View source for Physics:Osmotic power

{{Short description|Energy available from the difference in the salt concentration between seawater and river water}}
{{Renewable energy sources}}
'''Osmotic power''', '''salinity gradient power''' or '''blue energy''' is the energy available from the difference in the salt concentration between [[Earth:Seawater|seawater]] and [[Earth:Fresh water|river water]]. Two practical methods for this are reverse electrodialysis (RED) and
pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). Both processes rely on [[Physics:Osmosis|osmosis]] with membranes. The key waste product is [[Earth:Brackish water|brackish water]]. This byproduct is the result of natural forces that are being harnessed: the flow of fresh water into seas that are made up of salt water.

In 1954, Pattle<ref>{{cite journal|last=R.E. Pattle|title=Production of electric power by mixing fresh and salt water in the hydroelectric pile|journal=Nature|date=2 October 1954|volume=174|page=660|doi=10.1038/174660a0|issue=4431|bibcode=1954Natur.174..660P|s2cid=4144672}}</ref> suggested that there was an untapped source of power when a river mixes with the sea, in terms of the lost osmotic pressure, however it was not until the mid ‘70s where a practical method of exploiting it using selectively permeable membranes by Loeb <ref>{{cite journal|last=S. Loeb|title=Osmotic power plants|journal=Science|date=22 August 1975|volume=189|issue=4203|pages=654–655|doi=10.1126/science.189.4203.654|pmid=17838753|bibcode=1975Sci...189..654L|doi-access=}}</ref> was outlined.

The method of generating power by pressure retarded osmosis was invented by Prof. Sidney Loeb in 1973 at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.<ref>^ Israel Patent Application 42658 of July 3, 1973. (see also {{patent|US|3906250|title=Method and apparatus for generating power utilizing pressure-retarded-osmosis}} Erroneously shows Israel priority as 1974 instead of 1973 {{patent|US|3906250|}}</ref> The idea came to Prof. Loeb, in part, as he observed the Jordan River flowing into the Dead Sea. He wanted to harvest the energy of mixing of the two aqueous solutions (the Jordan River being one and the Dead Sea being the other) that was going to waste in this natural mixing process.<ref>^ Weintraub, Bob. "Sidney Loeb," Bulletin of the Israel Chemical Society, Dec. 2001, issue 8, page 8-9. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hpgY6dd0Qtb4M6xnNXhutP4pMxidq_jqG962VzWt_W7-hssGnSxSzjTY8RvW/edit</ref> In 1977 Prof. Loeb invented a method of producing power by a reverse electrodialysis heat engine.<ref>[https://www.google.com/patents/US4171409?dq=4,171,409&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sVRiUoX1N8bA0QXm6YGIDA&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA%20 United States Patent US4171409 ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406074428/https://www.google.com/patents/US4171409?dq=4%2C171%2C409&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sVRiUoX1N8bA0QXm6YGIDA&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA%20 |date=2016-04-06 }}</ref>

The technologies have been confirmed in laboratory conditions. They are being developed into commercial use in the Netherlands (RED) and Norway (PRO). The cost of the membrane has been an obstacle. A new, lower cost membrane, based on an electrically modified [[Chemistry:Polyethylene|polyethylene]] plastic, made it fit for potential commercial use.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/*/www.statkraft.com/Images/Faktaark%20OSMOTIC%20ENG_tcm4-7797.pdf History of osmotic power (PDF) at archive.org]</ref> Other methods have been proposed and are currently under development. Among them, a method based on electric double-layer capacitor
technology<ref name="Brogioli">{{cite journal | last=Brogioli | first=Doriano | title=Extracting Renewable Energy from a Salinity Difference Using a Capacitor | journal=Physical Review Letters | publisher=American Physical Society (APS) | volume=103 | issue=5 | date=2009-07-29 | issn=0031-9007 | doi=10.1103/physrevlett.103.058501 | pmid=19792539 | page=058501| bibcode=2009PhRvL.103e8501B }}</ref> and a method based on [[Physics:Vapor pressure|vapor pressure]] difference.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Olsson | first1=M. | last2=Wick | first2=G. L. | last3=Isaacs | first3=J. D. | title=Salinity Gradient Power: Utilizing Vapor Pressure Differences | journal=Science | publisher=American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) | volume=206 | issue=4417 | date=1979-10-26 | issn=0036-8075 | doi=10.1126/science.206.4417.452 | pmid=17809370 | pages=452–454| bibcode=1979Sci...206..452O | s2cid=45143260 }}</ref>

