But with graphene, the flux is theoretically higher and the membrane just 1-atom thick, so mass transfer (internal concentration polarization) should be less of a problem as well as concentration polarization, which plagues the efficiency in current RO membrane architectures. With orders of magnitude over 100 up to 1,000, the future looks bright for PRO power generation assuming graphene membranes make it to reality.What is the membrane's efficiency?
The one we are going to test now has a efficiency of less than 1 watt per square metre, but we plan to install membranes that can deliver 2-3 watts after we have run the plant for awhile. The objective is to reach 5 watts.
This blog will follow the progress of graphene aka "atomic chicken wire" for use in osmosis applications such as sea water desalination and pressure retarded osmosis for generating energy. Imagine a future where residents along salty coasts generate electricity with rainfall due to the salinity difference. This energy could power homes, boats, buoys, etc. just with sea water and rainwater. The possibilities are endless.
Thursday 19 July 2012
PRO Power? Pipe dream to power generation?
The leader in PRO (pressure retarded osmosis) is Statkraft, a hydro-electric power company in Norway who demonstrated a 4 kw pilot plant in late 2009. According to Statkraft website:
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