Thermal stratification in a cooling pond refers to the layering of water at different temperatures within the pond. When water enters the pond from the power plant, it is usually warmer than the surrounding water. As it spreads out, the warmer water tends to stay on top, while the cooler water remains near the bottom. This creates distinct layers or "strata" of water, with the warmest water at the surface and the cooler water deeper in the pond.
Thermal stratification can affect how efficiently the pond cools the water, as the heat is trapped in the upper layers and doesn’t mix easily with the cooler water below. If the layers don’t mix properly, the cooling process can slow down, leading to higher temperatures in the pond and potentially violating environmental discharge limits. To manage this, some cooling ponds are designed with circulation systems that promote mixing, helping to distribute the heat more evenly and improve cooling efficiency.
