NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF INSULATION FECT ON SOLAR POND

Abstract

Solar energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources. Solar heat generation is widely used. Solar pond collects and stores solar energy in the form of heat. Solar pond consists of layers of different density from top to bottom. Salt gradient in the solar pond prevents heat loss by convection in this structure. As well as the heat losses from side and bottom walls are very important to minimize heat losses. In this study, insulated and non-insulated solar ponds were modeled at the same dimensions and summer months. The temperature distributions of the solar pond were obtained during three months (e.g. June, July, August). Furthermore, the temperature distributions were compared for insulated and non-insulated solar ponds. According to calculations, insulated solar pond was found to be much more efficient

Keywords

• Solar energy, solar pond, temperature distribution

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