Prediction of Three-Dimensional Thermal Discharge Flows

A three-dimensional model is presented that has been extensively used to predict the motion and mixing of thermal discharges entering lakes. The model uses a computational mesh that conforms to the bottom of the lake, the surface, and the shoreline, and is concentrated in the vicinity of the discharge. The k-ε urbulence model is used to estimate the turbulent stresses and fluxes. The effects of bottom surface roughness as well as the enhanced mixing due to turbulence generation by an ice cover or wind are included, and either floating (summer) or sinking (winter) plumes can be predicted. New solution algorithms makes the three-dimensional model relatively economical to run. The model, presents verification checks, and reports predictions for a single discharge and for two interacting discharges, is described herein.