OPTIMIZING THE COOLING SYSTEM OF THE SUEZ POWER PLANT TO AVOID THE MUTUAL EFFECT OF THE ATTAKA AND SUEZ PLANTS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Hydraulics Research Institute, National Water Research Centre, Egypt

2 Ditto

Abstract

This research aims at investigating the optimum location of the intake and outfall of the cooling
system of the Suez Power Plant. The Plant is planed to be built along the Suez Gulf. There is an
existing power plant (Attaka Plant) at about 5km west of the proposed Suez Plant. Hydrothermal
numerical modeling was carried out. This model was developed to study the recirculation of the
effluents at the intake of the Suez Plant and the distribution of the water temperature at its vicinity.
The model is calibrated with the measured data. The results showed that when the Suez and Attaka
Plants are in operation, the thermal plumes of both plants merge under specific conditions of wind
direction and tides. This results in plume concentration between the two plants, which makes it
difficult to locate the intake of the cooling system of Suez Power Plant. Different model scenarios
were tested to optimize the cooling system of Suez Power Plant to avoid the recirculation of
effluents. Based on the scenarios results, one option was selected to achieve the optimum design of
the plant cooling system to determine the shape and location of the intake and outfall of the plant
from both recirculation and marine life point of view.

Keywords