CFD simulation of CO₂ dispersion from urban thermal power plant: Analysis of turbulent Schmidt number and comparison with Gaussian plume model and measurements

This investigation presents computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) dispersion from a natural gas-fueled thermal power plant in an urban environment. The results are compared with experimental measurements of column-averaged dry-air mole fraction (XCO₂) on the site, obtaining a good agreement. Different turbulent Schmidt numbers are compared, and we suggest a value for being used in full-scale simulations. The particular characteristics, e.g. azimuth and elevation angles of the XCO₂ measurement, are analyzed and taken into account for the comparison with simulation results. The conclusions from this comparison are useful not only for the XCO₂ experimental data analysis, but also for the efficient and successful design of future measurement campaigns. The simulation results are also compared with the Gaussian plume model, and a new parametrization (i.e. vertical dispersion parameter) is suggested for being used in the urban environment. Additionally, CO₂ concentration maps for an urban area are presented, and the spatial distribution is analyzed.