Significant depth of ground water table for thermal performance of salt gradient solar pond

Abstract

In case of noninsulated salt gradient solar pond, heat losses through bottom and sides are significant. The magnitude of losses depends upon the location (depth) of water table, which act as a heat sink. Simulation analysis indicates that deeper the water table, lesser are the heat losses and higher is the temperature achieved by the pond. The present analysis, however, reveals two more significant conclusions – firstly; increase in depth of water table increases the maturation temperature and highest temperature of the pond, but does not affect the time of acquiring these temperatures. Secondly, there is a significant depth of water table, below which, further depression does not have significant impact on thermal performance of pond. This conclusion is of practical significance where efforts are done to depress the water table.