Energy & Environment · Renewable energy / Principles and inquiry
Hydropower and head experiment guide
Vary flow, head and efficiency to measure conversion of gravitational energy to electrical power.
How does it work?
At fixed efficiency, doubling flow or head doubles power.
Key relationship
P = ρgQhη · ρ = 1000 kg/m³ · g = 9.80665 m/s²
Try this investigation
- Vary flow, head and efficiency to measure conversion of gravitational energy to electrical power.
- Run and record each of the three reference settings.
- Change one variable in each comparison and compare its energy results with the baseline.
Interpreting your results
At fixed flow and head, what happens when efficiency drops from 80% to 40%?
It's half · At fixed efficiency, doubling flow or head doubles power.
Assumptions and limitations
Steady flow and constant efficiency are assumed. Pipe friction, changing water levels, floods and ecological impacts are omitted.