Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study designed and operated a calcium chloride-based solar pond (CMSP) with a 2.35 m diameter and 1.80 m depth to collect and store solar heat. The pond used CaCl2 solutions of varying densities to establish stable thermal stratification. Hourly temperature data were recorded for a year using a 16-channel system, and a parallel COMSOL Multiphysics model was developed for validation. The study addresses the need for efficient, low-cost, long-term solar thermal energy storage to mitigate solar intermittency and fossil fuel dependence. The annual stored energy was 7040.35 MJ experimentally and 7450.19 MJ numerically, with a 5.50% deviation, confirming good model accuracy. This energy corresponds to CO2 emission reductions of 240.22 kg (experimental) and 254.20 kg (numerical). Maximum thermal efficiencies occurred in December—49.18% experimentally and 43.32% numerically—indicating effective summer-to-winter heat utilization. Strong agreement between experimental and numerical results verified the model's predictive capability. The CMSP maintained stable stratification and demonstrated the suitability of CaCl2 as a working salt for heat storage. Payback periods were 6.35 years (experimental) and 5.90 years (numerical), confirming both technical and economic feasibility. Overall, CaCl2-based solar ponds provide a reliable, low-cost, and sustainable solution for seasonal thermal storage and carbon mitigation, offering strong potential for renewable heating applications.