WO1996002749A1 - Apparatus for producing energy by varying the concentration of a solute in a solvent - Google Patents

Apparatus for producing energy by varying the concentration of a solute in a solvent Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996002749A1
WO1996002749A1 PCT/EP1995/002801 EP9502801W WO9602749A1 WO 1996002749 A1 WO1996002749 A1 WO 1996002749A1 EP 9502801 W EP9502801 W EP 9502801W WO 9602749 A1 WO9602749 A1 WO 9602749A1
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Prior art keywords
solute
flows
input
concentration
output
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PCT/EP1995/002801
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French (fr)
Inventor
Sante Zuolo
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Sante Zuolo
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Publication of WO1996002749A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996002749A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/005—Electro-chemical actuators; Actuators having a material for absorbing or desorbing gas, e.g. a metal hydride; Actuators using the difference in osmotic pressure between fluids; Actuators with elements stretchable when contacted with liquid rich in ions, with UV light, with a salt solution

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for producing and/or absorbing energy by means of variations in the concentration of a solute in a solvent.
  • thermodynamics sets insurmountable limits to the amount of energy that can be utilized in a cycle from which work is to be obtained.
  • Exergy is a parameter that is obtained from the conclusions that are reached by studying Carnot ' s ideal cycle, which determines, from a theoretical viewpoint, the maximum usable energy in a thermal cycle when the maximum and minimum operating temperatures are set.
  • Anergy, or unusable energy is obtained by subtracting the exergy of the cycle from the overall energy involved in the cycle.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for producing and/or absorbing energy that makes low-exergy-level heat sources economically usable.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that does not have safety problems for the environment and for operators.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that does not require accurate and frequent maintenance and monitoring.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be produced with conventional technologies or in any case with technologies that can be obtained by normal development of currently available ones.
  • an apparatus for producing energy by means of variations in the concentration of a solute in a solvent characterized in that it comprises the following hydraulically and thermally connected or isolated components: a first device for diffusion operations that has, in input, one or more flows of at least one solution with a solute whose solubility is particularly sensitive to temperature variations and has, in output, at least two first flows at different concentrations of said solute; at least one dosage device; a second device for diffusion operations for the transfer of natter, according to the phenomenon of osmosis, between said two first flows, said second device having, in output, at least two second flows, at least one of which is conveyed in input to a generator unit; said first device being located in a second region that is at a lower temperature than a first region, where at least said second device is located, cooling means
  • figure 1 is a view of the layout of an apparatus according to the invention
  • figure 2 is a hydraulic diagram of a detail of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention. ays of carrying out the Invention
  • an apparatus for producing energy by varying the concentration of a solute in a solvent s generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
  • the components included in the apparatus 10 are listed and briefly described hereafter; then their mutual thermal and hydraulic connection is described.
  • the crystallization device 11 is the device in which crystallization from solutions is performed.
  • crystallization is the process by which, if one considers, by way of simplifying example, a solution with a solute dissolved in a solvent, the solute is nade to precipitate in the form of crystals by means of appropriate methods, causing a consequent reduction in terns of the concentration of the solution.
  • Crystallization by producing a more diluted solution and substantially pure crystals of solute, produces a difference in concentration if separation into at least two flows, one constituted by the diluted solution and the other constituted by the solution with the precipitated solute crystals, is then performed.
  • Crystallization devices have long been known and used per se in the industrial field and are commercially available in several types and with different process methods.
  • the crystallization device 11 is provided by adopting a crystallization unit of the Howard type, constituted by a frustum-shaped case, through which the solution to be crystallized flows from the bottom upward and in which the upper part widens into a very wide conical section; the device is completed by an external coding jacket and by internal coils also meant for cooling.
  • the crystallization unit of the Howard type internally contains an additional chamber through which cooling fluid flows.
  • the crystals Once the crystals have formed, they are kept in suspension by the current that flows from the bottom upward, so as to prevent separation until they have reached a desired size.
  • the crystallization device 11 is of the continuous type that provides selective removal cf the crystals.
  • the dosage pump 12 is, in tnis case, constituted by a simple positive-displacement pump with a plurality of vanes.
  • the circulation pump 22 is a centrifugal pump with adjustable flow-rate.
  • the cells 13, three of which, in our case, are shown in the figures (the outer ones having a recovery function, as described hereinafter) are constituted by devices normally used in the field of osmosis, using the semipermeability of per se known membranes. In the apparatus 10, these cells 13 are used by introducing two flows at different concentrations and by utilizing the transfer through the membranes caused by the tension that the concentration gradient produces.
