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Salt power - Is Neptune's ole salt a tiger in the tank

Journal Article · · Oceanus; (United States)
OSTI ID:5857178
Methods of exploiting the 24 atm osmotic pressure difference between fresh and salt water to generate energy include reverse electrodialysis, wherein 80 millivolts of electricity cross each ion-selective membrane placed between solutions of fresh and salt water. Pressure-retarded osmosis, using pumps and pressure chambers, relies on semipermeable membranes that allow fresh water to flow into saline, with power generated by the permeated water being released through a turbine. In reverse vapor compression, water vapor rapidly transfers from fresh water to salt water in an evacuated chamber (due to the vapor pressure difference between them), and power can be extracted using 24 m diameter turbine blades. Environmental concerns include protecting estuaries from stress, managing sediments, and protecting marine animals, while filtration would be needed to keep the membranes free from corrosion, biological fouling, or silting.
Research Organization:
Institute for Transcultural Studies, Los Angeles, Calif.
OSTI ID:
5857178
Journal Information:
Oceanus; (United States), Journal Name: Oceanus; (United States) Vol. 22; ISSN OCEAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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