Coupling Hydrodynamic and Energy Production Models for Salinity Gradient Energy Assessment in a Salt-Wedge Estuary (Strymon River, Northern Greece)

Journal Article

Title: Coupling Hydrodynamic and Energy Production Models for Salinity Gradient Energy Assessment in a Salt-Wedge Estuary (Strymon River, Northern Greece)

Author:

Zachopoulos, K.; Kokkos, N.; Elmasides, C.; Sylaios, G.

Publication Date:

April 19, 2022

Journal:

Energies

Volume:

Issue:

Pages:

2970

Publisher:

MDPI

Affiliation:

Democritus University of Thrace

Technology:

Salinity Gradient

Collection Method:

Modeling

Engineering:

Hydrodynamics, Performance

Document Access

Website:

External Link

Attachment:

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Citation

Zachopoulos, K.; Kokkos, N.; Elmasides, C.; Sylaios, G. (2022). Coupling Hydrodynamic and Energy Production Models for Salinity Gradient Energy Assessment in a Salt-Wedge Estuary (Strymon River, Northern Greece). Energies , 15(9), 2970. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15092970

Abstract

Salinity gradient energy (SGE) plants generate power from the mixing of salt water and fresh water using advanced membrane systems. In the Strymon River, under low-flow conditions, a salt wedge is formed, developing a two-layer stratified system, which could be used to extract SGE. In this paper, a novel study was implemented by coupling a 3D hydrodynamic model simulating the salt wedge flow, with the SGE model which assesses the net energy produced by a 1 MW SGE plant. Two scenarios were followed: (a) the optimal scenario, operating throughout the year by mixing salt water from the sea (38.1 g/L) and fresh water (0.1 g/L) from the river to produce 4.15 GWh/yr, and (b) the seasonal scenario, utilizing the salinity difference of the salt wedge. Results show that the daily net SGE production varies between 0.30 and 10.90 MWh/day, in accordance with the salinity difference (ΔS_sw ~15–30 g/L). Additionally, a retrospective assessment (from 1981 to 2010) of the annual and seasonal net energy production was conducted. This analysis illustrates that the salt-wedge formation (spring to late summer) coincides with the period of increased regional electricity demand. In the future, the emerging SGE could serve as a decentralized renewable energy source, enhancing energy security in the region

Coupling Hydrodynamic and Energy Production Models for Salinity Gradient Energy Assessment in a Salt-Wedge Estuary (Strymon River, Northern Greece) is located in Greece.