==Basics of salinity gradient power==
[[Image:Blue energy mechanism.svg|thumb|right|Pressure-retarded osmosis]]
Salinity gradient power is a specific [[Engineering:Renewable energy|renewable energy]] alternative that creates renewable and sustainable power by using naturally occurring processes. This practice does not contaminate or release [[Chemistry:Carbon dioxide|carbon dioxide]] (CO<sub>2</sub>) emissions (vapor pressure methods will release dissolved air containing CO<sub>2</sub> at low pressures—these non-condensable gases can be re-dissolved of course, but with an energy penalty). Also as stated by Jones and Finley within their article “Recent Development in Salinity Gradient Power”, there is basically no fuel cost.

Salinity gradient energy is based on using the resources of “osmotic pressure difference between fresh water and sea water.”<ref>(Jones, A.T., W. Finley. “Recent developments in salinity gradient power”. Oceans. 2003. 2284-2287.)</ref> All energy that is proposed to use salinity gradient technology relies on the evaporation to separate water from salt. Osmotic pressure is the "chemical potential of concentrated and dilute solutions of salt".<ref>(Brauns, E. “Toward a worldwide sustainable and simultaneous large-scale production of renewable energy and potable water trough salinity gradient power by combining reversed electrodialysis and solar power?” Environmental Process and Technology. Jan 2007. 312-323.)</ref> When looking at relations between high osmotic pressure and low, solutions with higher concentrations of salt have higher pressure.

Differing salinity gradient power generations exist but one of the most commonly discussed is [[Physics:Pressure-retarded osmosis|pressure-retarded osmosis]] (PRO). Within PRO seawater is pumped into a pressure chamber where the pressure is lower than the difference between fresh and salt water pressure. Fresh water moves in a semipermeable membrane and increases its volume in the chamber. As the pressure in the chamber is compensated a turbine spins to generate electricity. In Braun's article he states that this process is easy to understand in a more broken down manner. Two solutions, A being salt water and B being fresh water are separated by a membrane. He states "only water molecules can pass the semipermeable membrane. As a result of the osmotic pressure difference between both solutions, the water from solution B thus will diffuse through the membrane in order to dilute solution A".<ref>(Brauns, E. “Toward a worldwide sustainable and simultaneous large-scale production of renewable energy and potable water through salinity gradient power by combining reversed electrodialysis and solar power?.” ''Environmental Process and Technology''. Jan 2007. 312-323.)</ref> The pressure drives the turbines and power the generator that produces the electrical energy. Osmosis might be used directly to "pump" fresh water out of The Netherlands into the sea. This is currently done using electric pumps.

==Efficiency==
A 2012 study on efficiency from Yale university concluded that the highest extractable work in constant-pressure PRO with a seawater draw solution and river water feed solution is {{convert|0.75|kWh/m3|kJ/L|abbr=on}} while the free energy of mixing is {{convert|0.81|kWh/m3|kJ/L|abbr=on}} — a thermodynamic extraction efficiency of 91.0%.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1021/es300060m | pmid=22463483 | volume=46 | issue=9 | title=Thermodynamic and Energy Efficiency Analysis of Power Generation from Natural Salinity Gradients by Pressure Retarded Osmosis | year=2012 | journal=Environmental Science & Technology | pages=5230–5239 | last1 = Yin Yip | first1 = Ngai | last2 = Elimelech | first2 = Menachem| bibcode=2012EnST...46.5230Y | s2cid=206955094 }}</ref>

==Methods==
While the mechanics and concepts of salinity gradient power are still being studied, the power source has been implemented in several different locations. Most of these are experimental, but thus far they have been predominantly successful. The various companies that have utilized this power have also done so in many different ways as there are several concepts and processes that harness the power from salinity gradient.