  • a very large number cf types of cells as such and of membranes is commercially available; therefore, the number and type of cells 13 that can conveniently operate with the crystallization device 11 is deferred to a quantitative evaluation.
  • the ducts 15 and 16 convey the working fluid between the various components that constitute the apparatus 10 (the duct 16 also allows to adjust the concentration) by means of the circulation pump 22.
  • the heat sources 17 may be the most disparate, from solar energy to flows recovered from other industrial and/or heat productions.
  • the cooling means 18, too, may be of the most disparate types, including for example heat pumps or the waters cf rivers, lakes, etcetera.
  • the check valves 19 are of a per se known type (in figure 1, the valves 19 shown in dashed lines relate to possible partial activations of the apparatus).
  • the first region 20 is related to the range of influence of the heat sources 17.
  • the second region 21 is related to the range of influence of the cooling means 13.
  • the fluid that circulates in the present embodiment is constituted by a solution of water and potassium nitrate (which is not toxic).
  • Potassium nitrate has a variation in concentration which, expressed as grams dissolved in one hundred grams of solvent (water in this case), is equal to 13.3 at 0 degrees Celsius and to 246 at 100 degrees Celsius.
  • the crystallization device 11 separates the circulating working fluid into two first flows.
  • the two first flows at the output are constituted respectively by a highly diluted solution and by the same highly diluted solution, which however entrains the crystals precipitated by means of the crystallization device 11.
  • the flow of diluted solution that entrains the precipitated crystals is pushed along the duct 15 by means of the dosage pump 12 until, when it enters a first region affected by the heat sources 17, due to the increase in solubility induced by the temperature, its crystals dissolve again, conse ⁇ uently obtaining a flow at high concentration.
  • This flow with high solute concentration is introduced in the first cell 13, and by continuing its path inside the cells 13 it is diluted, with transfer of matter, according to the phenomenon of osmosis, by an opposite flow that is constituted by the other first flow that leaves the crystallization device 11, is constituted only by the diluted solution, and is introduced in the cells 13.
  • the two cells 13, shown in figure 1 as being located outside the central cell, are connected to the heat source 17 and symbolically indicate that it is possible to gradually convert the heat contained in the fluid that leaves the central cell, in the concentrated solution that flows towards the generator unit 14, on the right, in the diluted solution that flows towards the circulation pump 22, on the left, simultaneously achieving a reduction, on both sides, of the temperature and cf the gradient of the concentrations produced between the two flows at different concentrations that are introduced in said cells.
  • the increase in pressure and speed (or motion) that is achieved is utilized after transit through the cells 13, in input to the turbine 14.
  • the actuation of the turbine 14 produces energy, optionally by means of an electric generator not shown in the figures.
  • the two first flows which after transit through the cells and the pump form two second flows with respective minimal differences in solute concentration, are connected in input to the crystallization device 11.
  • Heat exchange occurs between the input flows of the crystallization device and the flow of the diluted solutions, in output from said crystallization device, since the cooling fluid of the input stage cf the crystallization device is constituted by the diluted solutions that exit from said device, thus achieving a preheating thereof while its motion towards the cells 13 continues.
  • the heat sources 17, in the case described herein, affect almost exclusively a first region 20 that is limited to the cells 13 and to the turbine 14, whereas the cooling means 18 are limited in their range of action to a second region 21 that almost exclusively affects the crystallization device 11.
  • the check valves 19 furthermore prevent backfiows of the working fluid.
  • a process control unit that comprises a microprocessor that receives, in input, signals related to the pressure, temperature, flow, and concentration of the solution, to the status cf the 10 input and output valves (usually electric valves) of the porous tubes, cf the cells, and of the devices ; dosage pump for injecting the solute in the porous tubes), to the amount of energy delivered by the generator unit (turbine and electric generator); said microprocessor delivers, in 15 output, the control signals for actuation of each adjustable component of the apparatus.
  • a microprocessor that receives, in input, signals related to the pressure, temperature, flow, and concentration of the solution, to the status cf the 10 input and output valves (usually electric valves) of the porous tubes, cf the cells, and of the devices ; dosage pump for injecting the solute in the porous tubes), to the amount of energy delivered by the generator unit (turbine and electric generator); said microprocessor delivers, in 15 output, the control signals for actuation of each adjustable component of the apparatus.
  • Said control unit is required in order to optimize the efficiency of the apparatus 10 in relation to the usable heat differential.
