Title: Evaluation of CFD model predictions of local dispersion from an area source on a complex industrial site

Authors: Richard Hill, Alistair Arnott, Paul Hayden, Tom Lawton, Alan Robins, Tim Parker

Addresses: Jacobs, Kelton House, Westlakes Science and Technology Park, Moor Row, Cumbria, CA24 3HX, UK. ' Orcina Ltd., Daltongate, Cumbria, LA12 7AJ, UK. ' Environmental Flow Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK. ' Environmental Flow Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK. ' Environmental Flow Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK. ' Sellafield Ltd., Sellafield Works, Seascale, Cumbria CA20 1PG, UK

Abstract: The CFD model Fluidyn-Panache was configured to model atmospheric transport from an area source. Modelled flow and turbulence were evaluated by comparison with on-site meteorological measurements, whilst atmospheric dispersion was compared with wind tunnel measurements. The results showed that higher rates of vertical and lateral dispersion were modelled than were determined in the wind tunnel, though modelled and measured ground-level centreline concentration data were within a factor of two. Uncertainties in wind tunnel and numerical modelling were highest close to the source. Consideration of fine-scale features was only necessary for receptors in the immediate near-field.

Keywords: building effects; CFD; computational fluid dynamics; complex sites; wind tunnels; dispersion modelling; atmospheric transport; flow modelling; turbulence modelling; meteorological measurements; uncertainties; air quality; air pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2011.038416

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2011 Vol.44 No.1/2/3/4, pp.173 - 181

Published online: 29 Apr 2015 *

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