Energy Consumption and Water Production Cost of Conventional and Renewable-Energy-Powered Desalination Processes
TL;DR: In this paper, the technical features, energy consumption, environmental considerations, and potential of renewable energy use in driving the main desalination processes are reviewed and analyzed in order to compare the current and projected costs of water produced from conventional and renewable energy-driven processes.
Abstract: Desalination technologies improve water quality, greatly reduce water shortage problems, and improve quality of life and economic status. Two main technologies are currently used in water desalination: thermal (phase-change) processes and membrane processes. The primary thermal distillation processes include multistage flash distillation (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED), and vapor compression (VC). The VC process encompasses two types: mechanical (MVC) and thermal (TVC). The common membrane desalination processes include reverse osmosis (RO) and electrodialysis (ED and EDR). Energy cost, operational and maintenance cost, and capital investment are the main contributors to the water production cost of any of these processes. The energy cost is responsible for about 50% of the produced water cost. For thermal distillation processes (MSF, MED, and TVC), two energy forms are required for the operation: (1) low-temperature heat, which represents the main portion of the energy input and is usually supplied to the system by a number of external sources (e.g., fossil fuel, waste energy, nuclear, solar) and (2) electricity, which is used to drive the system's pumps and other electrical components. For the MVC thermal distillation process, only electricity is needed. For membrane processes (RO and ED), only electricity is required as an energy input. Renewable energy systems such as solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, wind, and geothermal technologies are currently used as energy suppliers for desalination systems. These renewable resources are now a proven technology and remain economically promising for remote regions, where connection to the public electric grid is either not cost effective or feasible, and where water scarcity is severe. As the technologies continue to improve, and as fresh water becomes scarce and fossil fuel energy prices rise, renewable energy desalination becomes more viable economically. The technical features, energy consumption, environmental considerations, and potential of renewable energy use in driving the main desalination processes are reviewed and analyzed in this paper. The current and projected costs of water produced from conventional and renewable-energy-driven processes are discussed and compared.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the existing literature in the analysis of life cycle costs of utility-scale electricity storage systems, providing an updated database for the cost elements (capital costs, operational and maintenance costs, and replacement costs).
Abstract: Large-scale deployment of intermittent renewable energy (namely wind energy and solar PV) may entail new challenges in power systems and more volatility in power prices in liberalized electricity markets. Energy storage can diminish this imbalance, relieving the grid congestion, and promoting distributed generation. The economic implications of grid-scale electrical energy storage technologies are however obscure for the experts, power grid operators, regulators, and power producers. A meticulous techno-economic or cost-benefit analysis of electricity storage systems requires consistent, updated cost data and a holistic cost analysis framework. To this end, this study critically examines the existing literature in the analysis of life cycle costs of utility-scale electricity storage systems, providing an updated database for the cost elements (capital costs, operational and maintenance costs, and replacement costs). Moreover, life cycle costs and levelized cost of electricity delivered by electrical energy storage is analyzed, employing Monte Carlo method to consider uncertainties. The examined energy storage technologies include pumped hydropower storage, compressed air energy storage (CAES), flywheel, electrochemical batteries (e.g. lead–acid, NaS, Li-ion, and Ni–Cd), flow batteries (e.g. vanadium-redox), superconducting magnetic energy storage, supercapacitors, and hydrogen energy storage (power to gas technologies). The results illustrate the economy of different storage systems for three main applications: bulk energy storage, T&D support services, and frequency regulation.
1,279 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the key challenges facing membrane distillation and explore the opportunities for improving membrane membranes and system design, highlighting the outlook for MD desalination, highlighting challenges and key areas for future research and development.
