Numerical simulation of salt gradient solar ponds

Abstract

The salt-gradient solar ponds are considered in this work in order to study its performance numerically. Governing equations of the upper convective zone, nonconvective zone, and lower convective zone of a salt gradient solar pond are deduced as a set of non-linear partial differential equations. The equations are solved numerically to predict the thermal performance of the solar pond over a long time. The meteorological data of Egypt such as incident solar radiation, ambient temperature, air velocity, and relative humidity are taken into considerations in the model. Heat transfer modes considered between the upper convective zone and the ambient are convection, evaporation, and radiation. The present model is used to study the development of temperature inside the three zones of salt gradient solar pond. The optimum thickness of each layer is obtained with close agreement of previous results.