Solar Pond Electricity Generation

by Peter
(Olinda Vic, Australia)

Does anyone have knowledge of, or have practical experience of the generation of electricity from heat generated (collected) by solar ponds.

Bill Mollison speaks of it in the 1984 Permaculture Design Certificate audio. This seems as though it would have great merit especially for lowering the ongoing carbon footprint.

The key seems to be the design of a turbine or possibly a "heat" driven engine may be a solution.

I would love to have some info. Not so much on the ponds - that concept is easy to grasp. It is what you do with the heat generated that is the main issue and how do you convert it to electricity. I assume a "heat engine" is what is needed or an efficient turbine matched for propane or similar refrigerant.

Your help and web site is greatly appreciated

Peter