A mathematical model is developed to determine the various parameters
affecting the performance of a salt-gradient solar pond (SGSP). We use
the finite difference method for solution. Monthly average meteorolog
ical data for the Irbid region are used. Our results indicate that the
thickness of the non-convection zone (NCZ) has a significant effect o
n the storage-zone temperature. The optimum value of this thickness is
found to be one meter. Storage-temperature fluctuations due to weathe
r changes may be minimized by increasing the thickness of the storage
zone. This result may also be achieved by assuming that the rate of he
at extraction is proportional to the intensity of the incoming solar r
adiation. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.