ENERCON was contracted to perform a hydraulic study, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, to evaluate the feasibility of aeration systems for a commercial nuclear power plant. The goal of the aeration system is to raise dissolved oxygen levels and improve survival rates of aquatic wildlife impinging on the plant’s intake fish screens. This is a complex challenge due to seasonal hypoxic conditions in the waterbody and the plant’s high intake flow rate of 2.4 million gallons per minute, which makes maintaining adequate oxygen concentrations difficult.
ENERCON conducted a detailed assessment of available aeration technologies, evaluating the aeration capacity and efficiency of each system. Vendor quotes were reviewed, and recommendations were provided as part of a feasibility study. The study considered available power sources, equipment lead times, and other constraints related to installing the systems within the existing plant. Using CFD analysis, ENERCON quantified the feasibility and expected benefits of the selected aeration technologies.
Following the feasibility study, ENERCON was selected to perform the design modifications needed to implement the chosen aeration system. ENERCON completed the modification packages, and four 100‑horsepower aerators were successfully installed.
During a recent site visit, the site environmental engineer reported strong performance from the newly installed aeration systems. During algae blooms and seasonal low‑oxygen conditions in 2025, the aeration systems successfully maintained dissolved oxygen levels well above target thresholds.
Why It Matters
Utilities and Power Generation Plants are important members of the communities they serve. They produce and deliver the electricity we need while taking safeguards to protect the environment.
This project is important for protecting the environment while delivering of clean carbon-free nuclear energy. It reinforces ENERCON’s role as a trusted partner in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and delivering high-quality environmental and engineering support.
ENERCON is an industry leader in site licensing, engineering design/analysis and environmental services for the nuclear industry for over 40 years. ENERCON is ranked by Engineering News Record as one of the top engineering design providers to the U.S. Nuclear Industry and is Engineer of Choice at over 90% of nuclear power plants across the US.
