Conversion of Solar Energy into Electrical Energy using Solar Pond System

Conversion of Solar Energy into Electrical Energy using Solar Pond SystemPresented by:Sworaj MohantyElectrical ARegd. No. 1141013061Solar energy is the best and unending source of alternative energy available to us.However, solar energy is the least harnessed among all other energy sources/options available.Solar energy can be efficiently converted into electrical energy for household/common usage by means of certain devices.Solar pond is one of the media that efficiently helps out in the conversion process.IntroductionSolar Pond is one of the media used to facilitate the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.A solar pond is a pool of saltwater with varying salinity at different levels.A solar pond usually is divided into three layers.More heat is absorbed in successive layers due to salinity gradient, namely halocline.Solar Pond- The Energy CollectorHalocline is the vertical salinity gradient of a body of saline water.Increase in salt concentration increases the density, differentiates water from other layers, thereby increasing its optical absorption.Increase in optical absorption leads to more heat being trapped, which is converted to electrical energy using Stirling Engine.HaloclineSolar Pond is an artificial saline waterbody that is used to trap more and more heat produced by the Sun.Solar pond consists of three succeeding layers, each having more salt concentration than the previous one.Increase in 1 kg salt concentration per layer increases density by 0.7 kg/m3.The layer at the bottom absorbs the most heat, which is then converted into electricity.Mechanism of Solar PondMechanism of Solar PondHeatingDesalinationRefrigerationDryingSolar Power GenerationApplication of Solar PondsWorking of Stirling EngineWorking of Stirling EngineAccumulating salt crystals can be used to cover up the maintenance expenses, and be used as a valuable byproduct.No need of separate collector for thermal storage system.Usage of solar power makes this process a never ending one, and the source is non-polluting.AdvantagesEvaporated surface water needs to be constantly replenished.Accumulating salt crystals have to be removed, making maintenance a bit tedious.Might require very large areas for large scale power production units.DisadvantagesWith the increase in global energy crisis, energy concerns have been escalating rapidly. To counter the effects of energy crisis, solar pond is an effective solution. An unending solution like solar pond is even better, and would prove to be quite worthy in the times to come!ConclusionReferenceTHANK YOU!