Applications of Water Temperature Models to Water Diversion Open Channels

In cold area of China, freezing process usually takes place in diversion open channels in winter, which may cause damage to these channels, the property and even the lives of people along these channels. In order to safely transport water using these channels in winter, it is necessary to study water temperature distribution and icing position in the channels. The water temperature distribution in a typical water diversion open channel in Ningxia of China is simulated by using three water temperature models, i.e. cross-section averaged one dimensional model, depth averaged two dimensional model, and width averaged two dimensional model. The numerical results are compared and analyzed among these models. The simulated results indicate that air temperature, wind speed and flow velocity are three key factors that affect the water temperature distribution and icing positions.