Solar pond-based rural development programme for selected coastal regions - A concept

Abstract

The concept of Ocean Coupled Solar Pond Power Station (OCSPPS) has been explained. Supply of fresh water, extraction of salts and marine chemicals and improvement of coastal aquaculture are included as part of the project. This multi-purpose scheme is expected to aid speedy development of selected coastal areas. The programme involves design and construction of a solar pond in which brine in the lower layer is heated to 85 degrees C by solar radiation and is used as the heat source for a closed cycle thermal energy conversion plant. The sink of the power plant is sub-surface seawater of temperature 15 degrees C. The temperature difference of 70 degrees C is utilizEd. by the plant to produce electric power. Hot and cold waters from the plant are reusEd. by a two stage flash desalination unit to generate fresh water. The details of the multi-purpose scheme are presented. An attempt has been made to examine the relevant technologies available for the construction of such plants. The mechanisms of generation of power, fresh water, extraction of salts and marine chemicals and exploitation of the cold water for aquaculture are explained. A plan for implementation of the project is presented. The implementation of the scheme is expected to generate employment opportunities in the region and hence accelerate its overall development