Precipitation Enhancement Experiments in Catchment Areas of Dams: Evaluation of Water Resource Augmentation and Economic Benefits

This study calculated the augmentation of water resources that can be achieved through precipitation enhancement and the ensuing economic benefits by conducting precipitation enhancement experiments using atmospheric aircraft in the catchment areas of 21 multipurpose dams in Korea. The maximum numbe...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bu-Yo Kim, Joo Wan Cha, Woonseon Jung, A-Reum Ko
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
Series:Remote Sensing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/12/22/3730
Description
Summary:This study calculated the augmentation of water resources that can be achieved through precipitation enhancement and the ensuing economic benefits by conducting precipitation enhancement experiments using atmospheric aircraft in the catchment areas of 21 multipurpose dams in Korea. The maximum number of precipitation enhancement experiments to be carried out was estimated based on the frequency of occurrence of seedable clouds near each dam, using geostationary satellite data. The maximum quantity of water that can be obtained was calculated considering the mean precipitation enhancement and probability of success, as determined from the results of experiments conducted in South Korea during 2018–2019. The effective area of seeding was assumed 300 km<sup>2</sup>. In addition, the amount of hydroelectric power generation possible was determined from the quantity of water thus calculated. In conclusion, it was established that an approximate increase of 12.89 million m<sup>3</sup> (90% confidence interval: 7.83–17.95 million m<sup>3</sup>) of water, and 4.79 (2.91–6.68) million kWh of electric power generation will be possible through approximately 96 precipitation enhancement operations in a year at the catchment area of Seomjin River (SJ) dam which has a high frequency of occurrence of seedable clouds, a large drainage area, and a high net head. An economic benefit of approximately 1.01 (0.61–1.40) million USD can be anticipated, the benefit/cost ratio being 1.46 (0.89–2.04).
ISSN:2072-4292