Analyzing Steam Electric Power Plant Discharges

The temperature distribution resulting from the advection, dispersion, and cooling of water from a steam electric power plant condenser is analyzed for a station located on a peninsula and discharging near the midpoint of a small narrow estuary. A theoretical temperature distribution equation is developed and used to predict the mean monthly temperatures to be expected within a mile of the discharge point for various levels of operation. Temperatures are related to an equilibrium temperature toward which water temperatures are driven by meteorological conditions. Analyses presented are based on methods developed during a continuing research program sponsored by the Prime Movers Committee of the Edison Electric Institute and conducted by the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University.