===Pressure-retarded osmosis===
[[File:Simplistic pressure retarded osmosis power generation diagram.jpg|thumb|Simple PRO power generation scheme]]
[[File:Hurum osmosis power 02.JPG|thumb|Osmotic Power Prototype at Tofte (Hurum), Norway]]
One method to utilize salinity gradient energy is called [[Physics:Pressure-retarded osmosis|pressure-retarded osmosis]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20130203135708/http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TGK-4MDGP8H-1&_user=607017&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=607017&md5=acc4682fd086886dff4b0cb1ee6123df Salinity-gradient power: Evaluation of pressure-retarded osmosis and reverse electrodialysis]</ref> In this method, seawater is pumped into a pressure chamber that is at a pressure lower than the difference between the pressures of saline water and fresh water. Freshwater is also pumped into the pressure chamber through a membrane, which increase both the volume and pressure of the chamber. As the pressure differences are compensated, a turbine is spun, providing kinetic energy. This method is being specifically studied by the {{wipe|Norway}} [[Finance:Public utility|utility]] Statkraft, which has calculated that up to 2.85 GW would be available from this process in Norway.<ref>[http://waderllc.com/2284-2287.pdf Recent Developments in Salinity Gradient Power] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901211414/http://waderllc.com/2284-2287.pdf |date=2011-09-01 }}</ref> Statkraft has built the world's first [[Engineering:Statkraft osmotic power prototype in Hurum|prototype PRO power plant]] on the Oslo fjord which was opened by Princess Mette-Marit of Norway<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gizmag.com/statkraft-osmotic-power/13451/ |title=The world's first osmotic power plant from Statkraft |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=2009-11-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812024125/http://www.gizmag.com/statkraft-osmotic-power/13451/ |archive-date=2011-08-12 }} Statkraft-osmotic-power</ref> on November 24, 2009. It aimed to produce enough electricity to light and heat a small town within five years by osmosis. At first, it did produce a minuscule 4 kilowatts – enough to heat a large electric kettle, but by 2015 the target was 25 megawatts – the same as a small wind farm.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8377186.stm BBC News Norway's Statkraft opens first osmotic power plant]</ref> In January 2014 however Statkraft announced not to continue this pilot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forwardosmosistech.com/statkraft-discontinues-investments-in-pressure-retarded-osmosis/ |title=Is PRO economically feasible? Not according to Statkraft &#124; ForwardOsmosisTech |date=22 January 2014 |access-date=2017-01-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118220928/http://www.forwardosmosistech.com/statkraft-discontinues-investments-in-pressure-retarded-osmosis/ |archive-date=2017-01-18 }}</ref>
Statkraft found that with existing technology, the salt gradient was not high enough to be economic, which other studies have agreed on.<ref name="Straub Deshmukh Elimelech 2016 pp. 31–48">{{cite journal | last1=Straub | first1=Anthony P. | last2=Deshmukh | first2=Akshay | last3=Elimelech | first3=Menachem | title=Pressure-retarded osmosis for power generation from salinity gradients: is it viable? | journal=Energy & Environmental Science | publisher=Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) | volume=9 | issue=1 | year=2016 | issn=1754-5692 | doi=10.1039/c5ee02985f | pages=31–48}}</ref> Higher salt gradients can be found in geothermal brines and desalination plant brines,<ref name="Chung Swaminathan Banchik Lienhard 2018 pp. 13–20">{{cite journal | last1=Chung | first1=Hyung Won | last2=Swaminathan | first2=Jaichander | last3=Banchik | first3=Leonardo D. | last4=Lienhard | first4=John H. | title=Economic framework for net power density and levelized cost of electricity in pressure-retarded osmosis | journal=Desalination | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=448 | year=2018 | issn=0011-9164 | doi=10.1016/j.desal.2018.09.007 | pages=13–20| hdl=1721.1/118349 | s2cid=105934538 | hdl-access=free }}</ref> and SaltPower, a Danish company, is now building its first commercial plant with high salinity brine.<ref>[http://www.saltpower.net Saltpower]</ref> There is perhaps more potential in integrating Pressure Retarded Osmosis as an operating mode of reverse osmosis, rather than a stand-alone technology.<ref name="Rao Li Wrede Coan 2021 p=115088">{{cite journal | last1=Rao | first1=Akshay K. | last2=Li | first2=Owen R | last3=Wrede | first3=Luke | last4=Coan | first4=Stephen M. | last5=Elias | first5=George | last6=Cordoba | first6=Sandra | last7=Roggenberg | first7=Michael | last8=Castillo | first8=Luciano | last9=Warsinger | first9=David M. | title=A framework for blue energy enabled energy storage in reverse osmosis processes | journal=Desalination | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=511 | year=2021 | issn=0011-9164 | doi=10.1016/j.desal.2021.115088 | page=115088}}</ref>

