Hydrothermal Evaluations

Once-through Cooling Systems Thermoelectric power plants  often make use of once-through cooling (OTC), a system whereby the water from nearby waterbodies is circulated through pipes to absorb heat from the steam in the condensers. The emission of this heated water back into the waterbody can have significant ecological impacts.  For example EFDC+ has been used…

Stratified Lakes

Stratified Lakes Large steep sided lakes with slow moving water are an example of where sharp thermoclines are often found in the summer months. The hypolimnion is often depleted of oxygen at this time due to the biological oxygen demand of bacterial decomposers. At depth there is also reduced photosynthetic activity. The density differences results…