Case Study: Impact of Reservoir Stratification on Interflow Travel Time
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 129, Issue 12
Abstract
A case study is presented on the relation between interflow travel time and reservoir stratification. A simulation model is calibrated and validated for the Wachusett Reservoir in Massachusetts. The Reservoir has a major controlled inflow which traverses the reservoir as an interflow. The model is used with a range of alternate inflow schedules and the resulting travel time of the interflow is examined. The inflow density is within the range of densities found in the reservoir thermocline and the inflow rate is sufficient to maintain a continuous interflow. Under these conditions it is found that a linear relation exists between the average interflow travel time, as measured by the arrival of a specified fraction of interflow water at the outlet, and the degree of stratification, as measured by the maximum difference in reservoir thermocline temperature, at the initiation of the inflow. The results may be useful for operation of the reservoir under study subject to continued validation of the simulation model used.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 129 • Issue 12 • December 2003
Pages: 966 - 975
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 18, 2002
Accepted: Apr 29, 2003
Published online: Nov 14, 2003
Published in print: Dec 2003
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