Effect of Water Distribution Ways on the Operation of Solar Pond

Abstract

An experimental study on the evolution of the salinity profiles in the salinity gradient solar ponds was executed using a small model pond. The body of the simulated pond is a cylindrical plastic tank, with 50 cm height and 45 cm diameter. The salinity gradient was established in the laboratory tank by using the salinity redistribution technique. The measurements were taken during a period of 20 days of experimentation. This period of time allowed the existence of salt diffusion from the storage zone to the surface. Results obtained from this study show that when the ratio of brine/water is 1/1, the salinity gradient layer can sustain a longer time and the lower convective zone is thicker, which is benefit to store solar energy.