Heat Storage Using Solar Pond Technology and Post-Mining Brine – Preliminary Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the feasibility of using solar pond technology for thermal energy storage, particularly using post-mining brine water. Solar ponds are not considered as a potential heat/cool storage technology for heating systems mainly because of the requirement to constantly supply the pond with fresh water and salt solutions, which involves significant investment and operating costs. On the other hand, brine water from the dewatering of deep mines is a by-product of the extraction of various raw materials, including copper, iron, non-ferrous metals, and coal. The treatment of these waters yields highly concentrated salt solutions, which, when combined with solar pond technologies, can lead to strong synergies. The article presents preliminary selected simulation results of the solar pond system and presents a proposal for its systemic use. A forecast of the potential energy, environmental, and socio-economic benefits of the technology is also presented.