Emerging energy recovery technologies based on salinity gradient neutralization – blue energy (CENERG-BLUE)
Project code: PN 23-39-02-02
Project Manager: Dr. Violeta-Monica Radu (Chemist) – Senior Researcher (CS I)
Description
This project involves studying modern methods for generating energy by harnessing the natural tendency to dissipate salinity gradients. To this end, various emerging technical approaches will be investigated, tested, and improved at the laboratory scale to highlight the current efficiencies and limitations of the primary methods for extracting “blue energy.” Fundamental phenomena underpinning many of the field’s emerging technologies include capacitive charging and discharging, membrane-based processes, and vapor pressure variations. Emphasis will be placed on identifying additional challenges associated with the use of natural fresh and saline water sources—sourced from regions with high exploitation potential—where specific chemical and biotic compositions may synergistically inhibit electromotive processes or degrade operational performance. Comparative analyses will be conducted between performance levels achieved using synthetic waters and those using real water samples for each technological approach investigated. Water from the Danube River and the Black Sea will serve as the primary natural water sources for studying how electromotive processes for blue energy generation are affected. The implementation of this project will enable the identification of sites with high potential for hosting future investments—such as pilot centers for blue energy research and exploitation—provide the fundamental scientific basis regarding the key phenomena acting as the electromotive force in the majority of the emerging technologies under study, and ensure the assembly of a research team with established and proven expertise in the field; collectively, these objectives will pave the way for securing funding through new calls for excellence and technological development.
Objectives
The need for renewable, eco-friendly energy is widely recognized; consequently, massive global efforts are underway to develop and harness new sources of “green energy”—including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, ocean thermal, wave, and tidal power—with recent attempts also focusing on utilizing the salinity gradient between fresh and salt water.
The overall objective of the project is to establish a research group specializing in energy generation technologies based on salinity gradient dissipation, with the aim of introducing and promoting this environmentally friendly renewable energy method nationwide. This objective is pursued through the study of the fundamental phenomena underlying “blue energy” generation (based on salinity gradient dissipation), focusing on research into mitigating performance losses associated with the use of natural waters.
Specific objectives
- developing the capacity to test and experiment with new materials and techniques for harnessing energy from the natural tendency to eliminate salinity gradients;
- developing the capacity for experimental investigation into the behavior of new materials and techniques, with the aim of identifying and mitigating phenomena that result in lower yields and a decline in process efficiency over time;
- the training and specialization of a core group of researchers focused on blue energy, the publication of relevant results in scientific articles and through conference participation, and the use of the acquired experience to secure new funding by participating in national and international competitions;
- identifying the most advantageous locations for siting potential future medium- and large-scale pilot facilities within new centers of excellence in this field—an activity that will support efforts to secure new funding through participation in national and international competitions.
Results PN 23 39 02 02
- Study on blue energy generation technologies.
- Study on the selection of the type of experimental modules.
- Design report for the module for the experimental study of osmosis.
- Collection of plans, sketches, and the list of materials required for construction.
- Construction and hydrodynamic testing report for the experimental module.
- Report on the location of sampling points and the method of water abstraction.
- Report on the performance of the experimental osmosis module using synthetic water.
- Report on the performance of the experimental osmosis module using natural water.
- Report on the pre-treatment of natural waters and the evolution of the osmosis module.
- Design report for the module for the experimental study of reverse electrodialysis.
- Construction and hydrodynamic testing report for the experimental module.
Articles in journals indexed in Web of Science
- -M. Radu, A.A. Ivanov, A.M. Vijdea, V.E. Alexe, G. Dinca, A.E. Filiuta, V.M Cetean, Assessment of Current Blue Energy Technologies and Their Potential Applications on Romanian Water Resources, 2023, Water/ 10.3390/w15112063 (IF = 3.530)
International conference presentations
- M. Radu, AA Ivanov, G. Dinca, A.E. Filiuță, Research regarding blue energy extraction opportunities in the Danube River – Black Sea region. International Conference on Academic Studies in Technology and Education (ICASTE) November 16-29, 2023, Antalya, Turkey.
- M. Radu, AA Ivanov, G. Dinca, A.E. Filiuță, Laboratory level research on PRO Blue Energy generation technology. The 7th International Conference on Advanced Science, Education, Social Science, Technology, and Management (ICASETM-2024) 21-22 October, 2024, Jakarta, Indonesia
