Comparison of solar pond concepts for electrical power generation

The objectives of this study were to: (1) Identify the various solar pond concepts for electric power generation, including but not limited to: (a) nonconvective salt gradient solar pond, (b) ponds with various plastic or other membranes at suitable locations to minimize or eliminate convection, (c) ponds which are totally or partially gelled to reduce or eliminate convection, and (d) shallow convecting ponds; (2) analyze and compare the performance of these various concepts; and (3) estimate the pond cost and overall power plant system cost for each concept assuming the nonconvective gradient salt pond as the base case. The approach includes a preliminary design of several power plant systems based on solar pond concepts, and performance and economic evaluation based on these preliminary designs. (WDM