Assessment of the once-through cooling alternative for central steam-electric generating stations
The efficacy of the disposal of waste heat from steam-electric power generation by means of once-through cooling systems was examined in the context of the physical aspects of water quality standards and guidelines for thermal discharges. Typical thermal standards for each of the four classes of water bodies (rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters) were identified. The mixing and dilution characteristics of various discharge modes ranging from simple, shoreline surface discharges to long, submerged multiport diffusers were examined in terms of the results of prototype measurements, analytical model predictions, and physical model studies. General guidelines were produced that indicate, for a given plant capacity, a given type of receiving water body, and a given discharge mode, the likelihood that once-through cooling can be effected within the restrictions of typical thermal standards. In general, it was found that shoreline surface discharges would not be adequate for large power plants (greater than or equal to 500 MW) at estuarine and marine coastal sites, would be marginally adequate at lake sites, and would be acceptable only at river sites with large currents and river discharges. Submerged multiport diffusers were found to provide the greatest likelihood of meeting thermal standards in all receiving water environments.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 5984160
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/WR-78-5; TRN: 79-022137
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Management of waste heat at nuclear power plants: Its potential impact on the environment and its possible economic use
Coastal Ohio Wind Project
Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ONCE-THROUGH COOLING SYSTEMS
COST
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
PERFORMANCE
SURFACE WATERS
THERMAL POLLUTION
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
NUMERICAL DATA
TABLES
WASTE HEAT
COOLING SYSTEMS
DATA
DATA FORMS
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
HEAT
INFORMATION
POLLUTION
POWER PLANTS
REGULATIONS
WASTES
200101* - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Cooling & Heat Transfer Equipment & Systems
200202 - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Waste Management- Noxious Gas & Particulate Emissions
520400 - Environment
Aquatic- Thermal Effluents Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)