LAUSR

Solar thermal energy and its possible role with regard to self‐ and passive control sedimentation in large reservoirs behind dams is discussed. It is known the impact caused by large reservoirs because the drastic reduction of the natural water flow velocity of rivers and the consequent sediment trapping. Sediment trapping in the reservoir has not only an environment impact because reducing the sediment transported to the deltas of rivers but also limits the useful lifetime of the dam for flood control, water supply, and hydropower generation. However, because the large surface of the reservoir together with the free available solar insolation a self‐ and passive sedimentation control method may be possible. The idea is simple, namely. Likewise solar ponds take advantage of the ultraviolet solar energy in deep waters, then in the bottom of the reservoir, the ultraviolet radiation could be collected by deliberately furrowing the reservoir floor. The mild heating of the floor will result into mild convective currents which can recirculate the sediment continuously. Utilizing a simplified physical model a first assessment of the idea is performed.