Design of Solar Pond calculation and technique in Africa

Abstract

Extracting energy from the sun has revolutionized the global energy industry. Different literatures have been reviewed to give an appropriate theory and mathematical model for the design of solar pond in Africa.The location chosen is Cairo,Egypt due to high annual solar radiation,feasible land, and fresh water conditions and cost effective. Energy balance equations have been computed from different case studies to show the factors affecting the efficiency of the solar pond such as effect of density, temperature, solar radiation, insulation thickness and depth of different layers .Optimum conditions for the design of a solar pond have been determined such as the thickness of the upper layer should not be more than 0.3m whereas the optimum thickness of gradient zone should be1-1.5m and the storage zone should be 1-4m.The main constraints in the design of a solar pond are different heat losses.But however, different techniques have been discussed for reducing the heat losses such as black painted concrete slab and concrete walls for minimizing the bottom losses and using a polystyrene top cover for reducing evaporation losses during night, winters and autumn. This technique can be very useful for the people of Africa specially dwelling in rural areas.