A Feasibility Study of Using Salt Gradient Solar Pond as a Low Temperature Heat Sourec in North-eastern Thailand

Abstract

A mathematical model of salt gradient solar ponds has been used as a took to investigate the feasibility of using solar pond thermal energy for low temperature applications in North-eastern Thailand. The simulation results obtained indicate that, at 15% heat extracted yearly, mean temperatures of an unlined uninsulated pond and a lined insulated pond are 67.5°C and 77°C respectively. This means that it is practically possible to use solar ponds as a heat source for all normal low temperature applications. Power generation  applications are at present likely to prove uneconomic due to the low overall system efficiency estimated at less than 1%.