The Francis hydro-turbine is a typical nonlinear system with coupled hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical subsystems. It is difficult to understand the reasons for its operational failures, since the main cause of failures is due to the complex interaction of the three subsystems. This paper presents an improved dynamic model of the Francis hydro-turbine. This study involves the development of a nonlinear dynamic model of a hydraulic unit, given start-up and emergency processes, and the consideration of the effect of water hammer during transients. To accomplish the objectives set, existing models used to model hydroelectric units are analyzed and a mathematical model is proposed, which takes into account the dynamics during abrupt changes in the conditions. Based on these mathematical models, a computer model was developed, and numerical simulation was carried out with an assessment of the results obtained. The mathematical model built was verified on an experimental model. As a result, a model of a hydraulic unit was produced, which factors in the main hydraulic processes in the hydro-turbine.