Exergo-environmental analysis of a reverse osmosis desalination plant in Gran Canaria

Abstract

In this paper an exergo-environmental analysis of a reverse osmosis desalination plant in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) has been performed using real plant operation data. The plant has a nominal capacity of 82,000 m3/day. Different configurations are possible depending on the energy recovery, the reverse osmosis stages, the filtration technology or the feed water pressurization.

The exergo-environmental analysis combines an exergy analysis and a Life cycle assessment in order to determine the environmental impact associated with the process. The analysis is conducted at the component level. The primary locations of exergy destruction are the first stage reverse osmosis membrane module and the high pressure pump. Based on the value of the component-related environmental impact, these components are also the major candidates for improvement. The environmental impact associated with the exergy destruction is the largest contributor to the total environmental impact. This means that the overall environmental impact can be reduced by reducing the exergy destruction within specific components, which are identified for potential performance improvement.