Thermal Performance of a Salt Gradient Non-Convective Solar Pond in Subtropical Region Climatic Conditions

Abstract

Renewable energy is becoming a significant source of energy due to the intensification in crude oil prices and the upsurge in greenhouse effects due to burning of fossil fuels. With only finite source of fossil fuel and exponential increase in the demand of power because of increase in human population, power generation from renewable energy promises a sustainable future for the mankind. Solar energy can be harnessed to meet our energy needs for a sustainable future. After the remarkable hike in oil prices numerous countries began to do an extensive research and development to utilize solar energy. There are many methods to trap solar energy, but an effective one was by using solar pond. Solar pond is an unnaturally constructed pond in which large temperature can be maintained in the lower convective zone by the way of higher salt concentration and by preventing natural convection so these ponds are termed as salt gradient solar pond. In this current research a salt gradient solar pond is designed and developed. Further the Thermal Analysis and Performance of the same model has been done in Vizag Climatic Condition. The same model can be utilized for generating sensible and latent heat for room heating and industrial heating applications. Moreover, electrical power can be generated by using suitable heat exchanger and working medium of low boiling point values such as ammonia.