  • the components inside one of the corresponding regions 20 and 21 can be placed in spaces whose thermal conditions vary according to contingent production requirements, and that in figure 1 the dashed lines indicate possible circuit variations for the ducts 15 25 and 16.
  • a hydraulic circuit that connects the cells 13 and constitutes a possible variation with respect to the connection shown in figure 1 is generally designated by the reference numeral
  • the entire circuit in the cells is constituted, in this embodiment, by two identical circuits 100, one for the fluid at high concentration and one for the fluid at low concentration, between which matter is exchanged inside the cells 13.
  • the cells 13 are located between two parallel ducts 101 that are connected not only by ducts 102 that pass through the cells 13 but also by ducts 103 that are arranged in parallel to each other and to the ducts 102.
  • valves 104 arranged both in the ducts 101 and in the ducts 103 allow, by means of selective opening and closing actions actuated by the control unit, to mutually connect cells 13 in parallel, in series, and partially in series or in parallel.
  • solutes such as potassium nitrate or other equivalent solutes, by entailing practically no pollution and toxicity risk, allow to provide an apparatus that does not require particular attentions as regards monitoring and safety, consequently reducing construction costs.
  • the present apparatus is also compatible with a very wide range of heat sources, and according to the above mentioned exemplifying values for the solubility variations of the solute, it is evident that it is possible to utilize temperature differentials that are indeed small and could not otherwise be exploited with equivalent devices. It should also be noted that the layout cf the apparatus shown in the description is an example, since devices and apparatuses are already commercially available, or can in any case be developed, that can allow considerable variations to the arrangement and placement of the components without altering the basic concept of the invention.
  • the materials employed may be any according to the requirements.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus for producing energy by means of variations in the concentration of a solute in a solvent which includes a hydraulically and thermally connected or isolated first device (11) for diffusion operations that has, in input, one or more flows of at least one solution with a solute whose solubility is particularly sensitive to temperature variations. The solution produces, in output, at least two first flows at different concentrations of the solute. The apparatus also includes: at least one dosage device (12); at least one second device (13) for diffusion operations for the transfer of matter, according to the phenomenon of osmosis, between the two first flows. The second device (13) also has, in output, at least two second flows, at least one of which is conveyed in input to a generator unit (14). Finally, the apparatus is distributed so that the first device is located in a second region that is at a lower temperature than a first region, where the second device is located, this being achieved by means of cooling means and/or heat sources.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ENERGY BY VARYING THE CONCENTRATION OF A SOLUTE IN A SOLVENT Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing and/or absorbing energy by means of variations in the concentration of a solute in a solvent. Bac ground Art
It is known that the second law of thermodynamics sets insurmountable limits to the amount of energy that can be utilized in a cycle from which work is to be obtained.
Since it is difficult, in the practical field, to speak in terms of entropy, one prefers to adopt the concept of exergy, or usable energy, and anergy, or unusable energy, which are both linked to entropy.
Exergy is a parameter that is obtained from the conclusions that are reached by studying Carnot ' s ideal cycle, which determines, from a theoretical viewpoint, the maximum usable energy in a thermal cycle when the maximum and minimum operating temperatures are set.
Anergy, or unusable energy, is obtained by subtracting the exergy of the cycle from the overall energy involved in the cycle.
As it is evident that the exergy increases as the difference in the temperatures at which the cycle occurs increases, in a sense it can be said that energy occurs, for the purpose of utilization, with different qualities depending on the temperatures at which it is supplied.
Complex energy and economic balances often cause vast heat sources to be unusable indeed because their low exergy level is not sufficient to compensate for plant costs. However, the energy crisis has unavoidably forced to focus attention on these large reserves of energy, which so far have rarely found plants whose cost justifies development and research in this direction. Disclosure of the Invention The aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for producing and/or absorbing energy that makes low-exergy-level heat sources economically usable.
