Real-time emulation of a pressure retarded osmosis power generation system

摘要

Power production by conversion of salt gradient energy (osmotic power production) has potential for global commercialization. Research on the net-power output and plant configuration provide viable methods for efficient plant operation. In this paper, a novel equivalent electric-circuit model of the pressure retarded osmosis process (PRO) is described and, is used to develop a power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) emulator to represent the osmotic power plant which includes impulse turbine and synchronous generator for supplying power to off-grid or isolated loads. The response of the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical components of the system is observed given changes in the source flow-rate and electrical loading. The proposed PHIL emulator provides insight into the operational dynamics and behavior of the PRO system. The proposed real-time emulator is a powerful tool which can advance research and development of pressure retarded osmotic power generation system. Simulation and experimental results are presented in the paper to validate the operation of the proposed PHIL PRO emulator.