Salinity gradient power reverse electrodialysis plant and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention is related to a desalination plant, comprising a sea water intake, a desalination unit comprising a reverse osmosis or a thermal desalination unit, a fresh water outlet and a brine outlet, characterised in that it further comprises a salinity gradient power unit comprising a brine inlet, a seawater inlet and a mixed water outlet, wherein said brine outlet is connected to said brine inlet and said salinity gradient power unit is arranged to generate an electrical current and wherein a solar power heater is comprised between the brine outlet and the brine inlet. The present invention is also related to a method for reducing the power consumption of a desalination plant providing fresh water and brine from sea water, comprising the steps of: - providing a salinity gradient power unit, - feeding said salinity gradient power unit with brine from said desalination plant as high salinity feed and sea water as low salinity feed, - heating said brine with solar power prior to feeding said brine to said salinity gradient power unit - generate an electrical current in said salinity gradient power unit, and - using said electrical current as an energy source for said desalination plant.