Energy, exergy and economy analysis of reverse osmosis desalination system using different combined energy recovery configurations

IF 7.4 2区工程技术 Q1 ENERGY & FUELS

Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments Pub Date : 2026-09-01 Epub Date: 2026-09-03 DOI:10.1016/j.seta.2026.105372

Chengpeng Wang, Shuo Wang, Jiemin Song, Shenghui Wang, Yexiang Xiao, Daiwang Song, Yin Zhang, Qingfen Ma, Yang Yang, Tamer Nabil, Tamer M. Mansour

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study aims to enhance the energy efficiency and economic feasibility of the reverse osmosis (RO) seawater desalination system through comparative analysis of the energy recovery configurations. Three types of energy recovery devices (ERDs), including turbine ERD, pressure exchanger ERD, and dual-cylinder work exchanger ERD, are analyzed in single-stage, inter-stage pressurized, and dual-stage systems. Using WAVE software and thermodynamic modeling, the specific energy consumption (SEC) of each system is evaluated. The Gibbs model and ion model are applied to calculate exergy flows and destruction rates within the systems. Results indicate that dual-stage systems incorporating optimized ERD combinations reduce SEC by 15–25% compared to single-stage systems, achieving SEC values as low as 2.5 kWh/m³. Exergy analysis reveals that RO membranes contribute 55–95% of exergy destruction. Economically, dual-stage systems exhibit higher initial costs but yield long-term savings due to enhanced energy recovery efficiency. Notably, the dual-turbine configuration balances SEC (2.5–3.5 kWh/m³) and operational stability, providing the most cost-effective solution. The findings provide actionable insights for designing energy-efficient and economically viable RO desalination plants. The study underscores the importance of integrated energy, exergy, and economic analyses in optimizing RO desalination processes, potentially surpassing standalone ERD performance limits.

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不同组合能量回收配置的反渗透海水淡化系统的能量、火用和经济性分析

本研究旨在通过对能量回收配置的对比分析，提高反渗透（RO）海水淡化系统的能效和经济可行性。分析了单级、级间增压和双级系统中涡轮式能量回收装置、压力交换器式能量回收装置和双缸功交换器式能量回收装置三种类型的能量回收装置。利用WAVE软件和热力学建模，对各系统的比能耗（SEC）进行了评估。应用吉布斯模型和离子模型计算了系统内的火用流和破坏率。结果表明，与单级系统相比，采用优化ERD组合的双级系统可减少15-25%的SEC， SEC值低至2.5 kWh/m3。火用分析表明，反渗透膜贡献了55-95%的火用破坏。从经济上讲，双级系统的初始成本较高，但由于提高了能源回收效率，可以长期节省成本。值得注意的是，双涡轮配置平衡了SEC （2.5-3.5 kWh/m3）和运行稳定性，提供了最具成本效益的解决方案。研究结果为设计节能和经济可行的RO海水淡化厂提供了可行的见解。该研究强调了综合能源、能源和经济分析在优化RO海水淡化过程中的重要性，有可能超越独立的ERD性能限制。

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来源期刊

Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments Energy-Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

CiteScore

12.70

自引率

12.50%

发文量

1091

期刊介绍： Encouraging a transition to a sustainable energy future is imperative for our world. Technologies that enable this shift in various sectors like transportation, heating, and power systems are of utmost importance. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments welcomes papers focusing on a range of aspects and levels of technological advancements in energy generation and utilization. The aim is to reduce the negative environmental impact associated with energy production and consumption, spanning from laboratory experiments to real-world applications in the commercial sector.