The application of a 2-D convective cloud model to waste heat release from proposed nuclear energy centers

Abstract

A two-dimensional time-dependent convective cloud model is applied to the problem of atmospheric effects from latent and sensible heat releases by nuclear energy centers. In the model applications the horizontal extent and strength of the source (perturbation) is consistent with those proposed for such centers. One case considers the effect of excess water vapor from such centers upon an existing squall line convective element which passes over the center. Other cases consider the initiation of convection by both latent and sensible heat consistent with that released by evaporative cooling towers in such a center. In the case of enhancement of existing convection the increases in maximum vertical wind speed and maximum rainwater mixing ratio within the storm are computed to be less than 10%. In the cloud initiation cases, sub-cloud layer stability variations in a Nashville, Tennessee sounding were considered with no variation in the environmental motion field. No deep convection occurred in a case where thermal stability was present between 0.4 and 1.6 km. In a case where the atmosphere was dry adiabatic in this layer, deep convection did occur. In another case where the same sounding included a nocturnal inversion, deep convection occurred but was delayed by 3–4 h. In a case utilizing a sounding characteristic of very hot conditions in the interior Pacific Northwest, no condensed cloud was produced. A brief discussion is presented concerning some of the serious problems involved in applying one-, two-and three-dimensional convective cloud models to the waste heat problem. Also, certain additional experiments are suggested for both the enhancement and the initiation cases.