Study On Cheeyappara Waterfalls To Set Up An Environmentally Sustainable Small Hydropower Station

Energy has always been a deciding factor in the progress of mankind. Small hydropower stations (SHP) are emerging as a solution for the sustainable, green, environment-friendly and long term, cost-effective source of renewable energy; more advantageous than conventional medium or large hydropower projects. Small hydropower station requires very less flow or head compared to conventional hydropower plants and specially adapted to serve remotely hilly areas on an independent basis to save large investment needed for extending transmission and distribution for low consumption centres from the power grid supplies by harnessing the hydro potential of small rivers and streams. A Cheeyappara waterfall is located in Idukki district of Kerala state along the side of NH 85 (Kochi – Madurai National Highway) and joins the river Deviyar. Using the available head of Cheeyappara waterfalls, a small hydro project is feasible and can be completed within a shorter period without much ecological disturbance. The catchment area is calculated using toposheet of the location and the available head is determined using a handheld GPS survey. By power potential study using available rainfall readings and optimization study for various capacities, it is possible to finalize the capacity of the power station. The selection of the turbine depends on the available head and flow rate. The feasibility study concludes that SHP of 300 kW capacity using two crossflow type turbines of 150 kW each can be envisaged using Cheeyappara waterfalls, enabling clean green energy at a lower cost, if implemented.