Salinity gradient solar pond: Validation and simulation model

摘要: This paper describes the development, validation and use of a design simulation tool for modeling performance salinity gradient solar pond. An experimental pond pilot plant was constructed in central Catalonia (NE part Iberian Peninsula). The body is cylindrical reinforced concrete tank, with 3 m height, 8 diameter total area 50 m2. lateral tank wall has been insulated 60 mm rock wool. settled maintained since 30 September 2009 to date. developed validated by comparing results data collected from November until August 2011. resulting first-order differential equations describing overall energy balance were solved numerically using finite-difference method. temperature profiles properly described, especially at lower subzones non-convective zone (NCZ) convective (LCZ). higher errors between predicted values found upper (UCZ). Once validated, successfully, model used predict thermal pre-industrial be operated Granada, SW Spain. differences surface bottom around 40 °C during summer time, maximum 75 °C. efficiency LCZ anticipated range 12% 25% along one year operation, 16% incoming radiation extractable site application.