Atmospheric Effects of Cooling Lakes. Final Report

Vogel, J.; Hoff, F.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/114192 Copy

Description

Title

Atmospheric Effects of Cooling Lakes. Final Report

Author(s)

• Vogel, J.
• Hoff, F.

Contributor(s)

Illinois Institute of Natural Resources, State Water Survey Division

Issue Date

1981-04

Keyword(s)

Cooling lakes--environmental impact

Geographic Coverage

• Illinois
• Baldwin Lake, Illinois

Abstract

The atmospheric effects of waste heat dissipation from cooling lakes operated in conjunction with power plants was assessed through a program of field measurements and analysis. An 890-hectare (2200-acre) cooling lake in southwestern Illinois was instrumented to provide necessary meteorological measurements. Analyses showed that steam fog and its downwind extent are the major atmospheric effects associated with cooling lakes, and that these effects maximize in winter and fall. However, the lake-induced fog is usually confined to the lake and short distances downwind. Consequently, cooling lakes with water-air temperature differences similar to those reported in Illinois and within a similar climatic regime can be located within 2 to 3 km of major highways, airports, or other centers of activity adversely affected by fog without any appreciable interference in the normal performance of such activities. Lake-related rime icing was either confined to the cooling lake or extended no more than 0.8 km downwind. Satellite and radar data showed no discernible increase of convective activity over or downwind of two cooling lakes in Illinois. For guidance in site planning and plant operations, a method is presented for determining the intensity and downwind extent of steam fog from known water-air temperature differences and ambient saturation deficits.

Publisher

Electric Power Research Institute

Series/Report Name or Number

• EPRI EA-1762
• ISWS Contract Report CR 256

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/114192

Has Version(s)

https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6547797

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

• Electric Power Research Institute RP578
• State of Illinois

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