Salt-gradient solar ponds: design, construction and power production
Salt-gradient solar ponds are combined solar energy collectors and thermal storage systems. The ponds are made non-convective by the formation of a density-gradient composed of salt solutions whose concentrations increase with depth. The depth of the various layers of the pond determine the efficiency and thermal storage capacity of the system. The construction of the largest such pond in the US, 2000 m/sup 2/, was completed in 1978 for approximately $35/m/sup 2/. The pond is estimated to produce 1015 GJ/y of low-temperature heat at a cost of $8.95/GJ, when the installation costs are amortized over 15 y. Construction changes are suggested to improve the reliability of the system. Electrical power generation by the use of Rankine cycle turbogenerators connected to solar ponds has been demonstrated in Israel. Feasibility studies are in progress to propose electricity production of up to 2000 MW for projects near the Dead Sea in Israel, and 600 MW in a proposed project at the California Salton Sea.
- Research Organization:
- Mound Plant (MOUND), Miamisburg, OH (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00053
- OSTI ID:
- 5110261
- Report Number(s):
- MLM-2770(OP); CONF-800871-1
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International symposium on solar energy utilization, London, Ontario, Canada, 10 Aug 1980
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
SOLAR PONDS
DESIGN
PERFORMANCE
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
CONSTRUCTION
COST
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
MAINTENANCE
RANKINE CYCLE
SALINITY GRADIENTS
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
STABILITY
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
HEAT STORAGE
PONDS
POWER PLANTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
STORAGE
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators
142000 - Solar Energy- Heat Storage- (1980-)
140700 - Solar Thermal Power Systems