Basic Experiments Related to the Advanced Solar Pond (ASP) Performance

Abstract

This paper concerns an experimental evaluation of the basic aspects of operation of the advanced solar pond (ASP). Experiments were carried out in a laboratory test section in order to assess the feasibility of the density gradient maintenance in stratified flowing layers. The density stratification was caused by a non uniform distribution of temperatures in the flow field. Results of the experiments are reported and analyzed in the paper. Experimental data were used in order to calibrate the numerical model able to simulate heat and momentum transfer in the ASP. The numerical results confirmed the validity of the numerical model adopted, and proved the latter applicability for the simulation of the ASP performance.