Solar heat trapped at the bottom of a solar pond and used to power amembrane distillation system using an artificial salt –gradientstratification process is being worked on by Fransico Saurez.

 

Usingsolar energy, the system desalinates water and makes it drinkable andfree from salts and impurities. This system will help maintain theecological balance of closed-basin lake regions. In places like these,due to the high amount ofevaporation and no out-flow of water, a high concentration of mineralsand salts behind, rendering the water inconsumable. At the lower levels of the pond, the hot brine can exceedtemperatures of up to 195 degrees. This heat energy is used to heat thewater in this system. This system will help out save on costs andenergy resources. The heat energy obtained will also have other useslike desalinization of water and other thermal applications. This lowcost membrane system has been patented recently by the University ofNevada.

[Physorg]