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Integrated Systems for Utilizing Waste Heat from Steam Electric Plants¹

ABSTRACT

Multiple use of waste heat and cooling waters from power plants will become an important consideration in the development, siting, and certification of these plants. The heat in the cooling water must be considered a resource to be managed for effective use. At the same time, society faces problems of degradation of its environment caused by industries, by individuals, and by communities. Pollution problems such as disposal of agricultural and domestic sewage, calefaction, and use of persistent chemicals must be solved in concert, not individually. The ultimate solution to these problems must be found in the development of integrated systems in which resources are not used in a destructive manner but are recycled. These observations prompted the development of a system of components that can beneficially utilize waste heat, allow multiple use of the cooling water, and achieve a high degree of efficiency in the production of food and fiber without causing polluted streams and soils. The concept fits anticipated trends in agriculture where a higher rate of production per unit area must be achieved for economic reasons and to avoid some of the ecological impact. It allows wise land-use planning which is rapidly emerging as a major national issue. A statement of the problem is presented, the magnitude of the present and future rate of waste heat production is considered, and criteria for the use of waste heat are introduced. Certain aspects of the feasibility of the proposed integrated systems are evaluated.

Key Words: thermal pollution • energy sources • recycling

¹ Technical Paper no. 3256, Agr. Exp. Sta., Oregon State University, Corvallis. Paper presented August 19, 1971 in New York City at the symposium on "Beneficial Uses for Thermal Discharges" held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Society of Agronomy. Research supported by the Pacific Power & Light Co., Portland, Oregon, and the Office of Water Resources Research, USDI.

² Professor and Research Assistant, respectively, Department of Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore. 97331.

Received for publication February 14, 1972.