Modeling thermoelectric power generation in view of climate change
Förster H, Lilliestam J (2010)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2010
Journal
Book Volume: 10
Pages Range: 327-338
Journal Issue: 4
DOI: 10.1007/s10113-009-0104-x
Abstract
In this study we investigate how thermal power plants with once-through cooling could be affected by future climate change impacts on river water temperatures and stream flow. We introduce a model of a steam turbine power plant with once-through cooling at a river site and simulate how its production could be constrained in scenarios ranging from a one degree to a five degree increase of river temperature and a 10-50% decrease of stream flow. We apply the model to simulate a large nuclear power plant in Central Europe. We calculate annual average load reductions, which can be up to 11. 8%, assuming unchanged stream flow, which leads to average annual income losses of up to 80 million €. Considering simultaneous changes in stream flow will exacerbate the problem and may increase average annual costs to 111 million € in a worst-case scenario. The model demonstrates that power generation could be severely constrained by typical climate impacts, such as increasing river temperatures and decreasing stream flow. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Förster, H., & Lilliestam, J. (2010). Modeling thermoelectric power generation in view of climate change. Regional Environmental Change, 10(4), 327-338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-009-0104-x
MLA:
Förster, Hannah, and Johan Lilliestam. "Modeling thermoelectric power generation in view of climate change." Regional Environmental Change 10.4 (2010): 327-338.
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