Modeling of the surface convective layer of salt-gradient solar ponds

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3266320· OSTI ID:6282305

Cha, Y S; Sha, W T

A one-dimensional numerical model is developed to predict the diurnal variations of vertical temperature and concentration profiles in salt-gradient solar ponds. The model employs augmented thermal and mass diffusivities due to turbulent wind mixing and double-diffusive convection. Numerical results indicate that the thickness of the surface convective layer increases with wind speed (or the wavelength of the surface wave). Double-diffusive convection is, in the absence of wind, capable of sustaining a mixed layer at the surface when strong cooling occurs over the pond. In field ponds, the surface convective layer is probably maintained as a result of the combined action of wind-generated turbulent mixing and doublediffusive convection.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL
• OSTI ID: 6282305
• Journal Information: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States) Vol. 104:4; ISSN JSEED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
AIR FLOW
CONVECTION
COOLING
DIFFUSION
ENERGY TRANSFER
EQUIPMENT
FLUID FLOW
FORECASTING
GAS FLOW
HEAT TRANSFER
LAYERS
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PONDS
SALINITY GRADIENTS
SALTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR PONDS
SURFACE AREA
SURFACE PROPERTIES
SURFACE WATERS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
THERMAL DIFFUSION
TURBULENT FLOW
VELOCITY
WIND