In relation to this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that does not have safety problems for the environment and for operators.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that requires investments that are modest or are in any case compensated by efficiencies that are competitive with equivalent plants. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be easily adapted to the needs of one or nore users, of entire communities, and, optionally, of productive activities.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that does not require accurate and frequent maintenance and monitoring.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be produced with conventional technologies or in any case with technologies that can be obtained by normal development of currently available ones. This aim, these objects, and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by an apparatus for producing energy by means of variations in the concentration of a solute in a solvent, characterized in that it comprises the following hydraulically and thermally connected or isolated components: a first device for diffusion operations that has, in input, one or more flows of at least one solution with a solute whose solubility is particularly sensitive to temperature variations and has, in output, at least two first flows at different concentrations of said solute; at least one dosage device; a second device for diffusion operations for the transfer of natter, according to the phenomenon of osmosis, between said two first flows, said second device having, in output, at least two second flows, at least one of which is conveyed in input to a generator unit; said first device being located in a second region that is at a lower temperature than a first region, where at least said second device is located, cooling means and/or heat sources being present. 3rief Description of the Drawings
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a view of the layout of an apparatus according to the invention; figure 2 is a hydraulic diagram of a detail of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention. ays of carrying out the Invention
With reference to figure 1, an apparatus for producing energy by varying the concentration of a solute in a solvent s generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The components included in the apparatus 10 are listed and briefly described hereafter; then their mutual thermal and hydraulic connection is described.
The crystallization device 11 is the device in which crystallization from solutions is performed.
It is known that crystallization is the process by which, if one considers, by way of simplifying example, a solution with a solute dissolved in a solvent, the solute is nade to precipitate in the form of crystals by means of appropriate methods, causing a consequent reduction in terns of the concentration of the solution.
Crystallization, by producing a more diluted solution and substantially pure crystals of solute, produces a difference in concentration if separation into at least two flows, one constituted by the diluted solution and the other constituted by the solution with the precipitated solute crystals, is then performed.
Crystallization devices have long been known and used per se in the industrial field and are commercially available in several types and with different process methods.
In the case described here, the crystallization device 11 is provided by adopting a crystallization unit of the Howard type, constituted by a frustum-shaped case, through which the solution to be crystallized flows from the bottom upward and in which the upper part widens into a very wide conical section; the device is completed by an external coding jacket and by internal coils also meant for cooling. The crystallization unit of the Howard type internally contains an additional chamber through which cooling fluid flows.
Once the crystals have formed, they are kept in suspension by the current that flows from the bottom upward, so as to prevent separation until they have reached a desired size.
In summary, the crystallization device 11 is of the continuous type that provides selective removal cf the crystals. The dosage pump 12 is, in tnis case, constituted by a simple positive-displacement pump with a plurality of vanes.
The circulation pump 22 is a centrifugal pump with adjustable flow-rate. The cells 13, three of which, in our case, are shown in the figures (the outer ones having a recovery function, as described hereinafter) are constituted by devices normally used in the field of osmosis, using the semipermeability of per se known membranes. In the apparatus 10, these cells 13 are used by introducing two flows at different concentrations and by utilizing the transfer through the membranes caused by the tension that the concentration gradient produces.
A very large number cf types of cells as such and of membranes is commercially available; therefore, the number and type of cells 13 that can conveniently operate with the crystallization device 11 is deferred to a quantitative evaluation.
The turbine 14 i s , in thi s c ase , nec e ssari ly a hvdraulic turbine , whose type is determined by evaluating the overall power level, or rather the input pressure and flow-rate that can be provided by means of the cells 13.
The ducts 15 and 16 convey the working fluid between the various components that constitute the apparatus 10 (the duct 16 also allows to adjust the concentration) by means of the circulation pump 22.
The heat sources 17 may be the most disparate, from solar energy to flows recovered from other industrial and/or heat productions. The cooling means 18, too, may be of the most disparate types, including for example heat pumps or the waters cf rivers, lakes, etcetera.
The check valves 19 are of a per se known type (in figure 1, the valves 19 shown in dashed lines relate to possible partial activations of the apparatus).
The first region 20 is related to the range of influence of the heat sources 17.
The second region 21 is related to the range of influence of the cooling means 13. The fluid that circulates in the present embodiment is constituted by a solution of water and potassium nitrate (which is not toxic).
Potassium nitrate has a variation in concentration which, expressed as grams dissolved in one hundred grams of solvent (water in this case), is equal to 13.3 at 0 degrees Celsius and to 246 at 100 degrees Celsius.
The operation of the apparatus 10 is now described. The crystallization device 11 separates the circulating working fluid into two first flows. In particular, the two first flows at the output are constituted respectively by a highly diluted solution and by the same highly diluted solution, which however entrains the crystals precipitated by means of the crystallization device 11. The flow of diluted solution that entrains the precipitated crystals is pushed along the duct 15 by means of the dosage pump 12 until, when it enters a first region affected by the heat sources 17, due to the increase in solubility induced by the temperature, its crystals dissolve again, conseσuently obtaining a flow at high concentration.
