Solar electricity: Osmo--Hydro Power from aqueous saline solutions assessment of its potential. Final report No. 280378
The objective of this study was to determine the potential of Osmo-Hydro Power/sup TM/ (OHP) systems, to generate electricity in a practical and economic manner from aqueous saline solutions. The basic principle of OHP systems is to generate a pressurized liquid flow from water which permeates by pressure-retarded osmosis through a semipermeable membrane into a more concentrated salt solution and to discharge this pressurized flow through a hydraulic turbine. In effect, the free energy of mixing of the water and the salt solution is converted into mechanical energy. Calculations of performance and cost were made with a comprehensive model for OHP systems using estimated properties and estimated current costs for an experimental glass hollow fiber membrane and a du Pont-type aromatic polyamide fiber. A sensitivity analysis showed that an increase in the membrane water permeation coefficient has the most significant beneficial effect on electricity cost. Suitable locations for water-salt OHP systems depend upon the simultaneous availability of suitable water, a salt dome which can be solution mined or concentrated brine which can be solar evaporated, and net evaporation and suitable land for an evaporation pond. A once-through system must be located near the ocean for disposal of the waste brine. The use of brackish water (approximately 1,000 ppM) as the ''fresh'' water has only a small effect on system performance. Locations in the Southwest show the most potential for water-salt OHP systems with an evaporation pond. However, to increase the potential for implementation of water-salt OHP systems, it will be necessary to develop membranes capable of utilizing brackish water or even seawater on the bore side.
- Research Organization:
- InterTechnology/Solar Corp., Warrenton, VA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EG-77-C-05-5560
- OSTI ID:
- 6893469
- Report Number(s):
- ORO-5560-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
14 SOLAR ENERGY
SALINITY GRADIENT POWER PLANTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
ACETATES
BRINES
CELLULOSE ESTERS
DESALINATION
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
EVAPORATION
HYDRAULIC TURBINES
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
MATERIALS
MEMBRANES
OPEN-CYCLE SYSTEMS
OSMOSIS
PERMEABILITY
POLYAMIDES
PONDS
PUMPS
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
SEAWATER
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
WASTE DISPOSAL
CARBOXYLIC ACID SALTS
DEMINERALIZATION
ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY SOURCES
ESTERS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
POLYMERS
POWER
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WATER
130100* - Hydro Energy- Resources & Availability
299003 - Energy Planning & Policy- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation- Other- (-1989)
140800 - Solar Energy- Ocean Energy Systems