Mathematical modelling and extrapolation of Streamflow for hydro-power development

Abstract

Hydro-power development is important for Sri Lanka not simply because it is a means of energy generation but also because it utilizes a resource which does not create environmental hazards in the process of energy conversion. The viability of Hydro-power develpment projects mostly depend on the extractable energy from such projects, and hence on the streamflow available for tapping. Knowledge of available streamflow also enables the developer to assess the degree of incorporating requisite environmental impact mitigatory measures in situations where such impact assessments involve significant subjectivity. The work presented contain the estimation of streamflow at Bopath Ella extrapolating streamflow data in an adjacent watershed. Data checking and filling based on the comparison of daily and monthly, rainfall and streamflow characteristics was carried out in cases where the missing data duration was of short length. The instances where data were missing for significant continuous durations, filling was carriedout using a conceptual mathematical model developed for the particular catchment. Catchment information such as topography, land use and rainfall quantity were used to carryout the data extrapolation and subsequent computations of available energy.