Mathematical modelling of salt gradient solar pond performance

This paper presents a mathematical model of the performance of the salt gradient solar pond. A lumped parameter model of the upper convective zone, non‐convective zone and lower convective zone is used. This model enables the temperatures of the upper‐convective zone and the lower convective zone of the solar pond to be predicted. The experimental results agree well with theoretically predicted values. The major error in the theoretical results is due to the difference between the theoretical value of the solar radiation inside the water and that observed experimentally. It is found that the experimental value of the solar radiation at a depth of 90 cm is approximately 26 per cent of the total solar radiation falling on the solar pond surface, whereas the corresponding theoretical value is found to be 33 per cent. The results conclude that the lumped parameter model can be used as a simple model to predict the performance of the solar pond.