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EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON A 0.25 m2 SOLAR GEL POND

N Sozhan, T Senthilvelan, T Kaliyappan, E Vijayakrishna Rapaka

The solar Gel pond is an innovative concept which overcomes many of the shortcomings of the conventional gradient solar pond. The non- convective salt gradient layer is replaced by a transparent polymer gel layer, which floats on a NaCl solution (Sea water) used in the storage zone. The polymer gel (Carbowax) used was found to be insoluble in different concentration of NaCl solution with good transmissivity characteristics. An attempt has been made to analyse the performance of the solar gel pond of 0.25 m2 area at Pondicherry, India (Latitude 11.56o N & Longitudinal 79.53o E). Experimental investigation has been carried out during the month of February, March and May 2004. The maximum storage temperature was found to be 60 oC and temperature difference between the storage layer and gel layer was found to be around 10 oC. The outcome of the experimental investigations has been reported in this paper.