This flow with high solute concentration is introduced in the first cell 13, and by continuing its path inside the cells 13 it is diluted, with transfer of matter, according to the phenomenon of osmosis, by an opposite flow that is constituted by the other first flow that leaves the crystallization device 11, is constituted only by the diluted solution, and is introduced in the cells 13.
The transfer of matter between the two flows occurs by means of the above-described semipermeable membranes which are not shown in the figures.
The two cells 13, shown in figure 1 as being located outside the central cell, are connected to the heat source 17 and symbolically indicate that it is possible to gradually convert the heat contained in the fluid that leaves the central cell, in the concentrated solution that flows towards the generator unit 14, on the right, in the diluted solution that flows towards the circulation pump 22, on the left, simultaneously achieving a reduction, on both sides, of the temperature and cf the gradient of the concentrations produced between the two flows at different concentrations that are introduced in said cells.
It is also obvious that this transfer of solvent causes an increase in pressure and in speed (or motion) in the solution that has the highest concentration of solute.
The increase in pressure and speed (or motion) that is achieved is utilized after transit through the cells 13, in input to the turbine 14.
The actuation of the turbine 14 produces energy, optionally by means of an electric generator not shown in the figures.
The two first flows, which after transit through the cells and the pump form two second flows with respective minimal differences in solute concentration, are connected in input to the crystallization device 11.
Heat exchange occurs between the input flows of the crystallization device and the flow of the diluted solutions, in output from said crystallization device, since the cooling fluid of the input stage cf the crystallization device is constituted by the diluted solutions that exit from said device, thus achieving a preheating thereof while its motion towards the cells 13 continues.
It should be noted that the heat sources 17, in the case described herein, affect almost exclusively a first region 20 that is limited to the cells 13 and to the turbine 14, whereas the cooling means 18 are limited in their range of action to a second region 21 that almost exclusively affects the crystallization device 11. The check valves 19 furthermore prevent backfiows of the working fluid.
It is evident that a preset increase in pressure, even higher than 10 bar, in the environment where the apparatus 10 has to be located, can cause a considerable increase in 5 maximum operating temperature of the apparatus.
There is a process control unit, not shown in the figures, that comprises a microprocessor that receives, in input, signals related to the pressure, temperature, flow, and concentration of the solution, to the status cf the 10 input and output valves (usually electric valves) of the porous tubes, cf the cells, and of the devices ; dosage pump for injecting the solute in the porous tubes), to the amount of energy delivered by the generator unit (turbine and electric generator); said microprocessor delivers, in 15 output, the control signals for actuation of each adjustable component of the apparatus.
Said control unit is required in order to optimize the efficiency of the apparatus 10 in relation to the usable heat differential. 20 Finally, it is noted that the components inside one of the corresponding regions 20 and 21 can be placed in spaces whose thermal conditions vary according to contingent production requirements, and that in figure 1 the dashed lines indicate possible circuit variations for the ducts 15 25 and 16.
With particular reference to figure 2, a hydraulic circuit that connects the cells 13 and constitutes a possible variation with respect to the connection shown in figure 1 is generally designated by the reference numeral
30100. It should be noted that the entire circuit in the cells is constituted, in this embodiment, by two identical circuits 100, one for the fluid at high concentration and one for the fluid at low concentration, between which matter is exchanged inside the cells 13.
In each one of the circuits 100, the cells 13 are located between two parallel ducts 101 that are connected not only by ducts 102 that pass through the cells 13 but also by ducts 103 that are arranged in parallel to each other and to the ducts 102.
Furthermore, valves 104 arranged both in the ducts 101 and in the ducts 103 allow, by means of selective opening and closing actions actuated by the control unit, to mutually connect cells 13 in parallel, in series, and partially in series or in parallel.
In practice it has been observed that the intended aim and objects have been achieved.
In particular, it should be stressed that solutes such as potassium nitrate or other equivalent solutes, by entailing practically no pollution and toxicity risk, allow to provide an apparatus that does not require particular attentions as regards monitoring and safety, consequently reducing construction costs.
The present apparatus is also compatible with a very wide range of heat sources, and according to the above mentioned exemplifying values for the solubility variations of the solute, it is evident that it is possible to utilize temperature differentials that are indeed small and could not otherwise be exploited with equivalent devices. It should also be noted that the layout cf the apparatus shown in the description is an example, since devices and apparatuses are already commercially available, or can in any case be developed, that can allow considerable variations to the arrangement and placement of the components without altering the basic concept of the invention.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; as already mentioned, the diffusion devices are already currently available in a wide range of types for the most disparate requirements, and the same is true for the pumping devices, for the cooling means, and for the heat sources.
