A second-generation model for cooling tower plume rise and dispersion—I. Single sources

Abstract

Abstract A second-generation verified integral model for single-source cooling tower plume dispersion is presented. The formulation of the model contains more physics than other contemporary integral models. Its predictions are compared with 59 field data cases and with 47 laboratory data cases, as well as with the predictions of several other models known to yield relatively accurate results. For single-source data, the model performs as well as the two most accurate integral models from the group of 14 we have tested. However, unlike those other two models, the model developed by Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Illinois (the ANL/UI model) is formulated to predict plumes from multiple sources also. For field data, the model is able to predict visible plume rise within a factor of 2.0 in 75% of cases, and visible plume length within a factor of 2.5 in 70% of cases. For laboratory data, the mean error in trajectory predictions is 20% of rise, and the mean error in dilution predictions is 30%. For one-dimensional integral models these are now state-of-the-art levels of predictive accuracy.