J.W. (Jan Willem) Post: “Blue Energy: electricity production from salinity-gradients by reverse electrodialysis”

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3 Nov 2009 16:00
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr.ir. C.J.N. Buisman (Biological Recycling Technology)
Co Promotor: Dr.ir. H.V.M. Hamelers

 Salinity-gradient energy or Blue Energy is a promising renewable energy source for the future. Estimates from literature predicted coverage of over 80% of the current global electricity demand when applied in all river mouths. From thermodynamic calculations it can be derived that each m3 of river water can yield 1.4 MJ when mixed with the same amount of sea water. Two techniques are available to convert Blue Energy into electricity: pressure-retarded osmosis and reverse electrodialysis. For further research in this thesis, the latter was selected. From a review we concluded it has better prospects for river mouths regarding power density, energy recovery, fouling behavior and process economy. Until now, it has been investigated generally with a focus on obtained power, without taking care of the energy recovery. In this thesis, we emphasized the aspect of energy recovery. In our opinion, this is the most critical factor to success. We were the first to obtain a significant energy recovery of over 80%. Another important issue of this thesis is how the system will behave in practice, i.e., when it is applied to feed waters with different chemical compositions and biological activity.
Title thesis: Blue Energy: electricity production from salinity gradients by reverse electrodialysis

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