Formula Used:
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Flow rate given power obtained from water flow in horsepower is a calculation used in hydroelectric engineering to determine the volume of water flow required to generate a specific amount of power, taking into account turbine efficiency, effective head, and the unit weight of water.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the flow rate required to produce a specific hydroelectric power output, considering the efficiency of the turbine, the effective head of water, and the unit weight of water.
Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for designing hydroelectric systems, optimizing power generation, and ensuring efficient water resource management in hydroelectric projects.
Tips: Enter hydroelectric power in watts, turbine efficiency as a percentage, effective head in meters, and unit weight of water in newtons per cubic meter. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is 550 used in the formula?
A: The constant 550 is used to convert horsepower to watts (1 horsepower = 550 foot-pounds per second = 745.7 watts, but the exact conversion factor may vary based on the specific context).
Q2: What is typical turbine efficiency?
A: Turbine efficiency typically ranges from 80% to 95% for modern hydroelectric turbines, depending on the type and design.
Q3: How is effective head measured?
A: Effective head is the vertical distance the water falls, minus any head losses due to friction in the penstock and other components.
Q4: What is the unit weight of water?
A: The unit weight of water is approximately 9810 N/m³ at standard conditions (4°C temperature and standard atmospheric pressure).
Q5: Can this calculator be used for any type of turbine?
A: Yes, the formula is generally applicable to various turbine types, but the efficiency value should be appropriate for the specific turbine being used.