Key equipment of Peringalkuthu dam to be replaced

Idukki: KSEB has decided to replace the penstocks and butterfly valves – two key pieces of equipment – of the Peringalkuthu hydroelectric project. The board has constituted an expert committee to examine the detailed project report (DPR) submitted by the chief engineer and recommend further steps. The penstocks and four butterfly valves of the project, commissioned during 1957–60, are now around 65 years old. Inspections have revealed serious defects. Although machinery had been upgraded earlier, the penstocks and associated systems were not replaced at that time. The latest assessment found that immediate replacement of the butterfly valves and related systems is essential for safe operation. Leakages in the penstocks are also preventing adequate water flow to the generators. Initially, the project had four generators with a capacity of 9MW each. In 1999, an additional 16MW generator was installed under the ‘Peringalkuthu Additional' scheme. The annual power generation stands at 191 million units. The expert committee was formed as per the decision taken at the KSEB board of directors meeting held on March 17. The panel, comprising civil and electrical engineering experts, will conduct on-site inspections of the existing penstocks and valves, evaluate technical and financial aspects of the project, review the DPR, suggest necessary modifications, and submit recommendations for administrative approval. The committee is chaired by chief engineer Vinod V, with deputy chief engineer Sreerekha K as convenor. The dam across the Chalakudy river was constructed in 1946 during the reign of Cochin ruler Parikshit Thampuran. Located inside forest area upstream of the Vazhachal waterfalls, the dam stands 23m tall and is built using stone masonry and surkhi (traditional building material). At full capacity, it can store 32 million cubic metres of water. Water is carried through penstocks to the powerhouse near the Malakkappara road to drive turbines. The electricity generated is transmitted via 110kV lines to the Chalakudy substation and to the Sholayar powerhouse in Tamil Nadu. The discharged water after power generation forms the main source for the Athirappilly waterfalls and Vazhachal waterfalls.