A numerical model to describe the layer behavior in salt-gradient solar ponds

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3266389· OSTI ID:6927319

Meyer, K A

A numerical model has been developed to describe the time-dependent behavior of the interfaces between the convecting and nonconvecting regions of a salt-gradient solar pond. Salinity and temperature profiles, as a function of time, are also determined by the model. The model utilizes empirical correlations from the oceanographic literature that describe the heat and salt fluxes across the interfaces. The model also contains a treatment of entrainment caused by wind-generated turbulence. Agreement was found of the calculated behavior with observations made on laboratory-scale solar pond simulation experiments. The model is used to determine pond performance under various operating conditions.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
• OSTI ID: 6927319
• Journal Information: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States) Vol. 105:4; ISSN JSEED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
AIR-WATER INTERACTIONS
BENCH-SCALE EXPERIMENTS
BOUNDARY LAYERS
CONVECTION
ENTRAINMENT
EQUIPMENT
HEAT FLUX
LAYERS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PERFORMANCE
PONDS
SALINITY GRADIENTS
SCALE MODELS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR PONDS
STRUCTURAL MODELS
SURFACE WATERS
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
TIME DEPENDENCE
TURBULENCE