Water Wheel

Water Wheels are undershot fluid-driven power generators that sit in flowing Fluids and convert horizontal current into Power. They must be placed aligned with the flow so the fluid moves parallel to the wheel under the axle; fluids falling vertically onto the wheel (waterfalls) do not produce power. The channel depth only affects the current by dilution; Power is proportional to the current under the axle in the lowest block occupied by the wheel. If the fluid level reaches the axles the wheels become Flooded and stop working. Multiple Water Wheels can be placed adjacent to each other to use the full width of a flow, and their axles transmit Power between connected wheels and to your power network.

There are three sizes/types of Water Wheel with different durability: Compact Water Wheel (120 hp), Water Wheel (270 hp), and Large Water Wheel (540 hp). Compact and Large Water Wheels were added to the Iron Teeth faction in a later update, while Water Wheels were originally unique to Folktails. Water Wheels were introduced at Early Access launch; a subsequent update increased their effectiveness by 50% (yielding 50% more Power per unit of current), and later patches adjusted collision boxes and removed any slowing effect on water flow.

• Water Wheels do not generate Power during Droughts, so they are seasonally dependent and best used where flowing fluids remain available outside drought periods.
• Place wheels so the flow is as narrow and shallow as possible without causing flooding; this concentrates current and maximizes power output.
• Use Badwater rivers for power where applicable: they free freshwater for agriculture and lidos, remove irrigation constraints from power networks, and simplify seasonal management. For Iron Teeth colonies, Badwater flow can be made season-independent later in the game using Badwater Discharges.
• In the late game, create long straight canals filled with a chain of Water Wheels for large power generation when droughts are not active. Use Overhangs and Impermeable Floors for improved canal design; levees or Terrain Blocks can form canal walls (Terrain Blocks offer a minor performance improvement).
• Water Wheels are undershot only; ensure the wheel’s axle remains above the flowing surface. Monitor axle height to avoid flooding and loss of generation.
• Connect wheels via axles to integrate them directly into your power grid; adjacent placement allows wheels to draw from a wide flow without wasting current.