STEADY-STATE MODELING LIMITATIONS IN SOLAR POND DESIGN

The present work, based on comparative investigation of performance between steady-state and time-dependent analyses, allows the investigation of conditions under which steady state modeling leads to results close to those derived from time-dependent calculations. The analysis, which was based on the development of numerical computer models, allows one to determine the design, operational, and climatic parameters which affect the accuracy of steady-state calculations and to quantify steady-state modeling limitations. It is shown that, although steady-state models are powerful and comprehensive design tools for latitudes up to about 30-degrees, they may lead to significant errors and underestimation of performance for higher latitudes and heat-extraction temperatures.