Mathematical and CFD methods for prediction of thermal pollution caused by thermal power plant

Abstract

Wastewaters from power plants is a major concern for environmental protection. After the water is used in thermal power plant, the heated effluent is again discharged in the same water body from where it is taken. This not only disturbs the aquatic life but also affects the balance of the ecosystem. This paper presents the background of the thermal pollution, modelling approach and analysis methods for prediction of thermal pollution. A 2-D model of Sava River is discussed. The thermal power plant Nikola Tesla B was considered. Analysis of thermal discharge into the Sava River for the twelve-year period has been carried out. It was done a comparative analysis of the results obtained using mathematical (Electricity of France ? EDF) method and numerical analysis using the CFD software package ANSYS FLUENT. A comparison of these two methods was made in order to show that it is possible to predict thermal pollution precisely and that it is possible to apply these methods in the design of industrial plants and not only in large thermal power plants. Finally, the results showed the matching of the obtained values at greater distances from the water outlet of the thermal power plant.