Epilimnetic Dissolved Oxygen Content and Surface Water Pump Performance

by Mark H. Mobley, Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Quality Issues at Fossil Fuel Plants

Abstract:

Surface water pumps have been operated and monitored at TVA's Douglas Dam since 1987. The purpose of these pumps is to improve the dissolved oxygen (DO) content of the hydropower releases. The epilimnetic DO content is a major input variable for a properly designed surface water pump installation at a hydropower facility. Changes in this variable directly affect the performance of the pumps. Therefore, epilimnetic DO and the reasons for its changes are of interest to those using surface water pumps for reservoir release improvements. Graphs are presented that document the continuous changes in the epilimnetic DO content at Douglas Reservoir. Reasons for these changes include diurnal cycles, sunlight variations, wind mixing, and algal population densities. The effects of these changes on the performance of the surface water pumps are discussed.

Subject Headings: Pumps | Dissolved oxygen | Surface water | Hydro power | Reservoirs | Water resources | Water quality

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