Design, construction, and operation of the first industrial salinity-gradient solar pond in Europe: An efficiency analysis perspective

In this study, an assessment of salinity gradient stability of an industrial solar pond during two operation seasons (2014 and 2105) is presented. An industrial solar pond was constructed to supply a lowtemperature heat (up to 60 ºC) to achieve the temperature requirements of the flotation stage in a mineral processing plant (Solvay Minerales in Granada (Spain)). Along the first season, the salinity gradient was considered technically destroyed in April 2015 as the height to the upper convective zone increases from 0.3 m in July 2014 to 0.8 m. Two different methodologies based on the stratification principle were adapted and used in order to evaluate the salinity gradient stability. The boundaries of the salinity gradient appeared as the main source of instability. In the upper zone it is associated with the environmental parameters (e.g., rain and wind) that affect the upper convective zone and the upper *Unmarked Revised Manuscript For Publication Click here to view linked References layers of the non-convective zone that subsequently transmit the instability to the lower layers. In the bottom zone it is caused by operation parameters, such as the heat extraction or the addition of salt. Both methodologies provided similar predictive capability of stability results. However, the results provided by the stability analysis using the thermal and salinity expansion coefficients are a more useful tool in the control of the salinity gradient for solar pond technology.

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“…The solar pond in Granada started its operation in July 2014 as was described by Alcaraz et al (2018a).…”

Section: Evolution Of the Salinity Gradient In The Granada Solar Pondmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stability analysis of an industrial salinity gradient solar pond

et al. 2019

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“…A Scientometric Approach to Analyze Scientific Development on Renewable Energy Sources http://www.jdis.org https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jdis with 16 papers on the subjects of exergetic analysis and assessment of different systems (Granovskii, Dincer, & Rosen, 2007;Hacatoglu, Dincer, & Rosen, 2011;Khalid, Dincer, & Rosen, 2015;Rezaie, Reddy, & Rosen, 2018), hybrid renewable energy systems for different applications (Krajačić et al, 2018;Maleki, Rosen, & Pourfayaz, 2017;Soltani et al, 2014;Zhang et al, 2018), and others researches on similar subjects. Akbarzadeh has 10 papers on the subject, almost all about salinitygradient solar ponds related to electric power generation (Akbarzadeh, Johnson, & Singh, 2009;Alcaraz et al, 2018;Bernad et al, 2013;Leblanc, Andrews, & Akbarzadeh, 2010;Singh et al, 2017;Singh, Tundee, & Akbarzadeh, 2011;Valderrama et al, 2011). Kroposki and his network are linked with the network of Hodge.…”

Section: Journal Of Data and Information Sciencementioning

confidence: 99%

A Scientometric Approach to Analyze Scientific Development on Renewable Energy Sources

Schaefer

Siluk

Baierle

et al. 2020

Journal of Data and Information Science

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PurposeThis paper aims to point out the scientific development and research density of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic, wind, and biomass, using a mix of computational tools. Based on this, it was possible to verify the existence of new research trends and opportunities in a macro view regarding management, performance evaluation, and decision-making in renewable energy generation systems and installations.Design/methodology/approachA scientometric approach was used based on a research protocol to retrieve papers from the Scopus database, and through four scientometric questions, to analyze each area. Software such as the Science Mapping Analysis Software Tool (SciMAT) and Sci2 Tool were used to map the science development and density.FindingsThe scientific development of renewable energy areas is highlighted, pointing out research opportunities regarding management, studies on costs and investments, systemic diagnosis, and performance evaluation for decision-making in businesses in these areas.Research limitationsThis paper was limited to the articles indexed in the Scopus database and by the questions used to analyze the scientific development of renewable energy areas.Practical implicationsThe results show the need for a managerial perspective in businesses related to renewable energy sources at the managerial, technical, and operational levels, including performance evaluation, assertive decision making, and adequate use of technical and financial resources.Originality/valueThis paper shows that there is a research field to be explored, with gaps to fill and further research to be carried out in this area. Besides, this paper can serve as a basis for other studies and research in other areas and domains.

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“…Similar successful industrial applications have been reported from other parts of the globe. For example, reaching up to 90 °C in a flotation cell using an annual solar insolation of 1600 kWh/m 2 in Granada, Spain (Alcaraz et al, 2018) and achieving an average air tem-perature of 40 °C utilizing an annual solar insolation of 1500 kWh/m 2 in Victoria, Australia (Bawahab et al 2019). Figure 2 provides the global distribution of SGSP projects.…”

Section: Practical Logisticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of Saline Gradient Solar Ponds as Thermal Energy Sources in Saskatchewan, Canada

Ito¹,

Azam²

2019

J ENVIRON INFORM LET

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Advancement of renewable energy is critical for sustainable development. This paper evaluates the feasibility of saline gradient solar ponds (SGSP) as an alternative energy source for Saskatchewan, Canada. The main achievements include global appraisal of SGSP from theoretical and practical perspectives, assessment of salinity and climatic criteria for SGSP potential, understanding of heat transfer mechanisms affected by thermophysical properties, and numerical modeling to simulate transient heat diffusion in SGSP. Results indicated that Saskatchewan is ideal for thermal energy harvesting from saline water bodies because of high solar insolation (1100 to 1400 kWh/m 2). The solar radiation in such systems is captured under a salt concentration gradient. Locally, ten potash tailings sites (360 g/L or 36% salt) and two saline water lakes (250 g/L or 25% salt) are potentially suitable for SGSP deployment. It was found that thermal conductivity increases with temperature but decreases with water salinity increase (0.55 to 0.675 W/mK) and the opposite is true for density (1000 to 1200 kg/m 3). Similarly, specific heat capacity slightly increases with temperature and inversely correlates with salinity (3000 to 4200 J/kg K). Furthermore, the heat diffusion model adequately simulated the temperature distribution for a typical SGSP in a potash tailings containment facility. For the investigated month of July (highest solar insolation), the temperatures increased from an initial value of at 20 to 52 º C at top to 37 º C at bottom. A comprehensive risk assessment of this method is required to protect air, water, soil, and biota at specific sites.

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Design, construction, and operation of the first industrial salinity-gradient solar pond in Europe: An efficiency analysis perspective

Cited by 42 publications

References 42 publications

Stability analysis of an industrial salinity gradient solar pond

Stability analysis of an industrial salinity gradient solar pond

A Scientometric Approach to Analyze Scientific Development on Renewable Energy Sources

Feasibility of Saline Gradient Solar Ponds as Thermal Energy Sources in Saskatchewan, Canada

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