===Reversed electrodialysis===
[[File:RED-proefinstallatie afsluitdijk.JPG|thumb|RED-prototype of REDstack at the Afsluitdijk in The Netherlands]]
A second method being developed and studied is [[Physics:Reversed electrodialysis|reversed electrodialysis]] or reverse dialysis, which is essentially the creation of a salt battery. This method was described by Weinstein and Leitz as “an array of alternating anion and cation exchange membranes can be used to generate electric power from the free energy of river and sea water.”

The technology related to this type of power is still in its infant stages, even though the principle was discovered in the 1950s. Standards and a complete understanding of all the ways salinity gradients can be utilized are important goals to strive for in order to make this clean energy source more viable in the future.

===Capacitive method===
A third method is Doriano Brogioli's<ref name="Brogioli" /> capacitive method, which is relatively new and has so far only been tested on lab scale. With this method energy can be extracted out of the mixing of saline water and freshwater by cyclically charging up [[Physics:Electrode|electrode]]s in contact with saline water, followed by a discharge in freshwater. Since the amount of electrical energy which is needed during the charging step is less than one gets out during the discharge step, each completed cycle effectively produces energy. An intuitive explanation of this effect is that the great number of [[Physics:Ion|ion]]s in the saline water efficiently neutralizes the charge on each electrode by forming a thin layer of opposite charge very close to the electrode surface, known as an electric double layer. Therefore, the [[Physics:Voltage|voltage]] over the electrodes remains low during the charge step and charging is relatively easy. In between the charge and discharge step, the electrodes are brought in contact with freshwater. After this, there are less ions available to neutralize the charge on each electrode such that the voltage over the electrodes increases. The discharge step which follows is therefore able to deliver a relatively high amount of energy. A physical explanation is that on an electrically charged capacitor, there is a mutually attractive electric force between the [[Physics:Electric charge|electric charge]] on the electrode, and the ionic charge in the liquid. In order to pull ions away from the charged electrode, osmotic pressure must do [[Physics:Work|work]]. This work done increases the electrical potential energy in the capacitor. An electronic explanation is that [[Physics:Capacitance|capacitance]] is a function of ion density. By introducing a salinity gradient and allowing some of the ions to diffuse out of the capacitor, this reduces the capacitance, and so the voltage must increase, since the voltage equals the ratio of charge to capacitance.

===Vapor pressure differences: open cycle and absorption refrigeration cycle (closed cycle)===
Both of these methods do not rely on membranes, so filtration requirements are not as important as they are in the PRO & RED schemes.

