Author(s): Maria Gabriella Gaeta; Achilleas G. Samaras; Renata Archetti; Alberto Lamberti
Linked Author(s): Alberto Lamberti
Keywords: Thermal discharge; Numerical modeling; TELEMAC-3D; Environmental impact; Thermal pollution
Abstract: The present work investigates thermal discharge to coastal areas using TELEMAC-3D to simulate nearshore hydrodynamics, both standalone and coupled with TOMAWAC in order to include the effect of wave-current interactions as well. The study area is located in South Italy and comprises the vicinity of power plant at Cerano, near the city of Brindisi. The effect of thermal discharge is investigated through distinct scenarios for a combination of (a) tidal and wave conditions, (b) water temperature stratification in the coastal field, and (c) operational characteristics of the power plant (in terms of water discharge/temperature at its outlet) .The model results of this representative array of scenarios are intercompared and evaluated on the basis of meeting basic standards of respective environmental regulations, providing with useful insights on the numerical simulation of the phenomenon and the potential effects for the specific coastal area.
Year: 2015