Applicability of steady state equations for solar pond thermal performance predictions

The steady state thermal performance of solar ponds is compared with hourly numerical simulation results and limitations of the steady-state equations are discussed. The approach to steady-state is described by the definition of a time constant. Based on numerical simulation results, a simple way of evaluating monthly performance is given. The concept of utilizability is extended to solar ponds and it is shown that the yearly utilizability curve is independent of location.