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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Coupling salinity gradient heat engines with power generation systems and industrial processes

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Abstract This chapter presents some potential applications of salinity gradient power-heat engines (SGP-HEs) in power generation systems and industrial processes, where low-temperature waste heat flows could be available. In order to show this concept, five case studies are proposed. In the first case study, a thermoelectric power plant is considered. The analysis evaluates the possibility to convert the low-grade heat content of flue gases into additional electricity via SGP-HEs. In the second case study, an SGP-HE is coupled with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) plant to enhance the amount of electricity produced from a medium-temperature waste heat flow released by an industrial process. In the third case study, a gas turbine-based cogeneration plant serving an industrial process is assumed. The analysis assesses whether the inclusion of an SGP-HE as a part of the cogeneration system contribute to improve the energy performance of the plant and increase the economic revenues arising from financial support mechanisms provided by laws. In the fourth case study, the convenience to use an SGP-HE along with heat pumps for upgrading low-temperature waste heat is investigated. In the fifth and last case study, an SGP-HE fueled by industrial waste heat was used to drive a reverse osmosis (RO) plant for producing desalted water. For each case study, energy savings, economic profits, and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions are shown and discussed.