Hydropower
Net Head
H_{net} = H_{gross} - H_{losses}
Variables
| Hnet | Net head used in power calculation | m |
| Hgross | Gross (static) head | m |
| Hlosses | Penstock + intake + trashrack losses | m |
Engineering Example
A site with 45 m gross head and 5 m of total penstock/intake losses: Hnet = 45 − 5 = 40 m.
Practical Site Example
Always used in place of gross head for the actual power formula — using gross head alone overstates output.