Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Tawalbeh, Amani Al-Othman, Noun Abdelwahab, Abdul Hai Alami, Abdul Ghani Olabi
Summary: Mixing streams of different salinities releases Gibbs free energy that can be converted to electricity through pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). However, technical issues such as water transport in membranes, membrane material, fouling, process efficiency, and techno-economic viability pose challenges to its implementation. Process parameters directly impact the efficiency and power density of PRO, and improvements in PRO membranes are crucial for maximizing its potential benefits.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Ralph Rolly Gonzales, Ahmed Abdel-Wahab, Samer Adham, Dong Suk Han, Sherub Phuntsho, Wafa Suwaileh, Nidal Hilal, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: Pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) has gained attention as a membrane process for generating energy from salinity gradients. Despite advancements, challenges remain in membrane performance, implementation, and commercialization efforts for PRO technology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elham Abbasi-Garravand, Catherine N. Mulligan
Summary: The impact of temperature on the power density and fouling in a PRO system using industrial semi-permeable membranes was investigated, showing that low temperature electricity generation using PRO processes is feasible.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yingzong Liang, Jiacheng Xu, Chi Wai Hui, Xianglong Luo, Jianyong Chen, Zhi Yang, Ying Chen
Summary: A thermodynamically oriented method is developed to identify the theoretical and practical limits of pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) on converting salinity gradient power to mechanical energy. Pinch analysis is used to find the mass exchange limit, and a graphical method is derived to determine the optimal pressure change. Additionally, a problem table method is presented for analyzing multi-stream PRO processes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Khodadadian Elikaiy, K. Lari, M. Torabi Azad, A. Sabetahd Jahromi, A. Mohseni Arasteh
Summary: The study indicates that the salinity gradient power in estuaries, particularly in the Arvand River estuary, has great potential for renewable energy utilization. The energy produced by mixing seawater and freshwater depends on salinity levels and volumes, with factors such as penetration length and seawater residence time playing a significant role in increasing energy output.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nahawand AlZainati, Haleema Saleem, Ali Altaee, Syed Javaid Zaidi, Marwa Mohsen, Alaa Hawari, Graeme J. Millar
Summary: The PRO process harnesses renewable energy from salinity gradient resources, highlighting the challenge of finding a suitable commercial membrane. The research demonstrates the potential and applications of the PRO process.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elizabeth I. Obode, Ahmed Badreldin, Samer Adham, Marcelo Castier, Ahmed Abdel-Wahab
Summary: This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of the pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) technology for electricity generation using the salinity gradient between two water bodies. The use of improved membranes reduces the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) to USD 0.0704/kWh, compared to USD 0.1255/kWh with commercial membranes. However, with current membrane properties and mechanical equipment, a single-stage PRO process is not cost-competitive with other renewable energy sources.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jaehyun Ju, Yongjun Choi, Sangho Lee, Namjo Jeong
Summary: This study compared the power density and fouling potential of reverse electrodialysis (RED) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) processes using various low salinity (LS) solutions and high salinity (HS) solutions. Results showed that PRO had higher power density than RED under non-fouling conditions, but the loss of power density due to fouling was smaller in RED.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiun Hui Low, Junyou Zhang, Weikun Paul Li, Tianshi Yang, Chun Feng Wan, Farhana Esa, Marn Soon Qua, Karikalan Mottaiyan, Suresh Murugan, Muhammad Aiman, Adil Dhalla, Tai-Shung Chung, Chakravarthy Gudipati
Summary: This study focuses on the development of new thin-film composite hollow fiber membranes for harvesting salinity gradient energy in pressure retarded osmosis applications. The membranes are designed to exploit the energy difference between wastewater reverse osmosis retentate and seawater reverse osmosis brine through osmotic mixing. Different-sized hollow fiber membranes were created using interfacial polymerization, and their performance was evaluated at lab scale and pilot scale. As module size increased, the water permeability and power density decreased, resulting in lower energy harvest in the pilot scale evaluation.
