The principal objective of the present thesis has been to develop a methodology for the simulation and optimization of electric power generation by solar ponds. / A mathematical model for the analysis of the economic performance of a solar pond electric power system using a heat engine is developed. A salient feature of this model is a simple method for the analysis of a Rankine cycle. Other features include a mathematical model of the solar pond, of the energy exchange properties of the heat exchangers, as well as of the power required by the circulating pumps. The net electric power is expressed in terms of the thermodynamic properties of the organic working fluid, the temperatures of various thermodynamic states, the flow rates, the temperature and geometry of the solar pond, and the local climatic conditions. The system sizing and operating conditions which minimize the cost per kilowatt hour of electric energy is then determined through an optimization routine. / The optimal storage depth and heat extraction scheduling are obtained by a semi-analytical method as well as a discrete optimal control technique. The possibility of an ice storage to act as a cooling source for an SPPP has also been investigated, which showed considerable improvement in the system's efficiency and reduction of electric energy cost. / The possibility of making the NCZ of a solar pond float over a layer of fresh water has been investigated. The economical feasibility study of the concept for electric power generation was achieved using the model developed earlier. / The thesis finally examines the means of enhancing the thermal storage under a solar pond by circulating LCZ brine through a network of buried horizontal pipes in the warmer part of the year. This heat stored can be used for the operation of a heat engine during the winter time if the LCZ brine is then used as a heat sink rather than a heat source. / The present thesis has shown that the commonly held belief that SPPP can only function at acceptable efficiencies under semi-tropical conditions of SPPP in northern climates resulted in electric energy costs of 8.5 (CENTS)/KWh which is comparable with that of estimated by Israelis for an SPPP in semi-tropical conditions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.71906 |
| Date | January 1983 |
| Creators | Moshref, A. (Ali) |
| Publisher | McGill University |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Coverage | Doctor of Philosophy (Department of Electrical Engineering.) |
| Rights | All items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. |
| Relation | alephsysno: 000194673, proquestno: AAINK66647, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest. |
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