Salt gradient solar pond technology in the US

Conference · Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5353363

Macaleer, B S; Rannels, J E

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has concluded that a potential exists for salt-gradient solar ponds. In a solar pond, there are three layers of salinity. The top layer absorbs sunlight, the middle serves as an insulator, while allowing radiation to pass through to the bottom layer, of the thickest salinity, which stores the energy. Selection of a site of adequate insolation, inexpensive land, free from aquifer interference, is discussed. The pond is filled by the injection procedure, as outlined. Costs vary dramatically based on site parameter limitations of insolation, water, salt, and aquifer. DOE has initiated RandD programs to address the problem of gradient zone erosion, characterize the parameters of heat extraction, and investigate the interactions of soil and brine. A feasibility study has been made at Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley. Other sites are being studied.

• Research Organization: Meridian Corporation
• OSTI ID: 5353363
• Report Number(s): CONF-820217-
• Journal Information: Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Vol. 9; Conference: 9. energy technology conference, Washington, DC, USA, 16 Feb 1982
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR PONDS
SITE SELECTION
THERMODYNAMICS
AQUIFERS
BRINES
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
EROSION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
INSOLATION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
ROCK-FLUID INTERACTIONS
SALINITY GRADIENT POWER PLANTS
SALTON SEA
SITE SURVEYS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
USA
ECONOMICS
EQUIPMENT
LAKES
NORTH AMERICA
PONDS
POWER PLANTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SURFACE WATERS
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators