How to Compute Theoretical and Net Power Output Having calculated the flow (Q) and the net head (h) it is a simple matter to calculate the theoretical output (T) in kilowatts: T.kW = Qxh or = Qxh 708 11.8 where Q = flowincfm or = flow in cusecs (cu ft/sec) h = head in feet = head in feet 708 = const. factor 11.8 = constant factor The following equation is for those who have gone metric: T.KW = Qxh 102 where Q = flow in liters per second h = head in meters 102 = constant factor These equations show us the power available in flowing water if equipment with a 100% efficiency were available to tap it. However, as we haven't got that far yet, we must calculate according to avail- able efficiencies. The maximum to be expected for a small water tur- bine is 80% efficiency; the figure drops to 65% for overshot water wheels. Power transmission manufacturers are now claiming a 97% effi- ciency for their belt drives, so a turbine with one belt drive to the alternator will have a 97% transmission efficiency, with two belt drives a 94% efficiency and with three belts 91%. Gear-box manu- facturers claim a 95%, or higher, efficiency. The efficiency of second-hand gear-boxes, bevel gears and motor vehicle back axles will vary slightly. A good alternator should have an efficiency of about 80% over a wide range of outputs. There is one on the mar- ket today with an 88% efficiency and another with a mere 71%. From the above we can calculate that the overall efficiency for a water power installation using a turbine with a one belt drive and a good alternator will be 0.8 (turbine) X 0.97 (belt) X 0.8 (alternator) = 62%. The overall efficiency for an overshot water-wheel with a gear-box, 2 belt drives and an alternator will be 0.65 (water-wheel) X 0.95 (gear box) X 0.94 (2 belt drives) x 0.8 (alternator) =