While converting energy, some of it is lost. Here is a new design that eliminates these losses. The design may successfully couple the two abundant natural resources to produce potable water at an attractive cost.
A leading renewable energy consultant believes that there is a better way to take the salt out of a sea – the mechanical way. The WindDeSalter from Aerodyn Energiesysteme of Rendsburg, Germany uses this mechanical way. Unlike the general way of generating electricity to power desalination equipment, the rotational energy from the rotor is transmitted to pumps that draw salt water up to the top of the column. And it is where, a mechanical compressor pressurizes it.
It is by either or both of two conventional methods, the pressurized seawater can then be purified:
* The first technique – it uses the pumps to increase the pressure so that the temperature rises and the water evaporates, leaving the solute behind. The vapor then can condense as clean water.
* The second technique – it uses reverse osmosis that forces the water to diffuse through membranes. This strips it of solutes.
By this method, 75% of the desalinator’s energy requirements are supplied by the kinetic system and the remaining 25%of the energy is produced by a small generator, as electricity to power control equipment. Thus the energy loss is eliminated.
Besides turning saltwater into drinking water, the technology can also be used at treatment plants to process sewage and chemical waste.
Via: The Engineer
