Frequently asked questions
Version 2026-10-01·Last updated 2026-10-01
Short answers about HPP-Design and hydropower turbine sizing. The full method — specific speed, inputs, the four turbine families and their ranges — is in the documentation.
General
What does HPP-Design do?
It produces a preliminary sizing for a hydropower site: given net head and flow, it selects the feasible turbine types and returns valid configurations, performance and a rough cost — as a downloadable spec sheet.
Who is it for?
Independent hydropower developers, engineers at utilities and EPCs, and technical universities — anyone who needs a fast, defensible preliminary sizing.
Which turbine types are supported?
Pelton, Francis, Kaplan and Archimedean screw, each within its valid head and flow range: see the turbine families.
How accurate are the results?
It's a preliminary sizing, not a detailed design — built on a decade of validated turbomachinery engineering and meant to get you to a defensible number fast.
Do credits expire?
No. Credits never expire, and there's no subscription.
Sizing results
Why does HPP-Design show "No configurations available"?
Usually because one machine cannot take the whole flow. Split the discharge across several units, as most plants do. Example and details: No configurations available.
Why is there no result with a low head and a large discharge?
Low heads are covered by the Kaplan turbine and the Archimedean screw. If neither fits, the flow is too large for one machine: split it across more units. Ranges per machine: Kaplan and Archimedean screw.
Free and professional sizings
What is a professional sizing?
A sizing whose turbine has a preliminary power above 10 kW (5 kW for the Archimedean screw). It uses one credit. Details in the documentation, prices on the Pricing page.
What does the free version include?
Unlimited sizings up to 10 kW (5 kW for the Archimedean screw), with no credit required: you only need an account.
Support and account
I need a specific turbine parameter. Where can I find it?
Write to info@hpp-design.com with your site data: we will review it and help you with the sizing.
How long does my account last?
Account duration, inactivity and closure are governed by the Terms of Service. How long your data is kept is described in the Privacy Policy.