Feasibility Assessment of Medium-Scale Hydro-Power Plant – Case Study in Kerala, India

Abstract

The power of the hydrological cycle is enormous, sometimes devastating, but when it is utilised wisely, its negative impacts on humankind can be mitigated. Catastrophic floods and droughts are boosted by the world climate change. Hence, water management programs came into effect. On the other hand, energy production plays a major role in the country’s economic development. So, studies have come up with many ideas to ameliorate disasters especially floods through building mini, small, and large hydro-power plants against the rivers. This study presents a feasibility analysis of flood management and energy production in the Madupetty River, Kerala, India. Even though there are other dams in the Madupetty River, Mudirappuzha basin, the old Headwork built for a hydroelectric project, needs capacity augmentation. This study looks at ways to optimise the Maduppetty River’s water distribution system by building a dam-toe powerhouse where flood water can be stored and utilised when needed. Detailed analysis and design of the hydro-power station is presented. Rainfall runoff equations are used to assess the inflow for power potential studies. During flooding, the projected dam can hold 20.42 MCM of water. From this study, the dam toe powerhouse and cascade powerhouses will create 7.12 Mu and 90 Mu.