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Article
Salinity Gradient Power (SGP): A Developmental Roadmap Covering Existing Generation Technologies and Recent Investigative Results into the Feasibility of Bipolar Membrane-Based Salinity Gradient Power Generation
Technology & Innovation
  • Clifford R. Merz, University of South Florida
  • Wilfrido A. Moreno, University of South Florida
  • Marilyn Barger, Hillsborough Community College
  • Stephen M. Lipka, University of Kentucky
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Keywords
  • Bipolar semipermeable membrane,
  • Dialytic battery,
  • Ocean energy,
  • Osmotic power generation,
  • Reverse electrodialysis (RED),
  • Salinity gradient power (SGP)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.3727/194982412X13500042168857
Abstract

Besides wind and solar-based renewable energy technologies, marine sources are being actively discussed. Sources of marine renewable energy traditionally have included ocean currents, ocean waves, tides, thermal gradients, and salinity gradients. Salinity gradient power (SGP) is an attractive marine renewable resource because it possesses not only the largest energy potential but likely the largest total available resource as well. SGP is instantly available when diluted and concentrated ionic solutions are mixed; is renewable, sustainable, and produces no CO2 emissions or other significant effluents that may interfere with global climate. The ultimate challenge is in the economics of the recovery method used and the matching of the resulting energy density delivered to a suitable end application. The transformative technical challenges required in advancing the knowledge and understanding of SGP, both within and across related scientific fields, lies in advances in membrane development, supply source utilization, energy generation, and storage/delivery of the generated power. This article begins with an introductory overview of SGP, provides background into the major SGP membrane-based processes under development, and then discusses recent investigative results into the use of bipolar membranes in SGP generation applications.

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Citation / Publisher Attribution

Technology & Innovation, v. 14, issue 3-4, p. 249-275

Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article. Published by Cognizant Communication Corporation.

Citation Information
Clifford R. Merz, Wilfrido A. Moreno, Marilyn Barger and Stephen M. Lipka. "Salinity Gradient Power (SGP): A Developmental Roadmap Covering Existing Generation Technologies and Recent Investigative Results into the Feasibility of Bipolar Membrane-Based Salinity Gradient Power Generation" Technology & Innovation Vol. 14 Iss. 3-4 (2012) p. 249 - 275
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/clifford-merz/16/