How much water to generate 1 watt of hydro?

To calculate the amount of water required to generate 1 watt of hydroelectric power, we can use the following formula:

$$P = \rho * g * Q * h * \eta$$

Where:

- P is the power generated in watts (W)

- ρ is the density of water (approximately 1000 kg/m³)

- g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²)

- Q is the flow rate of water in cubic meters per second (m³/s)

- h is the height difference, or head, between the top and bottom of the waterfall in meters (m)

- η is the efficiency of the hydroelectric system, which accounts for losses due to friction and other factors (typically around 0.85)

To generate 1 watt of power, we can rearrange the formula and solve for Q, the flow rate of water:

$$Q = P / (ρ * g * h * η)$$

Assuming an efficiency of 0.85, a height difference of 1 meter, and the density of water of 1000 kg/m³, we can calculate the required flow rate:

$$Q = 1 W / (1000 kg/m³ * 9.81 m/s² * 1 m * 0.85)$$

$$Q = 0.00011 m³/s$$

Therefore, to generate 1 watt of hydroelectric power with a head of 1 meter and an efficiency of 0.85, approximately 0.00011 cubic meters of water per second is required.