Article
Thermodynamics
Rudra Rath, Deepshika Dutta, Reddi Kamesh, Mostafa H. Sharqawy, Siddhartha Moulik, Anirban Roy
Summary: The study used a data-driven approach to design optimal membranes and operating conditions for pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) and utilized artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict water flux and power density. It found that membrane properties and operating conditions were major contributing factors for the prediction, and optimization resulted in maximum water flux and power density.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bassel A. Abdelkader, Daniel Ruiz Navas, Mostafa H. Sharqawy
Summary: Pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) is a renewable energy process that utilizes the energy from a salinity gradient between two solutions. However, the commercially available spiral-wound modules used in PRO have poor flow distribution and high pressure drop, limiting their application. This study proposes a new spiral-wound module design that improves overall performance with better flow distribution, lower pressure drop, and higher power density.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Bassel A. Abdelkader, Mostafa H. Sharqawy
Summary: Pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) is a promising technology for harvesting salinity gradient energy. However, its commercialization faces challenges due to discrepancies between lab-scale and pilot-scale performance, mainly caused by pressure drop and draw pressure effect on large-scale modules. Other factors such as concentration polarization, solution temperature, and feed channel hydrodynamics also affect PRO commercialization.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Boreum Lee, Li Wang, Zhangxin Wang, Nathanial J. Cooper, Menachem Elimelech
Summary: Climate change directly affects energy consumption, water availability, and agricultural production. To achieve carbon neutrality, emerging technologies have been proposed, but their feasibility needs to be assessed through process modeling and techno-economic analysis.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Yanmei Jiao, Linhui Song, Cunlu Zhao, Yi An, Weiyu Lu, Bin He, Chun Yang
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of membrane-based indirect power generation technologies, including the theoretical background, development, essential characterizations, challenges and optimizing strategies, as well as future applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jason T. Arena, Kevin K. Reimund, Jeffrey R. McCutcheon
Summary: The study examines the impacts of selectivity and compaction on the performance of pressure retarded osmosis using a modified thin film composite RO membrane. It was found that experimentally measured power densities for the highest selectivity membranes were less than 50% of predicted ideal values due to compaction. Interestingly, the membranes with the highest selectivity exhibited the highest power densities despite being the least permeable.
Article
Oceanography
Marco J. Vega, Oscar Alvarez-Silva, Juan C. Restrepo, Juan C. Ortiz, Luis J. Otero
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jessica Arias-Gaviria, Andres F. Osorio, Santiago Arango-Aramburo
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
David Alejandro Sanchez-Nunez, Jose Ernesto Mancera Pineda, Andres F. Osorio
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mateo Roldan-Carvajal, Sara Vallejo-Castano, Oscar Alvarez-Silva, Sebastian Bernal-Garcia, Santiago Arango-Aramburo, Carlos Sanchez-Saenz, Andres F. Osorio
Summary: This paper evaluates the implementation of salinity gradient power (SGP) based on reverse electrodialysis (RED) in the Caribbean region of Colombia. The study proposes a dynamic model for RED diffusion in the country. Results show that the Magdalena River mouth (MRM) has suitable conditions for harnessing SGP, but power output decreases when using MRM waters.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kevin Knosala, Leander Kotzur, Fritz T. C. Roeben, Peter Stenzel, Ludger Blum, Martin Robinius, Detlef Stolten
Summary: With the increasing share of distributed renewable energy sources, there is a growing interest in energy self-sufficient buildings with battery and hydrogen storage capacities. This study provides a comparison of potential technology pathways for residential energy storage in terms of economic performance, showing that by 2030, integrating reversible solid oxide cells and liquid organic hydrogen carriers in high-efficiency single-family buildings could achieve self-sufficient electricity and heat supply at a premium of 52% over grid electricity and reduce the total annualized cost by 80% compared to lithium-ion battery systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jacobo M. Salamanca, Oscar Alvarez-Silva, Aldemar Higgins, Fernando Tadeo
Summary: This paper analyzes the net power gain of Salinity Gradient plants in river mouths due to the optimal location of water intakes, focusing on stratified river mouths and Pressure-Retarded Osmosis technology. A methodology is proposed and applied to a case study in Colombia, estimating net power production based on salinity profile and intake locations. Adequate intake locations are determined by balancing increased power production from higher salinity differences with reduced pumping costs.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Alejandro Caceres-Euse, Alejandro Orfila, Maryam Abdolahpour, Francisco Toro-Botero, Evan Variano, Andres Fernando Osorio-Arias
Summary: The study reveals that the KH frequency is higher than the incoming wave frequency, and a spectral shortcut mechanism is observed when KH dominates vertical mixing. The instability has a significant impact on vertical mixing but no effect on horizontal mass transport.
