Studies on mathematical models for characterizing plume and drift behavior from cooling towers. Volume 2. Mathematical model for single-source (single-tower) cooling tower plume dispersion

Technical Report · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6622390· OSTI ID:6622390

Carhart, R. A.; Policastro, A. J.; Ziemer, S.; Haake, K.; Dunn, W.

An improved model for natural-draft cooling tower plumes from single towers is presented. The model was developed through careful study of the systematic behavior of existing laboratory and field data and systematic testing of theoretical assumptions commonly employed in available plume models. Major model assumptions include bent-over plume; different spreading rates for momentum, temperature, and moisture; and an empirical treatment for plume downwash. Unknown experimental coefficients in the model were determined through calibration of model predictions with single-phase laboratory and visible plume field data. The model was also verified with new data not used in the calibration process. Our model provides an improvement in theory and performance over existing models and provides a correct representation of plume behavior at large wind speeds. This model is expanded to treat multiple tower plumes in Vol. 4.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA); Illinois Univ., Urbana (USA). Dept. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6622390
• Report Number(s): EPRI-CS-1683(Vol.2)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
CALIBRATION
COOLING TOWERS
DIFFUSION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NATURAL DRAFT COOLING TOWERS
PLUMES
POLLUTION
TESTING
VALIDATION
WIND