What this calculator does
This tool estimates the electrical power a hydroelectric setup can produce based on the water’s flow rate, the head height (the vertical drop the water falls through), and how efficiently the turbine and generator system converts that energy into electricity.
How the estimate is calculated
Hydro power output follows the standard physics formula P = ρ × g × Q × H × η, where ρ is water density (1,000 kg/m³), g is gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²), Q is flow rate in cubic meters per second, H is head height in meters, and η is the overall system efficiency (typically 70-90% for well-maintained small hydro turbines). Multiplying the resulting power by your daily operating hours and then by 365 gives estimated daily and annual energy output.
The “homes powered” figure divides annual output by roughly 10,800 kWh, a commonly used average annual electricity consumption for one household, to give a relatable sense of scale.
- This is a general planning and educational estimate; real-world output also depends on turbine type, penstock losses, and seasonal flow variation.
- Any actual hydro installation should be assessed by a qualified engineer familiar with local site conditions and regulations.