Preliminary Design Curtin Springs Natural Solar Pond Facility

Abstract

This study provides a detailed design and costing of a national solar pond facility at Curtin Springs, southwest of Alice Springs. The designed confirmed that the facility is technically and economically viable. A 75kw net ORC engine system is proposed with a 16 900 square metre solar pond. The pond will have vertical walls and a clay bottom. The site will be located at Mallee Salt Lake 8 km northeast of Curtin Springs. The salt lake will serve as the soruce of salt as well as the salt recycling area. The sale of electricity to Curtin Springs is projected to cover all future operating and maintenance costs of the facility.