Experimental investigations on thermal efficiency of the composite salt gradient solar pond with dual reflectors and triple layer glass

Abstract

Thermal energy derived from solar radiation has numerous applications which include space heating/cooling, power generation, industrial process heating and desalination. however, storage of the energy is critical in any of these applications in order to counter the issues arising from fluctuations in energy availability and consumption. solar ponds are thermal energy storage units and salt gradient solar pond (sgsp) is the generalized one amongst several categories of solar pools. sgsp is a non-convective solar absorber having the capability to store thermal energy for a longer span, due to the presence of variation in salt concentration. sgsp is an excellent solar energy collector and serves as a storage reservoir for low temperature thermal energy applications. this energy storage system can be utilised for electricity production, heating process, and other industrial purposes. newlinealthough quiet a number of approaches are reported for the enhancement of sgsp s efficiency, the role of composite salt in enhancing the same is not attempted yet. therefore, an attempt was made to augment the thermal efficiency of the sgsp by using composite salt which comprises of sodium chloride (30%), magnesium chloride (10%), and potassium chloride (60%) in a solar pond. furthermore, the work examines the potential of a novel configuration of hexagonal-shaped vertical wall profile as the vertical wall profile is expected to minimize the thermal energy losses from the bottom and sidewalls. the thermal performance can also be boosted through the utilization of dual reflectors and multi glass layers. hence, the proposed system also employs two reflectors positioned at east-west (e-w) direction and triple layer glass over the ponds upper surface newline newline