On solar ponds: salty fare for the world's energy appetite

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1982 · Technol. Rev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6058641

Edesess, M

It is shown how a uniquely simple salt-gradient solar-energy trap is proving an economical source of electricity and low-temperature heat at various sites around the world. Problems with solar ponds include the thickening of the surface layer despite grids of wave-suppressors; the economics of using solar ponds to generate power and desalt water depend largely on the ability to operate without a synthetic liner; and some solar ponds lose much more heat to the ground than predicted. It is concluded that development of solar ponds is likely to depend on energy demand.

• OSTI ID: 6058641
• Journal Information: Technol. Rev.; (United States), Vol. 85:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR PONDS
ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC POWER
DESALINATION
ENERGY DEMAND
HEAT LOSSES
LOW TEMPERATURE
SALINITY GRADIENTS
WATER
DEMAND
DEMINERALIZATION
ENERGY LOSSES
EQUIPMENT
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LOSSES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PONDS
POWER
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SURFACE WATERS
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