Usable water head
The vertical drop from the water intake level to the turbine, after allowing for pipe losses.
Small hydropower for PNG
The water site selects the system
A hydropower generator can provide long, quiet running power at the right site. But the generator rating alone does not tell us what the water can produce. We must check net head, minimum dry-season flow, pipe route, loads and site access.
First decision
Is the site suitable for hydropower?
Having a river or stream is only the beginning. A workable project needs enough usable fall and enough water during the driest period, plus a practical way to build and maintain the system.
Dry-season flow
Use the minimum reliable flow, not only the large wet-season flow seen after rain.
Practical water route
There must be a feasible intake, channel or pipe route, powerhouse position and safe return of water.
Site rights and access
Landowner consent, downstream users, environmental effects, transport and maintenance access must be checked.
Two-minute preliminary check
Tell us what you know about the site
This checker does not approve a project. It tells you whether to measure the site, compare another power source, or prepare data for a technical review.
- No name or phone number is required
- Nothing is sent until you choose WhatsApp
- Use dry-season information where possible
Measure before choosing
Head and flow work together
More head can produce useful power from less water. Low-head sites normally need much more flow. Use measurements as a first estimate only; pipe losses and turbine efficiency reduce the final output.
Bucket method
For concentrated flow, time how many seconds it takes to fill a container. Flow in litres per second equals container litres divided by seconds.
Channel float estimate
For an open channel, estimate width × average depth × surface speed × 0.65. This is rough and should be repeated at several points.
Head measurement
Measure the vertical elevation difference, not the distance along the slope. Long or small pipes create extra losses.
Rough output estimator
Estimate water power
P = 9.81 × Q × H × η
Estimated electrical output
-- kW
Not a product selection or guaranteed output.
3kW reference at 60% efficiency
Higher head needs less flow
These numbers are theoretical starting points. Final design must use net head and real losses.
| Net head | Approx. flow for 3kW |
|---|---|
| 10 m | 51 L/s |
| 20 m | 25 L/s |
| 30 m | 17 L/s |
| 50 m | 10 L/s |
| 80 m | 6.4 L/s |
Complete system
The generator is one part of the project
Civil works, water control, electrical protection and maintenance access often decide whether a system is reliable. They may also cost more than the generator itself at difficult sites.
- 01Intake and screenKeep branches, stones and large debris out.
- 02Settling basin and forebayReduce sand and provide controlled water entry.
- 03Penstock or channelSized for flow, pressure, length and terrain.
- 04Turbine and generatorMatched to net head, flow and electrical output.
- 05Controller and dump loadStabilise frequency and safely absorb unused power.
- 06Protection and distributionEarthing, breakers, cable sizing and safe connections.
- 07TailraceReturn water safely without erosion or flooding.
High head, lower flow
Pelton / Turgo
Common starting point for steep sites with a pressurised pipe.
Medium head and flow
Crossflow
Can suit a broad middle range when the site and flow are properly matched.
Low head, high flow
Axial / Propeller / Kaplan
Needs much more water and careful civil design; low head does not mean no head.
Equipment quotation may include
- Turbine generator set
- Controller, dump load and selected accessories
- Selected valves, nozzles or electrical parts
Site works must be confirmed separately
- Survey, intake, channel, concrete and powerhouse
- Pipe supply, transport and installation labour
- Distribution cable, permits, land and water agreements
Current hydropower range
Products are matched after the site check
Choose a product page to understand the available range, not to skip the site assessment. The correct turbine, water connection and controller depend on real measurements.
Small suitable sites
1kW Hydropower Generator
For light essential loads where measured water conditions support the output.
View product details
Homes, farms and shared sites
3kW Hydropower Generator
For larger useful loads, subject to sufficient head, dry-season flow and installation scope.
View product details
Site-matched project range
Custom 1-10kW Hydropower
A configurable starting range for projects with measured water and documented electrical loads.
View product detailsCompare before committing
Hydropower is not the answer for every remote site
The best choice may be hydropower, solar and battery, a generator, or a hybrid. Compare the resource, operating time, civil works, service access and motor-starting needs.
| Option | Strongest when | Main limits | Typical role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydropower | Reliable head and dry-season flow exist | Site-specific civil works and water conditions | Long or continuous supply |
| Solar + battery | Good sun, quiet operation and daytime energy matter | Battery cost, night autonomy and motor starting | Daily household and essential loads |
| Generator | Fast backup and strong starting power are needed | Fuel, noise, ventilation and maintenance | Backup, tools, refrigeration and project loads |
| Hybrid | One source alone cannot cover reliability or seasons | More controls, design and installation complexity | Critical or resilient off-grid supply |
Before construction
Protect people, water and the project
Water and environment
Maintain safe downstream flow, manage erosion and silt, and plan for floods, debris and wet-season changes.
Community and permissions
Confirm landowner, water-use and access agreements before buying project equipment or starting civil work.
Electrical safety
Use qualified installation, proper earthing, breakers and cable sizing. Never connect to a public grid without authorised protection and approval.
Operation and maintenance
Plan safe intake cleaning, spare parts, bearing checks, controller protection, weatherproofing and trained local responsibility.
Project path
From stream photo to checked quotation
Prepare a useful enquiry
Send the stream, head, flow and load details
Photos or short videos of the water source, intake route and proposed turbine area help us understand the project before discussing equipment.