Performance of solar ponds with wind suppressors

Abstract

The effect of wind suppressors on the performance of a 4 m² solar pond, operating under the environment of the Arabian Gulf area characterized by windy, hot and humid conditions, is investigated experimentally. In addition to using screen nets on the pond's perimeter, two arrangements of wind suppressors of PVC floating pipes are considered. Climatological data relevant to the operation of solar ponds in this area namely wind speeds and evaporation rates are presented. Results of both salinity and temperature over a one year period are presented to evaluate the effect of wind suppressors and thermal insulation on the performance of the pond. The gradient zone was disturbed by invoking localized convective zones of different thicknesses to examine the effect of wind suppressors on the healing of those zones. Results show that wind suppressors of the floating piping type, can considerably slow down the movement of the upper convective-gradient zone interface and prohibit any formation of localized convective zones. Thermal insulation is a prerequisite for operating small solar ponds even in hot climates.