Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Turbidity Impact on Solar Pond Thermal Performance

This research focuses on the influence of water turbidity on the thermal efficiency of solar ponds, innovative devices designed for the concurrent collection and storage of solar energy utilizing salinity gradients.A three-dimensional simulation approach is employed to analyze solar ponds under varying turbidity conditions, namely clear, slightly turbid, and very turbid water.The findings reveal that increased turbidity levels lead to reduced solar radiation penetration, consequently decreasing the temperature in the pond's bottom storage zone.Notably, the presence of a temperature profile across horizontal planes in solar ponds, as identified in this study, challenges the adequacy of conventional onedimensional models in explaining certain phenomena.This insight casts doubt on the widely accepted concept of distinct upper and lower convective zones within solar ponds, suggesting a need to re-evaluate this hypothesis.Moreover, the ground beneath solar ponds is posited as a potential secondary heat storage zone.The study proposes the strategic placement of heat exchangers in the central circular ground plane, just beneath the bottom of the pond.This positioning is recommended to optimize heat extraction efficiency while circumventing the placement of exchangers in the corrosive Lower Convective Zone (LCZ), thereby reducing maintenance costs.The findings underscore the necessity of considering three-dimensional aspects in solar pond analyses for a more comprehensive understanding of their thermal behavior.