Calculate Hydroelectric Power
Use this simple calculator to get an initial indication of the power potential of a micro hydro scheme using available head, flow and assumed overall efficiency.
A Useful Starting Point
This calculator is intended as an early-stage assessment tool for landowners, farms, estates and rural businesses considering a micro hydro installation.
At the early stages of a project, one of the first questions is how much power a site may realistically produce. The answer depends primarily on two things: the amount of vertical drop available and the quantity of water that can be reliably used.
This page provides a practical way to estimate hydroelectric output before moving on to a more detailed review. It is not a replacement for proper site assessment, but it is a useful first step in understanding whether a scheme may justify further investigation.
As with all hydro projects, the quality of the result depends on the quality of the input data. Measured head, realistic flow data, sensible efficiency assumptions and an understanding of site constraints are all important when moving from concept to design.
Indicative Output Estimate
Enter gross head, available flow and assumed overall efficiency to estimate theoretical hydroelectric output.
Build a Better Site Picture
The quality of any hydro assessment improves quickly once head and flow are better understood.
Estimating Head
Improve confidence in the available drop by understanding the basic methods used to estimate head on a potential hydro site.
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Estimating Flow Rates
Use practical flow estimation methods to build a more reliable understanding of likely water availability across the year.
Read MoreNeed a Site-Specific Review?
SJ1 Renewables can support early-stage hydro feasibility, practical design review and site-specific engineering input.