In this study, an experimental investigation of temperature performance and efficiency of an industrial solar pond during strong winter conditions is presented. Several temperature sensors connected to a data logger were used to measure the temperature gradient in a 500¿m2 solar pond. During the winter 2015 there was a snowfall in the solar pond of Granada (Spain), reaching a minimum air ambient temperature of -2.4¿°C. The temperature of the storage zone in Granada solar pond remained constant (around 40¿°C) indicating the system responds positively to weather variations and confirming the fundamental role of the salinity gradient as a thermal insulation layer. The stored energy during January 2015 was 13.3¿GJ, the weekly efficiency reached 10% and finally, the solar pond was able to provide 247.1¿MJ to the flotation unit during the week of the snowfall.

Peer Reviewed