LABORATORY SOLAR POND.

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an investigation undertaken to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of heat and mass transfer processes taking place in salt-gradient solar ponds. Tests were carried out in the U. K. under laboratory conditions with simulated solar radiation. Transparent glass test sections were used to reduce wall conduction effects and also to permit visual observations. A 1kW CSI lamp was used to provide heating since it has similar spectral distribution of energy as that of air mass 2 solar spectrum. The commercial grade of magnesium chloride was used to build the density gradient in the pond. The different rates of heating of the ponds having different depths indicate the presence of an optimum temperature for a particular physical and operational conditions of the pond.