====Open cycle====
Similar to the open cycle in ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). The disadvantage of this cycle is the cumbersome problem of a large diameter turbine (75 meters +) operating at below atmospheric pressure to extract the power between the water with less salinity & the water with greater salinity.

====Absorption refrigeration cycle (closed cycle)====
For the purpose of dehumidifying air, in a [[Physics:Absorption refrigerator#Water spray absorption refrigeration|water-spray absorption refrigeration]] system, water vapor is dissolved into a deliquescent salt water mixture using osmotic power as an intermediary. The primary power source originates from a thermal difference, as part of a [[Physics:Thermodynamics|thermodynamic]] [[Physics:Heat engine|heat engine]] cycle.

===Solar pond===
At the Eddy Potash Mine in New Mexico, a technology called "salinity gradient [[Engineering:Solar pond|solar pond]]" (SGSP) is being utilized to provide the energy needed by the mine. '''This method does not harness osmotic power''', only solar power (see: [[Engineering:Solar pond|solar pond]]). Sunlight reaching the bottom of the saltwater pond is absorbed as heat. The effect of [[Physics:Natural convection|natural convection]], wherein "heat rises", is blocked using density differences between the three layers that make up the pond, in order to trap heat. The upper convection zone is the uppermost zone, followed by the stable gradient zone, then the bottom thermal zone. The stable gradient zone is the most important. The saltwater in this layer can not rise to the higher zone because the saltwater above has lower salinity and is therefore less-dense and more buoyant; and it can not sink to the lower level because that saltwater is denser. This middle zone, the stable gradient zone, effectively becomes an "insulator" for the bottom layer (although the main purpose is to block natural convection, since water is a poor insulator). This water from the lower layer, the storage zone, is pumped out and the heat is used to produce energy, usually by turbine in an [[Physics:Organic Rankine cycle|organic Rankine cycle]].<ref>[http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/756432-k7Q3X9/webviewable/756432.pdf Salinity Gradient Solar Pond Technology Applied to Potash Solution Mining]</ref>

In theory a solar pond ''could'' be used to generate osmotic power if evaporation from solar heat is used to create a salinity gradient, ''and'' the potential energy in this salinity gradient is ''harnessed directly'' using one of the first three methods above, such as the capacitive method.

===Boron nitride nanotubes===

A research team built an experimental system using boron nitride that produced much greater power than the Statkraft prototype. It used an impermeable and electrically insulating membrane that was pierced by a single boron nitride nanotube with an external diameter of a few dozen nanometers. With this membrane separating a salt water reservoir and a fresh water reservoir, the team measured the electric current passing through the membrane using two electrodes immersed in the fluid either side of the nanotube.

The results showed the device was able to generate an electric current on the order of a nanoampere. The researchers claim this is 1,000 times the yield of other known techniques for harvesting osmotic energy and makes boron nitride nanotubes an extremely efficient solution for harvesting the energy of salinity gradients for usable electrical power.

The team claimed that a {{convert|1|m2}} membrane could generate around 4&nbsp;kW and be capable of generating up to 30 MWh per year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gizmag.com/osmotic-salinity-gradient-power-nanotubes/26623/ |title=Nanotubes boost potential of salinity power as a renewable energy source |date=13 March 2013 |publisher=Gizmag.com |access-date=2013-03-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028032447/http://www.gizmag.com/osmotic-salinity-gradient-power-nanotubes/26623/ |archive-date=2013-10-28 }}</ref>

