Here Comes The Sun: An Evaluation Of Evaporation Reduction Via Artificial Destratification and Photovoltaic Inflow Shading

Abstract

The problem of evaporation in the context of modern water infrastructure was discussed. Proposed solutions to this problem were examined, specifically bubble plume destratification. Using the DYRESM modeling software, a lake intended to be representative of large, multi-use lakes in climate conditions typical to the American southwest was modeled using varying bubble plume destratification system configurations and in varying environmental conditions. No discernable benefit from bubble plume destratification was observed. However, significant evaporation reduction through decreasing modeled solar flux was observed such that it was proposed that reduction of solar flux on lake inflows could be of benefit. Further DYRESM modeling, additional calculations and financial quantification using the SAM model showed that the implementation of a photovoltaic array on the model for purposes of shading lake inflow could yield significant water conservation, energy and financial benefits. It was concluded that the differences were accounted for by the fundamentally different approaches employed by the two solutions. A manner of considering such solutions in the future was posited. It was proposed that further research be undertaken to determine the feasibility of this solution in real-world applications.