Experimental investigation on salt gradient solar pond with different salts

Abstract

Thermal energy obtained from solar radiation can be used for low-temperature applications such as industrial heating processes, space heating and cooling, electricity generation and desalination. The thermal energy storage from solar radiation for any of these applications is a critical one, due to intermittent and sporadic in nature. Solar ponds are solar energy storage devices and the Salt Gradient Solar Pond (SGSP) is the most generalized of the various types of solar ponds. Because of the presence of a density gradient, SGSP is a non-convective solar absorber with the potential to store thermal energy for a longer period of time. The SGSP is an outstanding solar energy collector that also functions as a reservoir for low-temperature thermal energy applications. This energy storage device can be used to generate power, heat a building, and for other industrial uses. newline