JOURNAL OF HYDRAULIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Luis J. Otero, Hayzar Hernandez, Aldemar E. Higgins, Juan C. Restrepo, Oscar A. Alvarez
Summary: The study investigated the spatio-temporal variability of stratification and mixing at the mouth of the Magdalena River Delta under different ENSO phases using numerical model outputs. Results showed that the variability of stratification and mixing processes were influenced by seasonal changes and ENSO phases.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Martin Spiller, Corinna Mueller, Zara Mulholland, Paraskevi Louizidou, Frithjof C. Kupper, Kevin Knosala, Peter Stenzel
Summary: Reducing carbon emissions from hotels on non-interconnected islands is crucial for a low carbon future in the Mediterranean region. Introducing a Photovoltaic (PV) net metering system can significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with these hotels' energy systems.
Article
Ecology
Luis G. Perez, Juan J. Ferrer, Alvaro Bermejo, Yoselin K. Mejia, Gabriel F. Romero, Oscar Alvarez-Silva
Summary: This paper reviews the scientific knowledge on coastal processes in the continental Colombian Caribbean Coast, focusing on estuarine dynamics, wave climate, and coastline evolution. The review provides an updated baseline of the research status and identifies areas that have been extensively studied as well as those that require further efforts. The paper also presents the author's vision on important physical-coastal and transdisciplinary issues to be addressed in the future.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Stanley Risch, Rachel Maier, Junsong Du, Noah Pflugradt, Peter Stenzel, Leander Kotzur, Detlef Stolten
Summary: This study examines the potential analyses of renewable energy and compares the impact of different datasets on the results. The use of Corine Land Cover dataset is found to overestimate potential areas. Scenarios for wind and photovoltaic potentials are developed, and rooftop photovoltaic potential is calculated using 3D building data for the first time. The findings are significant for energy policy making and incorporating into energy system models.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Franklin M. Arevalo, Oscar Alvarez-Silva, Alejandro Caceres-Euse, Yuley Cardona
Summary: This study analyzed the hydrodynamic structure of the Magdalena River estuary and plume, and found that mixing in the system is mainly controlled by turbulence at the pycnocline. The study also found that the mixing is more intense during high discharge scenarios compared to low discharge scenarios.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Oscar Alvarez-Silva, Victor Saavedra, Luis Otero, Juan C. Restrepo
Summary: This research analyzed the near-coastal circulation in the southern Colombian Pacific using a hydrodynamic model and field data. The results showed that tidal dynamics and bottom shape were the dominant forces in the circulation patterns in Tumaco Bay. The weak horizontal density gradient induced by the Mira River had little effect on the bay's circulation. Near the mouth of the Mira Delta, the water column was partially mixed and stratification changed within the tidal cycle.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Oscar Alvarez-Silva, Andres F. Osorio, David Quintero, Cesar Jaramillo, Freddy Bolanos, Juan D. Osorio-Cano, Fabio A. Suarez-Bustamante
Summary: This research presents the development and testing of a low-cost and versatile instrument named BlueLog for measuring water column pressure in marine and coastal environments. BlueLog has several outstanding features including a modular housing, rechargeable batteries, and LED lights for indicating status. It is expected to serve as an affordable and easy-to-use solution for scientific and technical applications.
JOURNAL OF COASTAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cameron Bracken, Nathalie Voisin, Casey D. Burleyson, Allison M. Campbell, Z. Jason Hou, Daniel Broman
Summary: This study presents a methodology and dataset for examining compound wind and solar energy droughts, as well as the first standardized benchmark of energy droughts across the Continental United States (CONUS) for a 2020 infrastructure. The results show that compound wind and solar droughts have distinct spatial and temporal patterns across the CONUS, and the characteristics of energy droughts are regional. The study also finds that compound high load events occur more often during compound wind and solar droughts than expected.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Zhang, Yanghao Yu, Jiawei Wu, Ershun Du, Shuming Zhang, Jinyu Xiao
Summary: This paper provides insights into the optimal configuration of CSP plants with different penetrations of wind power by proposing an unconstrained optimization model. The results suggest that large solar multiples and TES are preferred in order to maximize profit, especially when combined with high penetrations of wind and photovoltaic plants. Additionally, the study demonstrates the economy and feasibility of installing electric heaters (EH) in CSP plants, which show a linear correlation with the penetration of variable energy resources.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Szubel, K. Papis-Fraczek, S. Podlasek
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Silva, J. C. Goncalves, C. Rocha, J. Vilaca, L. M. Madeira
