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Title: Modeling, control, and dynamic performance analysis of a reverse osmosis desalination plant integrated within hybrid energy systems

Journal Article · · Energy (Oxford)

An RO (reverse osmosis) desalination plant is proposed as an effective, FLR (flexible load resource) to be integrated into HES (hybrid energy systems) to support various types of ancillary services to the electric grid, under variable operating conditions. To study the dynamic (transient) analysis of such system, among the various unit operations within HES, special attention is given here to the detailed dynamic modeling and control design of RO desalination process with a spiral-wound membrane module. The model incorporates key physical phenomena that have been investigated individually into a dynamic integrated model framework. In particular, the solution-diffusion model modified with the concentration polarization theory is applied to predict RO performance over a large range of operating conditions. Simulation results involving several case studies suggest that an RO desalination plant, acting as a FLR, can provide operational flexibility to participate in energy management at the utility scale by dynamically optimizing the use of excess electrical energy. Here, the incorporation of additional commodity (fresh water) produced from a FLR allows a broader range of HES operations for maximizing overall system performance and profitability. For the purpose of assessing the incorporation of health assessment into process operations, an online condition monitoring approach for RO membrane fouling supervision is addressed in the case study presented.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC07-05ID14517
OSTI ID:
1357452
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1434074
Report Number(s):
INL/JOU-15-36394; PII: S0360544216306600
Journal Information:
Energy (Oxford), Vol. 112, Issue C; ISSN 0360-5442
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 44 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science