Solar ponds: A review

Abstract This review covers salt-gradient solar ponds and their applications. It traces the historical development since the physical phenomenon of salt-gradient solar ponds was discovered in 1902. It also discusses considerations such as stability criteria and the establishment and maintenance of the salt gradient. It outlines the basic thermophysical processes and considers the three zone configuration of the pond. The paper reviews thermal modelling of solar ponds including analytical and numerical models. It briefly presents construction, operation, end use technology and economics aspects. Note is taken of such innovative concepts as gel or viscosity ponds, membrane ponds and saturated salt ponds.

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