Direct integration of a renewable energy into a reverse osmosis process

Abstract

The direct integration of renewable energy into a reverse osmosis plant has been studied through this paper, as well as its relation with energy consumption, as a consequence of the plant working in variable loading conditions. The main objective is to display the adjustment of a reverse osmosis plant with a renewable energy source that is, without any other energy supply, optimizing its energy consumption. For best performance of the plant an energy recovery system will be installed, so the specific consumption will be lower. On the other hand, a description of our plant of reverse osmosis is given as well as, the display of those characteristic elements that make possible the energy supply of the plant by a system of renewable energy. For this research project, we need a VSD (Variable Speed Drive) and brine flow valve, which lets us simulate the variable energy supply, as renewable energy does. As difference to the conventional plants, designed to work at nominal conditions, variable load condition plants demand a complex control system. Experimental results have been obtained for different operation points, being obtained more significant data in the R.O. process. Moreover, data of product flow has been taken to different pressures and flows of input. After a proper analysis, we will install the most suitable energy recovery for our plant, which is the Pelton turbine. We will connect it to an electric generator.