Jonathan Maisonneuve

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

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.

Modeling and emulation of an osmotic power system

In this paper, the design of a pressure retarded osmotic (PRO) power system and its basic operational model is presented. In the proposed system, power is generated (at estuaries where the river meets sea) due to the difference in salt concentration between the water sources. A hydro-electric power system is designed and emulated in real-time for isolated loads up to 12 kW power. The emulator provides an effective and economic means to test the control algorithms for the osmotic power system in the laboratory environment. In this paper, topics such as the design of the hydro-power plant including the selection of impulse turbine, permanent magnet generator and maximum power point operation is presented with simulation and experimental results.

Pressure-retarded osmotic power for remote communities in Quebec

The concept of salinity gradient power and its potential for application to remote communities in Quebec is introduced. A model for pressure-retarded osmotic (PRO) power systems is presented. A numerical example is provided for the community of Kuujjuak. Power capacity of the neighboring Koksoak River is 884 MW and net power density of a PRO power system under local conditions is 1.1 W/m2. Challenges for application to remote communities are discussed.

Analog electric circuit representation of energy conversion by pressure retarded osmosis

This paper presents a novel analog electric circuit model representing hydro energy conversion via the process of pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). The model considers many dynamics involved with PRO including reverse salt leakage, concentration polarization, and salt storage capacity of water. This model facilitates dynamic simulation and analysis of the PRO process and its interaction with an osmotic power plant and load. The analog circuit is validated.