Abstract: Energy-efficient desalination and water treatment technologies play a critical role in augmenting freshwater resources without placing an excessive strain on limited energy supplies. By desalinating high-salinity waters using low-grade or waste heat, membrane distillation (MD) has the potential to increase sustainable water production, a key facet of the water-energy nexus. However, despite advances in membrane technology and the development of novel process configurations, the viability of MD as an energy-efficient desalination process remains uncertain. In this review, we examine the key challenges facing MD and explore the opportunities for improving MD membranes and system design. We begin by exploring how the energy efficiency of MD is limited by the thermal separation of water and dissolved solutes. We then assess the performance of MD relative to other desalination processes, including reverse osmosis and multi-effect distillation, comparing various metrics including energy efficiency, energy quality, and susceptibility to fouling. By analyzing the impact of membrane properties on the energy efficiency of an MD desalination system, we demonstrate the importance of maximizing porosity and optimizing thickness to minimize energy consumption. We also show how ineffective heat recovery and temperature polarization can limit the energetic performance of MD and how novel process variants seek to reduce these inefficiencies. Fouling, scaling, and wetting can have a significant detrimental impact on MD performance. We outline how novel membrane designs with special surface wettability and process-based fouling control strategies may bolster membrane and process robustness. Finally, we explore applications where MD may be able to outperform established desalination technologies, increasing water production without consuming large amounts of electrical or high-grade thermal energy. We conclude by discussing the outlook for MD desalination, highlighting challenges and key areas for future research and development.
665 citations
TL;DR: This critical review discusses the drivers, incentives, technologies, and environmental impacts of zero liquid discharge, and highlights the evolution of ZLD from thermal- to membrane-based processes, and analyzes the advantages and limitations of existing and emerging ZLD technologies.
Abstract: Zero liquid discharge (ZLD)—a wastewater management strategy that eliminates liquid waste and maximizes water usage efficiency — has attracted renewed interest worldwide in recent years. Although implementation of ZLD reduces water pollution and augments water supply, the technology is constrained by high cost and intensive energy consumption. In this critical review, we discuss the drivers, incentives, technologies, and environmental impacts of ZLD. Within this framework, the global applications of ZLD in the United States and emerging economies such as China and India are examined. We highlight the evolution of ZLD from thermal- to membrane-based processes, and analyze the advantages and limitations of existing and emerging ZLD technologies. The potential environmental impacts of ZLD, notably greenhouse gas emission and generation of solid waste, are discussed and the prospects of ZLD technologies and research needs are highlighted.
621 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of different desalination units integrated with renewable energy with special emphasis given to solar energy is discussed and problems associated with desalification units and their remedies have been presented.
Abstract: Water plays an important role in all our day to day activities and its consumption is increasing day by day because of increased living standards of mankind. Some regions of the globe are under severe stress due to water scarcity and pollution. The fresh water needs of mankind can be only satisfied if saline water which is available in plenty is converted to potable water by desalination. Desalination industry has shown increased threats of CO2 emissions and severe environmental impacts. Desalination industry can be made sustainable if they are integrated with renewable energy and if proper brine disposal methods are followed. In this review different desalination units integrated with renewable energy with special emphasis given to solar energy is discussed. The problems associated with desalination units and their remedies have been presented. Apart from this some novel methods of desalination process has also been explained. This review will allow the researchers to choose appropriate desalination technology for further development.
481 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a state-of-the-art review on energy, water and environment interconnection and future energy efficient desalination possibilities to save energy and protect environment.
479 citations
References
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Book•
01 Jan 1991
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce the concept of Membrane Fouling and discuss the properties and properties of synthetic Membranes, including material properties, properties, and processes.
Abstract: I: Introduction. II: Materials and Material Properties. III. Preparation of Synthetic Membranes. IV: Characterisation of Membranes. V: Transport in Membranes. VI: Membrane Processes. VII: Polarisation Phenomena and Membrane Fouling. VIII: Module and Process Design. Appendix 1. Appendix 2. Answers to Exercises: Solved Problems. Answers to Exercises: Unsolved Problems. List of Symbols. Index.
4,338 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a review of membrane characteristics, membrane-related heat and mass transfer concepts, fouling and the effects of operating condition is presented, as well as state-of-the-art research results in these different areas are discussed.
