Advancements in salinity gradient solar pond technology based on sixteen years of operational experience

Huanmin Lu, Andrew H.P. Swift, Herbert D. Hein, John C. Walton

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    50 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The El Paso salinity gradient solar pond, initiated in 1983, has been in operation since 1985. Through 16 years of research and operation, the El Paso Solar Pond has successfully demonstrated applications including desalination, waste brine management, industrial process heat production, and electricity generation; and has developed and implemented key technical advancements to improve the technical viability and economic feasibility of salinity gradient solar ponds, including: 1) an automated instrumentation monitoring system, 2) a stability analysis strategy and high temperature (60-90°C) gradient maintenance methods, 3) a scanning injection technique for improved salinity gradient construction and maintenance, 4) new liner technology, and 5) an improved heat extraction system.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)759-767
    Number of pages9
    JournalJournal of Solar Energy Engineering, Transactions of the ASME
    Volume126
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - May 2004

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