Thermal Regimes at Tailwaters of Hydroelectric Dam

by Narendran Ramachandran, Bechtel Natl Inc, Oak Ridge, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures for Enhanced Safety and Physical Security

Abstract:

Continuous temperature data were collected in the field for periods of approximately two weeks in Center Hill Tailwater. These data were analyzed to determine the warming rates and travel times and evaluate the effectiveness of existing minimum flow criteria in maintaining temperatures suitable for a viable cold water stream ecosystem and/or limiting habitat. In the Center Hill Tailwater, temperatures rose above 20?C when hot, clear days coincided with over 40 hours of no generation, and then temperature shocks of up to 11?C in 3 hours occurred when generation resumed. To avoid these temperature excursions, minimum daily generation with one unit for 4 hours was recommended.

Subject Headings: Aquatic habitats | Water resources | Temperature measurement | Temperature effects | Dams | Water temperature | Water management

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