At the 2019 fall meeting of the Materials Research Society a team from [[Organization:Rutgers University|Rutgers University]] reported creating a membrane that contained around 10 million BNNTs per cubic centimeter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.science.org/content/article/rivers-could-generate-thousands-nuclear-power-plants-worth-energy-thanks-new-blue|title=Rivers could generate thousands of nuclear power plants worth of energy, thanks to a new 'blue' membrane|last=Service|first=Robert F.|date=2019-12-04|website=Science {{!}} AAAS|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206120502/https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/12/rivers-could-generate-thousands-nuclear-power-plants-worth-energy-thanks-new-blue|archive-date=2019-12-06|access-date=2019-12-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mrs.org/fall2019/symposium-sessions/symposium-sessions-detail?code=FF02|title=Symposium Sessions {{!}} 2019 MRS Fall Meeting {{!}} Boston|website=www.mrs.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129144723/https://www.mrs.org/fall2019/symposium-sessions/symposium-sessions-detail?code=FF02|archive-date=2019-11-29|access-date=2019-12-06}}</ref>

===Using low caloric waste energy by regenerate a high solution ammonium bicarbonate in a solution with a low salinity===
At Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Logan tries to use waste heat with low calority using the fact that [[Chemistry:Ammonium bicarbonate|ammonium bicarbonate]] decomposes into NH<sub>3</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> in warm water to form ammonium bicarbonate again in cold water. So in a RED energy producing closed system the two different gradients of salinity are kept.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sites.psu.edu/energyfromwater/ |title=Energy from Water |access-date=2017-01-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202195525/http://sites.psu.edu/energyfromwater/ |archive-date=2017-02-02 }}</ref>

==Possible negative environmental impact==

Marine and river environments have obvious differences in water quality, namely salinity. Each species of aquatic plant and animal is adapted to survive in either marine, brackish, or freshwater environments. There are species that can tolerate both, but these species usually thrive best in a specific water environment. The main waste product of salinity gradient technology is brackish water. The discharge of brackish water into the surrounding waters, if done in large quantities and with any regularity, will cause salinity fluctuations. While some variation in salinity is usual, particularly where fresh water (rivers) empties into an ocean or sea anyway, these variations become less important for both bodies of water with the addition of brackish waste waters. Extreme salinity changes in an aquatic environment may result in findings of low densities of both animals and plants due to intolerance of sudden severe salinity drops or spikes.<ref name=Montague>Montague, C., Ley, J. A Possible Effect of Salinity Fluctuation on Abundance of Benthic Vegetation and Associated Fauna in Northeastern Florida Bay. Estuaries and Coasts. 1993. Springer New York. Vol.15 No. 4. Pg. 703-717</ref> According to the prevailing environmentalist opinions, the possibility of these negative effects should be considered by the operators of future large blue energy establishments.

The impact of brackish water on ecosystems can be minimized by pumping it out to sea and releasing it into the mid-layer, away from the surface and bottom ecosystems.

Impingement and entrainment at intake structures are a concern due to large volumes of both river and sea water utilized in both PRO and RED schemes. Intake construction permits must meet strict environmental regulations and desalination plants and power plants that utilize surface water are sometimes involved with various local, state and federal agencies to obtain permission that can take upwards to 18 months.

==See also==
{{columns-list|
*{{annotated link|Physics:Forward osmosis}}
*{{annotated link|Chemistry:Electrodialysis reversal|abbreviation=EDR}}
*{{annotated link|Physics:Reversed electrodialysis}}
*{{annotated link|Chemistry:Reverse osmosis}}
*{{annotated link|Physics:Semipermeable membrane}}
*{{annotated link|Earth:Marine energy}}
*{{annotated link|Engineering:Renewable energy}}
*{{annotated link|Physics:Fugacity}}
*{{annotated link|Engineering:Solar pond}}
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.euronews.net/2009/12/10/dutch-water-plan-to-turn-green-energy-blue/ Dutch water plan to turn green energy blue] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224213330/http://www.euronews.net/2009/12/10/dutch-water-plan-to-turn-green-energy-blue/ |date=2009-12-24 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20121130070722/http://climatetechwiki.org/technology/jiqweb-ro ClimateTechWiki: Ocean Energy: Salinity gradient for electricity generation]


[[Category:Energy conversion]]
[[Category:Membrane technology]]

{{Sourceattribution|Osmotic power}}