Implications of Power Plant Idling and Cycling on Water Use Intensity
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Dept. of Energy (DOE), Washington DC (United States)
Survey data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) was combined with data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to explore ways in which operations might impact water use intensity (both withdrawals and consumption) at thermoelectric power plants. Two disparities in cooling and power systems operations were identified here that could impact water use intensity: 1) Idling Gap—where cooling systems continue to operate when their boilers and generators are completely idled; and 2) Cycling Gap—where cooling systems operate at full capacity, while their associated boiler and generator systems cycle over a range of loads. Analysis of the EIA and EPA data indicated that cooling systems operated on average 13% more than their corresponding power system (Idling Gap), while power systems operated on average 30% below full load when the boiler was reported as operating (Cycling Gap). Regression analysis was then performed to explore whether the degree of power plant idling/cycling could be related to the physical characteristics of the plant, its environment or time of year. While results suggested that individual power plants’ operations were unique, weak trends consistently pointed to a plant’s place on the dispatch curve as influencing patterns of cooling system, boiler, and generator operation. This insight better positions us to interpret reported power plant water use data as well as improve future water use projections.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Electricity (OE); USDOE Office of Policy (OP); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- NA0003525
- OSTI ID:
- 1502969
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-2019-2869J; 673450
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 53, Issue 8; ISSN 0013-936X
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
Quantification of the water-use reduction associated with the transition from coal to natural gas in the US electricity sector
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journal | December 2019 |
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