Experimental Investigations on Thermal Efficiency. Example of the Composite Salt Gradient Solar Pond with Dual Reflectors and Triple Layer Glass

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature Review
• Chapter 3: Materials and Methods
• Chapter 4: Results and Discussion
• Chapter 5: Cost Analysis

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to investigate and enhance the thermal efficiency of a composite salt gradient solar pond (SGSP) through the implementation of novel design modifications. The research focuses on improving energy storage capabilities and overall performance by utilizing a composite salt mixture and incorporating dual reflectors and a triple-layer glass cover. A theoretical model is developed and validated against experimental data collected over a year-long period.

• Enhancement of SGSP thermal efficiency using composite salt.
• Impact of dual reflectors and triple-layer glass on solar pond performance.
• Development and validation of a theoretical model for temperature prediction.
• Comparative analysis of different SGSP configurations.
• Economic feasibility assessment of the improved SGSP design.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of solar ponds as thermal energy storage units, focusing on salt gradient solar ponds (SGSPs) and their applications. It highlights the importance of efficient energy storage to address the intermittent nature of solar energy and introduces the research problem: the limited exploration of composite salts to enhance SGSP efficiency. The chapter lays out the objectives of the thesis, which involve investigating the thermal performance improvements achievable through the use of a composite salt mixture, dual reflectors, and a triple-layer glass cover on a hexagonal-shaped solar pond.

Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive review of existing literature on solar ponds, focusing on various techniques for efficiency enhancement. It explores different types of solar ponds and analyzes previously reported methods for improving their thermal performance. The review highlights the gap in research concerning the application of composite salts in SGSPs and sets the stage for the current investigation by contextualizing the proposed approach within the existing body of knowledge. The chapter likely discusses various design parameters, materials, and performance metrics relevant to solar pond technology.

Chapter 3: Materials and Methods: This chapter details the experimental setup and methodology used in the study. It describes the construction of the laboratory-scale hexagonal solar pond (0.679 m³), the composition of the composite salt (30% sodium chloride, 10% magnesium chloride, 60% potassium chloride), and the positioning of the dual reflectors and triple-layer glass. The chapter outlines the experimental procedure, including temperature measurement techniques and data collection methods over the one-year period (January 2020 - December 2020). It also describes the development of the theoretical model used to predict temperature profiles.

Chapter 4: Results and Discussion: This chapter presents and analyzes the experimental results obtained from the different solar pond configurations tested. It compares the performance of the hexagonal pond with and without composite salt, reflectors, and the triple-layer glass. The chapter analyzes the data from the one-year experimental period and compares it to the predictions from the theoretical model. It likely discusses the impact of wall shading, the thermal efficiency of different layers within the pond, and the observed improvements in thermal performance due to the design modifications. The discussion section would interpret the findings and link them back to the research objectives.

Chapter 5: Cost Analysis: This chapter performs a comprehensive cost analysis of the different solar pond configurations, comparing the costs of materials and construction for the improved design versus a conventional solar pond. It evaluates the economic feasibility of the proposed design improvements by weighing the higher initial cost against the potential long-term benefits of enhanced thermal performance and energy savings. This chapter provides an important practical perspective on the viability of implementing the improved SGSP design.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Solar pond, salt gradient solar pond (SGSP), composite salt, thermal efficiency, energy storage, dual reflectors, triple-layer glass, hexagonal design, temperature modeling, cost analysis, renewable energy.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What is the main focus of the research described in the language preview?

The research investigates enhancing the thermal efficiency of a composite salt gradient solar pond (SGSP) through novel design modifications, focusing on improved energy storage capabilities and overall performance.

What are the key objectives of the thesis?

The key objectives include enhancing SGSP thermal efficiency using composite salt, assessing the impact of dual reflectors and triple-layer glass on performance, developing and validating a theoretical temperature prediction model, comparing different SGSP configurations, and evaluating the economic feasibility of the improved design.

What does Chapter 1 cover?

Chapter 1 introduces the concept of solar ponds, specifically salt gradient solar ponds (SGSPs), and their applications. It emphasizes the importance of efficient energy storage and presents the research problem: the limited exploration of composite salts for SGSP efficiency improvement. It also outlines the thesis objectives.

What is the focus of Chapter 2?

Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive literature review on solar ponds, focusing on techniques for enhancing their efficiency. It explores different types of solar ponds and analyzes previously reported methods for improving their thermal performance, highlighting the research gap concerning composite salts in SGSPs.

What information is included in Chapter 3?

Chapter 3 details the experimental setup and methodology used in the study. It describes the construction of the hexagonal solar pond, the composition of the composite salt, the placement of the dual reflectors and triple-layer glass, the experimental procedure, and the development of the theoretical model.

What does Chapter 4 discuss?

Chapter 4 presents and analyzes the experimental results obtained from different solar pond configurations. It compares the performance with and without composite salt, reflectors, and the triple-layer glass, and compares the data to the predictions from the theoretical model, discussing the impact of wall shading and thermal efficiency.

What is the purpose of Chapter 5?

Chapter 5 performs a cost analysis of the different solar pond configurations, comparing the costs of materials and construction for the improved design versus a conventional solar pond. It evaluates the economic feasibility of the proposed design improvements.

What are the keywords associated with this research?

The keywords include solar pond, salt gradient solar pond (SGSP), composite salt, thermal efficiency, energy storage, dual reflectors, triple-layer glass, hexagonal design, temperature modeling, cost analysis, and renewable energy.

What type of salt is used in the solar pond?

The composite salt used in the study is composed of 30% sodium chloride, 10% magnesium chloride, and 60% potassium chloride.

How long was the experimental data collected?

Experimental data was collected over a one-year period, specifically from January 2020 to December 2020.