On optimized solar-pond-driven irreversible heat engines

Optimum operating temperature and design parameters are defined for a salt gradient solar pond in combination with an irreversible Carnot heat engine. The influence of the design limits of the heat engine and the design parameter of the pond on the operating temperature are considered. It was found that when a solar-pond-driven heat engine is designed to operate close to a maximum power point, the operating temperature must be increased. Apart from this, the heat engine will operate close to the maximum efficiency limit.