Heat losses from a salt-gradient solar pond

Abstract

A theoretical approach for the calculation of heat losses from a cylindrical flat-bottomed salt-gradient solar pond is discussed. Steady-state heat losses from the sides and bottom of the pond have been estimated, when the pond is uninsulated as well as insulated. The insulating materials considered in the present study are dry sand, mud powder, dry cement, marble dust and mica powder. The effective insulation is varied by varying the thickness and interstitial air pressure of the insulating materials. We find that the losses are reduced to a minimum with a marble dust wall of thickness 0·20 m at an interstitial air pressure of 0·5 mm of mercury.