Summary: This study investigated the methanation of CO2 in biogas and compared two different methanation reactors. The results showed that the cooled reactor without CO2 separation achieved a CO2 conversion rate of 91.8%, while the adiabatic reactors achieved conversion rates of 59.6% and 67.2%, resulting in an overall conversion rate of 93.0%. Economic analysis revealed negative net present worth values, indicating the need for government monetary incentives.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Liu, Yonglan Xi, Xiaomei Ye, Yingpeng Zhang, Chengcheng Wang, Zhaoyan Jia, Chunhui Cao, Ting Han, Jing Du, Xiangping Kong, Zhongbing Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of using nanofiber membrane composites containing Prussian blue-like compound nanoparticles (PNPs) to relieve ammonia nitrogen inhibition of rural organic household waste during high-solid anaerobic digestion and increase methane production. The results showed that adding NMCs with 15% PNPs can lower the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen, and increase methane yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Ge, Xiaodong Wang, Jian Li, Jian Xu, Jianbin Xie, Zhiyong Xie, Ruiqu Ma
Summary: This study evaluates the thermodynamic, exergy, and economic performance of a double-stage organic flash cycle (DOFC) using ten eco-friendly hydrofluoroolefins. The influences of key parameters on performance are analyzed, and the advantages of DOFC over single-stage type are quantified.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolas Kirchner-Bossi, Fernando Porte-Agel
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of power density in wind farms and its sensitivity to the available area size. A novel genetic algorithm (PDGA) is introduced to optimize power density and turbine layout. The results show that the PDGA-driven solutions significantly reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) compared to the default layout, and exhibit a convex relationship between area and LCOE or power density.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chunxiao Zhang, Dongdong Li, Lin Wang, Qingpo Yang, Yutao Guo, Wei Zhang, Chao Shen, Jihong Pu
Summary: In this study, a novel reversible liquid-filled energy-saving window that effectively regulates indoor solar radiation heat gain is proposed. Experimental results show that this window can effectively reduce indoor temperature during both summer and winter seasons, while having minimal impact on indoor illuminance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessandro L. Aguiar, Martinho Marta-Almeida, Mauro Cirano, Janini Pereira, Leticia Cotrim da Cunha
Summary: This study analyzed the Brazilian Equatorial Shelf using a high-resolution ocean model and found significant tidal variations in the area. Several hypothetical barrages were proposed with higher annual power generation than existing barrages. The study also evaluated the installation effort of these barrages.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesco Superchi, Nathan Giovannini, Antonis Moustakis, George Pechlivanoglou, Alessandro Bianchini
Summary: This study focuses on the optimization of a hybrid power station on the Tilos island in Greece, aiming to increase energy export and revenue by optimizing energy fluxes. Different scenarios are proposed to examine the impact of different agreements with the grid operator on the optimal solution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peimaneh Shirazi, Amirmohammad Behzadi, Pouria Ahmadi, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Summary: This research presents two novel energy production/storage/usage systems to reduce energy consumption and environmental effects in buildings. A biomass-fired model and a solar-driven system integrated with photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels and a heat pump were designed and assessed. The results indicate that the solar-based system has an acceptable energy cost and the PVT-based system with a heat pump is environmentally superior. The biomass-fired system shows excellent efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zihao Qi, Yingling Cai, Yunxiang Cui
Summary: This study aims to investigate the operational characteristics of the solar-ground source heat pump system (SGSHPS) in Shanghai under different operation modes. It concludes that tandem operation mode 1 is the optimal mode for winter operation in terms of energy efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Bartolucci, S. Cordiner, A. Di Carlo, A. Gallifuoco, P. Mele, V. Mulone
Summary: Spent coffee grounds are a valuable biogenic waste that can be used as a source of biofuels and valuable chemicals through pyrolysis and solvent extraction processes. The study found that heavy organic bio-oil derived from coffee grounds can be used as a carbon-rich biofuel, while solvent extraction can extract xantines and p-benzoquinone, which are important chemicals for various industries. The results highlight the promising potential of solvent extraction in improving the economic viability of coffee grounds pyrolysis-based biorefineries.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luiza de Queiroz Correa, Diego Bagnis, Pedro Rabelo Melo Franco, Esly Ferreira da Costa Junior, Andrea Oliveira Souza da Costa
Summary: Building-integrated photovoltaics, especially organic solar technology, are important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. This study analyzed the performance of organic panels laminated in glass in a vertical installation in Latin America. Results showed that glass lamination and vertical orientation preserved the panels' performance and led to higher energy generation in winter.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhipei Hu, Shuo Jiang, Zhigao Sun, Jun Li
Summary: This study proposes innovative fin arrangements to enhance the thermal performance of latent heat storage units. Through optimization of fin distribution and prediction of transient melting behaviors, it is found that fin structures significantly influence heat transfer characteristics and melting behaviors.
