Case study on the reservoir seepage at concentrated solar thermal power plant, Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan Sun Technique Energy Pvt. Ltd. has implemented a 125 MW large-scale grid connected concentrated solar thermal power project in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, India. This manuscript is a critical evaluation of the design and construction of raw water reservoir liner system at the concentrated solar thermal power plant. The initial liner consisted (from bottom to top) of compacted earth, sand layer, HDPE liner, cement plaster and a PCC layer. The initial liner failed and caused the intrusion of saline ground water into the raw water reservoir and seepage loss of fresh water into the surroundings, prior to commencement of its intended function. To mitigate the above problems, the designer proposed a rectification scheme, which was also found to be ineffective. The present study elaborates on reasons that caused the malfunctioning of the above liner system. Finally, remedial measures that were proposed to rectify the problems have been discussed, in detail.