All the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
In practice, the materials employed, so long as they are compatible with the contingent use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements.

Claims

1 1. Apparatus for producing energy by means of
2 variations in the concentration of a solute in a solvent,
3 characterized in that it comprises the following
4 hydraulically and thermally connected or isolated
5 components: a first device (11) for diffusion operations
6 that has, in input, one or more flows of at least one
7 solution with a solute whose solubility is particularly
8 sensitive to temperature variations and has, in output, at
9 least two first flows at different concentrations cf said 0 solute; at least one pumping device (22); a second device 1 (13) for diffusion operations for the transfer of matter, 2 according to the phenomenon of osmosis, between said two 3 first flows, said second device having, in output, at least 4 two second flows, at least one of which is conveyed in 5 input to a generator unit (14); at least said first device 6 (11) being located in a second region (21) that is at a 7 lower temperature than a first region (20), where at least 8 said second device (13) is located, cooling means (18) 9 and/or heat sources (17) being present.
1 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in
2 that said at least one first device (11) comprises at least
3 one crystallization device (11).
1 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in
2 that said at least one second device comprises at least one
3 diffusion cell (13) of a per se known type used in the A field of osmosis.
1 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in
2 that it comprises a plurality of diffusion cells (13) that are mutually series- and/or parallel-connected. 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said heat sources (17) are thermally connected to at least one portion that at least partially affects said at least one second device (13). 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said heat sources (17) are thermally connected to said at least one pumping device (22). 7. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said cooling means (18) are thermally connected to said at least one first device (11). 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said generator unit (14) comprises at least one power- generating machine such as a hydraulic turbine. 9. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one process parameter control unit that comprises a microprocessor that receives, in input, signals related to pressure, temperature, flow and concentration cf the solution, status of the input and output valves (104) of the porous tubes, of the cells, and of the devices (pump) for metering the solute into the porous tubes, and to the amount of energy delivered by the generator unit; said microprocessor sending, in output, the control signals for actuation. 10. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that said pumping device is a circulation pump (22) that is connected between said first apparatus and said second aoDaratus.
PCT/EP1995/002801 1994-07-20 1995-07-17 Apparatus for producing energy by varying the concentration of a solute in a solvent WO1996002749A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITPD94A000136 1994-07-20
IT94PD000136A IT1268985B1 (en) 1994-07-20 1994-07-20 PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ENERGY THROUGH VARIATION OF CONCENTRATION OF A SOLUTE IN A SOLVENT

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITPD20110130A1 (en) * 2011-04-26 2012-10-27 Sante Umberto Zuolo IMPROVED PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ENERGY BY MEANS OF A CONCENTRATION OF A SOLUTE IN A SOLVENT
FR3016931A1 (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-07-31 Sun R Smart Energy METHOD FOR STORING MECHANICAL AND / OR ELECTRIC ENERGY BY SEPARATING AND MIXING THROUGH A MEMBRANE
DE102015200250A1 (en) * 2015-01-12 2016-07-14 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for operating an osmotic power plant and osmotic power plant

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US4177146A (en) * 1975-05-05 1979-12-04 Camirand Wayne M Methods and apparatus for continuously endowing liquid with mechanical energy by osmosis
US4193267A (en) * 1977-02-25 1980-03-18 Ben-Gurion University Of The Negev Research & Development Authority Method and apparatus for generating power utilizing pressure-retarded osmosis
US4283913A (en) * 1978-12-12 1981-08-18 Intertechnology/Solar Corporation Utilization of saturated solar ponds
DE3121968A1 (en) * 1981-06-03 1983-01-05 Otto 2000 Hamburg Grönecke Method for producing a pressure differential in a fluid and system for implementing the method
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ITPD20110130A1 (en) * 2011-04-26 2012-10-27 Sante Umberto Zuolo IMPROVED PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ENERGY BY MEANS OF A CONCENTRATION OF A SOLUTE IN A SOLVENT
FR3016931A1 (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-07-31 Sun R Smart Energy METHOD FOR STORING MECHANICAL AND / OR ELECTRIC ENERGY BY SEPARATING AND MIXING THROUGH A MEMBRANE
WO2015114535A3 (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-12-03 Sun'r Smart Energy Mechanical and/or electrical energy storage method by separation and mixture through a membrane
DE102015200250A1 (en) * 2015-01-12 2016-07-14 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for operating an osmotic power plant and osmotic power plant

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