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Title: Artificial cooling of the Columbia River by dam regulation: Part 1

Abstract

In early July 1958, it appeared that Columbia River temperatures at HAPO would be near 24--50{degree}C by the end of August. River temperatures were averaging 40 to 50{degree}C above 1957 figures and were 3{degree} to 4{degree} above the ten year highs. It seemed desirable to examine the problem to determine if any corrective measure could be taken, since it was apparent that production losses were imminent. The large storage of cold water behind Grand Coulee Dam, normally untapped, was a source of possible relief. A plan for use was proposed for the peak high temperature period and agreed to by the Bureau of Reclamation.

Authors:
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
General Electric Co., Richland, WA (United States). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
10175019
Report Number(s):
HW-60285-Pt.1
ON: DE94016943
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 25 May 1959
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS; 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; COLUMBIA RIVER; TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT; THERMAL EFFLUENTS; ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS; HAPO; DAMS; COMPILED DATA; 220503; 220600; 540350; CHEMICAL AND THERMAL EFFLUENTS; RESEARCH, TEST, TRAINING, PRODUCTION, IRRADIATION, MATERIALS TESTING REACTORS; SITE RESOURCE AND USE STUDIES

Citation Formats

Kramer, H.A. Artificial cooling of the Columbia River by dam regulation: Part 1. United States: N. p., 1959. Web. doi:10.2172/10175019.
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Kramer, H.A. Artificial cooling of the Columbia River by dam regulation: Part 1. United States. doi:10.2172/10175019.
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Kramer, H.A. Mon . "Artificial cooling of the Columbia River by dam regulation: Part 1". United States. doi:10.2172/10175019. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/10175019.
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@article{osti_10175019,
title = {Artificial cooling of the Columbia River by dam regulation: Part 1},
author = {Kramer, H.A.},
abstractNote = {In early July 1958, it appeared that Columbia River temperatures at HAPO would be near 24--50{degree}C by the end of August. River temperatures were averaging 40 to 50{degree}C above 1957 figures and were 3{degree} to 4{degree} above the ten year highs. It seemed desirable to examine the problem to determine if any corrective measure could be taken, since it was apparent that production losses were imminent. The large storage of cold water behind Grand Coulee Dam, normally untapped, was a source of possible relief. A plan for use was proposed for the peak high temperature period and agreed to by the Bureau of Reclamation.},
doi = {10.2172/10175019},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Mon May 25 00:00:00 EDT 1959},
month = {Mon May 25 00:00:00 EDT 1959}
}
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Technical Report:
View Technical Report (3.54 MB)
DOI:  10.2172/10175019
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  • The temperatures of the Columbia River was reduced 1 to 30 Centigrade with beneficial effects at HAPO. It is reasonable to expect that future benefits may be possible. It is desirable that the temperature of the river be controlled each year to the maximum extent possible. Instrumentation improvements requested to effect optimum savings. Records of river temperatures and flows should continue to be maintained by IPD as a necessary part of temperature optimization. Where possible, the coincident use of the river cooling technique should be made for the benefit of anadromous fish.

  • Grand Coulee Dam was used this year to reduce river temperatures at HAPO during the warm water period. Plans previously established in former years were used. River temperatures were held continuously at the best practicable minimal levels from August 1st through October 6th. The high river flows delayed the start until July 30th. A continuing low temperature proved to be the most beneficial. By-pass tubes were used to prevent spill of hot water over gates when needed. Generation loads were increased to give more cooling effect. Banks lake was carried at a high level and more irrigation pumping helped themore » program. Increased generation was the basic device used in cooling. Flash boards were used to reduce spill of hot surface water. Generation levels were increased July 30th. Twelve by-pass tubes were used to start the program. The number was decreased as total discharge dropped. Temperature reduction averaged 1.5{degrees}C for the active cooling period of 69 days. Resultant production gains totaled 15,723 MWD.« less

  • In accordance with the plans developed in 1958, Grand Coulee reservoir was used to reduce river temperature at HAPO during the 1959 warm water period. As closely as possible, river temperature were held continuously at as low a figure as practically and economically feasible. A continuing reduced temperature was found to be more economically beneficial than intermittent reduction. Use of the bypass tubes in the dam were held to those periods when it was desirable to maintain cooling not otherwise obtainable. Generation increases at Grand Coulee Dam were to provide the basic increase of colder water. Extra pumping of make-upmore » water to Banks Lake was arranged to secure additional flow from low levels of Lake Roosevelt.« less

  • This report details benefits of an increase in the flow of water from the lower depths of Grand Coulee Reservoir which used to lower river temperatures at HAPO. A net average daily reduction of over 1.7{degree}C resulted at HAPO. The peak reduction was over 4.0{degree}C. The net production gain from temperature change was 13,350 MWD. The cost of control was: Grand Coulee Charges (Estimated) $37,000, and other 3,500, for a total of $40,500.

  • This report discusses benefits in an increase in the flow of water from the lower depths of the Grand Coulee Dam which was used to lower river temperature at HAPO. A net average daily reduction of over 1.2{degree}C resulted at HAPO with a peak of 2.7{degree}C. The Net Production gain from temperature change was 6910 MWD and the Cost of Control was: Grand Coulee Charges $3,120.00, and other (Estimated) 6,880.00 for a total of $10,00.00.