Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

A PDF Dispersion Model for Buoyant Plumes in the Convective Boundary Layer

J. C. Weil Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, and Visiting Scientist, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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L. A. Corio VERSAR, Incorporated, ESM Operations, Columbia, Maryland

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R. P. Brower VERSAR, Incorporated, ESM Operations, Columbia, Maryland

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Print Publication:
01 Aug 1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0450(1997)036<0982:APDMFB>2.0.CO;2
Page(s):
982–1003
Restricted access

Abstract

A probability density function (PDF) dispersion model is presented for buoyant plumes in the convective boundary layer (CBL), where the mean concentration field C is obtained from the PDFs py and pz of tracer particle position in the lateral y and vertical z directions. The py is assumed to be Gaussian, whereas the pz is derived from the the vertical velocity PDF, which is skewed. Three primary sources contribute to the modeled C field: 1) the “direct” or real source at the stack, 2) an “indirect” source to account for the slow downward dispersion of lofting plumes from the CBL top, and 3) a “penetrated” source to treat material that initially penetrates the elevated inversion but later fumigates into the CBL. Image sources are included to satisfy the zero-flux conditions at the ground and the CBL top.

Comparisons between the modeled crosswind-integrated concentration fields Cy and convection tank data show fair to good agreement in the lower half of the CBL. In particular, the Cy profiles at the surface agree with the data over a wide range of the dimensionless buoyancy flux F∗ and show a systematic decrease in Cy with F∗.

Comparisons between the modeled and observed ground-level concentrations around several power plants exhibit good agreement on average and are considerably better than those obtained with a standard Gaussian plume model. A residual analysis suggests some areas for future model development.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Jeffrey C. Weil, NCAR/MMM, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000.

Abstract

A probability density function (PDF) dispersion model is presented for buoyant plumes in the convective boundary layer (CBL), where the mean concentration field C is obtained from the PDFs py and pz of tracer particle position in the lateral y and vertical z directions. The py is assumed to be Gaussian, whereas the pz is derived from the the vertical velocity PDF, which is skewed. Three primary sources contribute to the modeled C field: 1) the “direct” or real source at the stack, 2) an “indirect” source to account for the slow downward dispersion of lofting plumes from the CBL top, and 3) a “penetrated” source to treat material that initially penetrates the elevated inversion but later fumigates into the CBL. Image sources are included to satisfy the zero-flux conditions at the ground and the CBL top.

Comparisons between the modeled crosswind-integrated concentration fields Cy and convection tank data show fair to good agreement in the lower half of the CBL. In particular, the Cy profiles at the surface agree with the data over a wide range of the dimensionless buoyancy flux F∗ and show a systematic decrease in Cy with F∗.

Comparisons between the modeled and observed ground-level concentrations around several power plants exhibit good agreement on average and are considerably better than those obtained with a standard Gaussian plume model. A residual analysis suggests some areas for future model development.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Jeffrey C. Weil, NCAR/MMM, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000.

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