Numerical simulation of the performance of a salt-gradient solar pond

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3266393· OSTI ID:6979616

Panahi, Z; Batty, J C; Riley, J P

A one-dimensional mathematical model which simulates the dynamic performance of stratified solar brine ponds is described. The model simulates the upper convective zone, the middle nonconvective zone, and the lower convective zone. In addition to the energy flux, the model simulates the varying brine densities as a function of temperature and salt concentration, and thus is able to examine various pond stability criteria. On the basis of model operational studies, the following results are presented: (i) a study of overall pond efficiency in terms of the upper convective layer; (ii) an optimization study of the thickness of the nonconvective zone in terms of net energy transmission to the lower convective zone; (iii) an investigation of the heat storage efficiency and of the overall pond efficiency as a function of pond loading rate for a particular depth of storage zone.

• Research Organization: Desert Research Institute, Energy Systems Center, Boulder City, NV
• OSTI ID: 6979616
• 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
BRINES
CONVECTION
DENSITY
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY STORAGE
ENERGY TRANSFER
EQUIPMENT
HEAT FLUX
HEAT STORAGE
HEAT TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
OPTIMIZATION
PERFORMANCE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PONDS
SALINITY GRADIENTS
SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR PONDS
STORAGE
STRATIFICATION
SURFACE WATERS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
THERMAL EFFICIENCY