Modeling of Reject Heated Water Use in Greenhouses

A mathematical screening model is described for examining the investment aspects of the use of energy in reject heated water from nuclear-fueled electricity generating stations for subsequent utilization in greenhouses. The model is a simulation model for costs. From a specified array of alternative facilities, it permits the selection of the configuration of transmission pipe diameters, transmission pumping, capacity and greenhouse designs, which have the minimum cost. A series of technological constraints fundamental to the success of the secondary use of the reject heated water is analyzed. Because scale economies in usage of the heated water are extensive, particular attention is given in the model development to the analysis of questions of temporal growth characteristics and the trading off of economies of scale versus deferment of expenditure.