Modelling of Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Sites in Loch Ness

MTS CFD have developed a hydrodynamic model of Loch Ness for the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board to assess the effect of pumped storage hydroelectric (PSH) schemes on the loch’s ecosystem. Results show that the sequence of water extraction and delivery can disturb the vertical temperature profile of the thermocline as deeper, colder water is entrained into the warmer upper layers. Virtual probe results for water surface temperature versus time highlight that a temperature swing of approximately 2 oC across the 48-hour run period is likely and that a water level fluctuation of almost 1.3 m is possible.

Pumped Storage Impact on Loch Ness Ecosystem 2

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