1,973 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an overview on present seawater desalination capacities by region, a synopsis of the key environmental concerns of desalification, including ways of mitigating the impacts on the environment, and of avoiding some of the dangers of the environment to Desalination.
864 citations
"Energy Consumption and Water Produc..." refers background in this paper
...The amount of CO2 is estimated to be 25 kg/m(3) of product water [79,80]....
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TL;DR: Geothermal energy is the energy contained as heat in the Earth's interior as mentioned in this paper, and it has been exploited for decades to generate electricity, and both in space heating and industrial processes.
Abstract: Geothermal energy is the energy contained as heat in the Earth’s interior. This overview describes the internal structure of the Earth together with the heat transfer mechanisms inside mantle and crust. It also shows the location of geothermal fields on specific areas of the Earth. The Earth’s heat flow and geothermal gradient are defined, as well as the types of geothermal fields, the geologic environment of geothermal energy, and the methods of exploration for geothermal resources including drilling and resource assessment. Geothermal energy, as natural steam and hot water, has been exploited for decades to generate electricity, and both in space heating and industrial processes. The geothermal electrical installed capacity in the world is 7974 MWe (year 2000), and the electrical energy generated is 49.3 billion kWh/year, representing 0.3 % of the world total electrical energy which was 15,342 billion kWh in 2000. In developing countries, where total installed electrical power is still low, geothermal energy can play a significant role: in the Philippines 21% of electricity comes from geothermal steam, 20% in El Salvador, 17% in Nicaragua, 10% in Costa Rica and 8% in Kenya. Electricity is produced with an efficiency of 10–17%. The geothermal kWh is generally cost-competitive with conventional sources of energy, in the range 2–10 UScents/kWh, and the geothermal electrical capacity installed in the world (1998) was 1/5 of that from biomass, but comparable with that from wind sources. The thermal capacity in non-electrical uses (greenhouses, aquaculture, district heating, industrial processes) is 15,14 MWt (year 2000). Financial investments in geothermal electrical and non-electrical uses world-wide in the period 1973–1992 were estimated at about US$22,000 million. Present technology makes it possible to control the environmental impact of geothermal exploitation, and an effective and easily implemented policy to encourage geothermal energy development, and the abatement of carbon dioxide emissions would take advantage from the imposition of a carbon tax. The future use of geothermal energy from advanced technologies such as the exploitation of hot dry rock/hot wet rock systems, magma bodies and geopressured reservoirs, is briefly discussed. While the viability of hot dry rock technology has been proven, research and development are still necessary for the other two sources. A brief discussion on training of specialists, geothermal literature, on-line information, and geothermal associations concludes the review.
860 citations
Book•
20 Mar 2002
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the resources and need for water desalination, and present an economic analysis of the desalinization process, including factors affecting product cost and economic calculations.
Abstract: Introduction - Resources and need for water desalination, Composition of seawater Single Effect Evaporation - Single effect evaporation, Evaporators Single Effect Evaporation - Vapor Compression, Single effect thermal vapor compression, Single effect mechanical vapor compression Multiple Effect Evaporation - Developments in multiple effect evaporation, Forward feed multiple effect evaporation Multiple Effect Evaporation - Vapor Compression, Parallel feed multiple effect evaporation, Forward feed multiple effect evaporation with thermal vapor compression Multi Stage Flash Distillation - Developments in MSF, MSF flashing stage Reverse Osmosis - Historical background, Elements of membrane separation Reverse Osmosis Feed Treatment, Biofouling, and Membrane Cleaning - Nee for pretreatment processes in RO, Testing methods Associated Processes - Venting of non-condensable gases, Steam jet ejectors Economic Analysis of Desalination Processes - Factors affecting product cost, Elements of economic calculations. Appendices: Thermodynamic Properties Thermodynamic Losses Heat Transfer Coefficients Computer Package.
790 citations