Three-Dimensional Coastal Thermal Recirculation Modeling: A Case Study

A 3-D hydrodynamic and heat transport computer modeling study was conducted in support of the intake and outfall design of a once-through circulating water system for a new 4 x 350 MW thermal power plant located on the coast of ****, Libya. Thermal recirculation at the proposed intake due to the new and existing discharges was examined with the 3-D model developed using the modeling software Delft3D-FLOW. The thermal impact of the proposed discharge on the intake of an existing power plant was also assessed. The site-specific 3-D hydrodynamic and heat transport model was developed and calibrated using field measurements of currents, water levels and temperatures. Proposed discharge and intake design locations were tested and found to satisfy the maximum water temperature increase criteria.