Water Science & Technology Vol 66 No 1 pp 53–60 © IWA Publishing 2012 doi:10.2166/wst.2012.122

Improving design factors of air diffuser systems based on field conditions of dam reservoirs: CFD simulation approach

Sangmin Shin, Seungjae Lee, Sangeun Lee, Kyungtaek Yum and Heekyung Park

This study aims to improve the design factors of air diffuser systems that have been analyzed in laboratory experiments, with consideration of the field conditions of dam reservoirs. In this study, the destratification number (D_N), destratification radius, and efficiency are considered as design factors. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation experiment is performed in diverse field conditions in order to analyze these factors. The results illustrate the wider range of D_N values in field conditions and the relationship of the destratification radius and efficiency to D_N. The results can lead to better performance of air diffuser systems and water quality management in dam reservoir sites.

Keywords: air diffuser system; CFD; design factor; destratification efficiency; destratification number; destratification radius

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