Analysis of Thermo-Acoustical Parameters of Hypersaline Solutions for Applications in Osmotic Power Generation Technologies

The recent advances in Salinity energy technologies have opened new avenues for research in the water-science sector. New and efficient desalination technologies in conjunction with energy-recovery processes, are the need of the hour. A clear understanding on the thermoacoustical parameters of salt-water systems has been done in this study, to address several lacunae in the understanding of non-ideality of the system, which leads to a reduction in process efficiencies. An analysis of thermodynamic properties such as isothermal compressibility, isobaric expansibility, relaxation time, and internal pressures using ultrasonic velocity, has assisted us in understanding the various interactions occurring in hypersaline solutions (up to 1,00,000 ppm). A new correlation for internal pressure from dimensional analysis has been obtained and compared to existing literature. Also, state-of-the-art thin film composite (TFC) hollow fiber membranes (with NaCl rejection ~ 40%) has been prepared for generating power through thermo-osmotic vapour transport using hypersaline solutions and low grade heat. This work is a consolidation of data on thermo-acoustical parameters of hypersaline solutions, their critical analysis and a look into the application of Hollow fibre TFC membranes for Osmotic Power Generation applications in TOEC technology.