Heat rejection to the surface layer of a solar pond

Journal Article · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · J. Heat Transfer; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3247409· OSTI ID:5871733

Jaluria, Y; Cha, C K

An analytical and numerical study of the thermal and fluid flow effects of heat rejection to the surface layer of a salt-gradient solar pond, by means of a recirculating thermal discharge, is carried out. The use of solar ponds for power generation involves heat rejection, for which the surface zone may be employed. However, it is very important to determine the effect of the discharge of hot fluid on the temperature field in the surface zone and on the stability of the nonconvective zone, which lies between the surface and storage zones. Of particular interest is the dependence of this flow on the inflow conditions, on heat loss at the surface and on the inflow-outflow configuration. The downward penetration of the flow is strongly governed by the buoyancy effects, and the study considers both the transient and the steady-state circumstances. The effect of the surface energy loss and of the conductive heat gained from below the surface zone is also studied. The flow is found to be strongly dependent on the inflow and outflow conditions and on the surface heat loss. The disturbance to the nonconvective zone is also studied. The basic physical processes are considered in detail, and the relevance of the results obtained in the design of the corresponding recirculating flow is outlined.

• Research Organization: Mechanical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Pisataway, NJ 08854
• OSTI ID: 5871733
• Journal Information: J. Heat Transfer; (United States), Journal Name: J. Heat Transfer; (United States) Vol. 107:1; ISSN JHTRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
CONVECTION
ENERGY LOSSES
ENERGY TRANSFER
EQUIPMENT
FLUID FLOW
HEAT LOSSES
HEAT TRANSFER
LOSSES
MASS TRANSFER
PONDS
SALINITY GRADIENTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR PONDS
SURFACE WATERS