Flow simulation and assessment of a salinity gradient solar pond development

The main purpose of salinity gradient solar ponds ( SGSPs) is to store the maximum possible solar thermal energy. A well-established salinity and temperature gradients are the main points to achieved optimum storage efficiency. In this work, a high-fidelity model is developed using computational fluid dynamics ( CFD) to simulate the SGSP behavior under hot climate regions. The model is able to simulate the double convective effect by solving Navier-Stokes and energy equations, simultaneously. Brines with different salinities ( i.e. 10%, 15, and 25%) are used to investigate their role on the developed salinity/temperature gradients. Simulation results show the successful establishment of the three zones ( i.e. upper convective, non-convective, and lower convective) with relatively stable salinity and temperature gradients. However, injecting the lower convective zone ( or storage zone) with 10% saline brine results in preserving the highest storage temperature of around 79.2 degrees C after flow time of six hours. (c) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.