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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Application of solar ponds to district heating and cooling

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6349552

A preliminary investigation is reported of the feasibility of incorporating solar ponds into new subdivisions to provide district heating, domestic hot water (DHW), and district cooling. Two locations were chosen for analysis: Fort Worth, Texas and Washington, DC. Solar ponds were sized to meet space heating, cooling, and DHW loads in each location for differing community sizes. Parameters such as storage layer temperature, pond geometry, and storage depth vs surface area were varied to determine the most effective approach to solar pond utilization. A distribution system for the district heating system was designed, including sizing of heat exchangers, piping, and pumps. Cost estimates for the pond and distribution system were formulated by using data generated in pond sizing, as well as associated system costs (e.g., salt costs and distribution system costs). Finally, solar ponds were found to be competitive with residential flat-plate collector systems, with delivered energy costs as low as $16.00/GJ.

Research Organization:
Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-77CH00178
OSTI ID:
6349552
Report Number(s):
SERI/TR-731-1036; ON: DE81026557
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English