Finite element modelling of the thermal performance of salinity gradient solar ponds. (15th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anagnostopoulos, Argyrios; Sebastia-Saez, Daniel; Campbell, Alasdair N.; Arellano-Garcia, Harvey
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 203(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-15
• Subjects: Solar energy -- Solar pond -- Finite element method -- Numerical analysis; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.117861
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Solar ponds are a promising technology to capture and store solar energy. Accurate, reliable and versatile models are thus needed to assess the thermal performance of salinity gradient solar ponds. A CFD simulation set-up has been developed in this work to obtain a fully versatile model applicable to any practical scenario. Also, a comparison between the results obtained with an existing one-dimensional MATLAB model and the two- and three-dimensional CFD models developed in this work has been carried out to quantify the gain in accuracy and the increase in computational resources needed. The two and three-dimensional models achieve considerably higher accuracy than the 1-D model. They are subsequently found to accurately evaluate the heat loss to the surroundings, the irradiance absorbed by the solar pond and the thermal performance of the pond throughout the year. Two geographic locations: Bafgh (Iran) and Kuwait City, have been evaluated. Highlights: FEM solar pond model using mostly theoretical relations to increase versatility. Heat loss analysis for solar ponds in Bafgh (Iran) and Kuwait City. Difference in accuracy of 1-D, 2-D and 3-D models has been quantified. Minimum directions in discrete ordinate method to propagate sunlight are determined.