Comparative Experimental Analysis of Temperature Distribution in Mini Size Permeable and Non-Permeable Varying Salt Density Solar Pond

Abstract

Varying salt density solar pond is a method that is best suited to absorb and store solar energy. This examination includes the test enhancement of the permeable and non-permeable sunlight-based ponds dependent on its exhibition in different conditions. This experiment was done in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. This particular topographical area has a high level of solar radiation and is a tropical district. Readings for a period of 30 days were taken; the temperature circulation, a measure of heat energy stored and concentration of salt density was assessed. For examination, two comparable solar ponds of volume 0.02 m3 and a height of 0.32 m was built. Black granite pieces, broken glass pieces, and welding spatter were used as a permeable medium in the lower convective zone (LCZ) in one of the two solar ponds. The temperatures of the permeable solar pond and non-permeable solar pond reached the highest values of 42.3℃ and 40.6℃ respectively. The solar pond with a permeable medium demonstrated an increase of 4.18% in temperature. The difference in amounts of stored thermal energy is 4.54 kJ. From the obtained parameters, the optimization is done and the permeable medium solar pond is found to store more amount of heat energy than the non- permeable solar pond. For the optimization of the mixed medium, criterion parameter βelk has been acquired in the solar pond.