Improved model for natural and mechanical-draft cooling tower plume rise

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6462805

Carhart, R A; Policastro, A J; Wastag, M; Haake, K

Based on previous model validation work, an improved model was developed for single and multiple cooling tower plume rise. The model adopts a one-dimensional integral approach, is applicable to both natural- and mechanical-draft cooling tower plumes and treats the effects of wind direction and variable cross-section on plume merging. Assumptions are made which help resolve the usual difficulties of correctly predicting both plume trajectory and dilution, and of achieving the correct balance of thermodynamic effects. The model treats the effects of tower downwash for both natural- and mechanical-draft plumes by means of additional entrainment and a downward pressure force. The multiple-source plume merging method accounts for different rates of entrainment depending on the degree of non-circularity of the plume cross-section and on the orientation of the merging plumes to the wind direction. The model was calibrated with selected laboratory data (from Battelle Northwest Lab (BNL) and Electricite de France (EDF)) and field data (from Chalk Point, Lunen, Paradise). The model was then verified by comparing its predictions with field data from the Amos and Neurath natural-draft cooling towers (NDCTs), and from the Gaston and Benning Road mechanical-draft cooling towers (MDCTs). Additional verification was provided by model/data comparisons with new single-phase laboratory data from EDF, BNL, and other sources. The overall predictive capability of the model is good.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6462805
• Report Number(s): CONF-800989-2; ON: DE81023834
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COOLING TOWERS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICAL DRAFT COOLING TOWERS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NATURAL DRAFT COOLING TOWERS
PLUMES
POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THERMODYNAMICS
TOWERS
TRAJECTORIES
WIND