Small Scale Power Generation using Low Grade Heat from Solar Pond

This paper presents the potential of thermoelectric generators as a power generation system using heat from the salinity gradient solar pond. A thermoelectric cell bank module with 16 thermoelectric generators was designed and fabricated. The module was tested under varying temperature differentials to determine its performance characteristics and suitability to generate power from a typical salinity gradient solar pond. The thermoelectric generator system was designed to be powered by the hot and cold water from the salinity gradient solar pond. The system is capable of producing electricity even on cloudy days or at night as the salinity gradient solar pond acts as a thermal storage system. The results obtained have indicated significant prospects of such systems to generate power from a low grade heat for remote area power supply.