Hydropower Head Loss Calculator

Formulas

The Head Loss Calculator estimates energy loss in pipes:

• Head Loss (\( h_f \)) = \( f \times \frac{L}{D} \times \frac{v^2}{2g} \)
• Where:
  • \( f \) = Friction factor (dimensionless)
  • \( L \) = Pipe length (m)
  • \( D \) = Pipe diameter (m)
  • \( v \) = Flow velocity (m/s)
  • \( g \) = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)

How to Use

1. Enter the pipe length (in meters) in the “Pipe Length” field.
2. Enter the pipe diameter (in meters) in the “Pipe Diameter” field.
3. Enter the flow velocity (in m/s) in the “Flow Velocity” field.
4. Enter the friction factor (dimensionless) in the “Friction Factor” field.
5. Optionally, click an adjust button to set typical values (e.g., Short Length).
6. Click “Calculate Head Loss” to see the estimated head loss.
7. Scroll to the “Results” section for details.

Examples

1. Example 1: Length = 100m, Diameter = 0.5m, Velocity = 2 m/s, Friction = 0.02
   Head Loss ≈ 0.02 × (100 / 0.5) × (2² / (2 × 9.81)) ≈ 0.41m
2. Example 2: Length = 200m, Diameter = 1m, Velocity = 3 m/s, Friction = 0.03
   Head Loss ≈ 0.03 × (200 / 1) × (3² / (2 × 9.81)) ≈ 0.92m
3. Example 3: Length = 50m, Diameter = 0.3m, Velocity = 1 m/s, Friction = 0.01
   Head Loss ≈ 0.01 × (50 / 0.3) × (1² / (2 × 9.81)) ≈ 0.085m