In the context of desalination plants and their related mathematical and physical modeling, the terms near-field and far-field refer to the distinct spatial zones surrounding the brine discharge point, where different hydrodynamic processes play a key role.
• Near-field:
The near field refers to the region immediately adjacent to the discharge point, where buoyancy, turbulence, and mixing forces dominate. This region is often modeled with turbulent plume simulations that leverage computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to capture the mixing dynamics accurately. The near field has received considerable attention in existing literature and is particularly significant from an industrial perspective, especially when designing outfall and intake systems.
• Far-field approaches:
The far field describes the area further away from the discharge point. Here, the initial momentum and density-driven effects of the discharge have largely dissipated, and mixing is primarily influenced by ambient hydrodynamic processes, such as tides, currents, and diffusion. Understanding the far field is crucial for assessing the broader environmental impacts of desalination plant discharges, including long-term changes in salinity and their effects on ecosystems.
What is the primary focus of the SWAM team?
The SWAM Team focuses at gaining knowledge on the potential impact of brine discharge in coastal environments. Thus, we prioritize mesoscale and far-field assessments, simulating brine distribution using near-field profiles as input to our models.
We propose to deploy dedicated CFD tools and physical models for the simulation of brine dispersion and its interaction with species distribution.
Based on Calisto’s expertise in meso-scale Lagrangian modeling, the objective here is to provide a better understanding of the intrinsic variance (turbulent flow) and variability factors brought about by stochastic Lagrangian approach in CFD. In Sophia-Antipolis, Calisto develops stochastic Lagrangian approach software, in particular WindPoS (a meso-scale wind farm simulation framework with complex topography) and OceaPoS (meso-scale hydro-turbine simulation in complex coastal bathymetry). These software will inspire a new instance of numerical simulation code dedicated to the case of brine dispersion.
The SWAM team members are actively collaborating with various universities and biological experts to investigate the direct effects of brine on some marine species (sea urchins and Concholepas Concholepas) common in Chile. By applying advanced mathematical modeling and comprehensive statistical analysis, SWAM aspires to enrich the understanding of these impacts using stochastic modeling techniques. This approach will allow us to capture the inherent uncertainties and variations in biological responses to brine exposure, ultimately contributing valuable insights to marine biology and conservation efforts.
