(kg/m3) * g(m/s2)
Q(m3/s) = Ph(W) / n * h(m) * p(kg/m3) * g(m/s2)
Q(m3/s) = 500000 / 0.9 * 40 * 1000 * 9.81
Q(m3/s) = 500000 / 353160
Q(m3/s) = 1.42m3/s.