Run-of-River Hydropower Calculator

Formulas

The Run-of-River Hydropower Calculator uses a simplified formula based on potential energy:

• Power (\( P \)) = \( \eta \times \rho \times g \times h \times Q \)
• Where:
  • \( \eta = \text{Efficiency (as a decimal, e.g., 80% = 0.80)} \)
  • \( \rho = \text{Water density (1000 kg/m³)} \)
  • \( g = \text{Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)} \)
  • \( h = \text{Head (height of water drop in meters)} \)
  • \( Q = \text{Flow rate (volume of water in m³/s)} \)

How to Use

1. Enter the flow rate (in m³/s) in the “Flow Rate” field.
2. Enter the head (in meters) in the “Head” field.
3. Enter the efficiency (in percent) in the “Efficiency” field.
4. Optionally, click an adjust button to set typical values (e.g., Low Flow).
5. Click “Calculate Power” to see your results.
6. Scroll to the “Results” section for detailed calculations.
7. Use the share buttons to share your power output or embed the calculator.

Examples

1. Example 1: Flow Rate = 5 m³/s, Head = 2m, Efficiency = 80%
   Power = 0.80 × 1000 × 9.81 × 2 × 5 = 78,480 W (78.48 kW)
2. Example 2: Flow Rate = 10 m³/s, Head = 1m, Efficiency = 85%
   Power = 0.85 × 1000 × 9.81 × 1 × 10 = 83,385 W (83.39 kW)
3. Example 3: Flow Rate = 2 m³/s, Head = 5m, Efficiency = 75%
   Power = 0.75 × 1000 × 9.81 × 5 × 2 = 73,575 W (73.58 kW)