Coupling Hydrodynamic and Energy Production Models for Salinity Gradient Energy Assessment in a Salt-Wedge Estuary (Strymon River, Northern Greece)

Konstantinos Zachopoulos, Nikolaos Kokkos, Costas Elmasides and Georgios Sylaios
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Konstantinos Zachopoulos: Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Nikolaos Kokkos: Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Costas Elmasides: Laboratory of Non-Conventional Energy Resources, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Georgios Sylaios: Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100 Xanthi, Greece

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-24

Abstract: Salinity gradient energy (SGE) plants generate power from the mixing of salt water and fresh water using advanced membrane systems. In the Strymon River, under low-flow conditions, a salt wedge is formed, developing a two-layer stratified system, which could be used to extract SGE. In this paper, a novel study was implemented by coupling a 3D hydrodynamic model simulating the salt wedge flow, with the SGE model which assesses the net energy produced by a 1 MW SGE plant. Two scenarios were followed: (a) the optimal scenario, operating throughout the year by mixing salt water from the sea (38.1 g/L) and fresh water (0.1 g/L) from the river to produce 4.15 GWh/yr, and (b) the seasonal scenario, utilizing the salinity difference of the salt wedge. Results show that the daily net SGE production varies between 0.30 and 10.90 MWh/day, in accordance with the salinity difference (ΔS sw ~15–30 g/L). Additionally, a retrospective assessment (from 1981 to 2010) of the annual and seasonal net energy production was conducted. This analysis illustrates that the salt-wedge formation (spring to late summer) coincides with the period of increased regional electricity demand. In the future, the emerging SGE could serve as a decentralized renewable energy source, enhancing energy security in the region.

Keywords: salinity gradient energy (SGE); pressure retarded osmosis (PRO); renewable energy (RE); river discharge; salt wedge; energy modelling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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