Reduction of Electrical Resistance As a Key to Improving Power Generation Through Reverse Electrodialysis

Student: Hailey Dunsworth

Mentor: Dr. Jamie Hestekin

Institution: University of Arkansas

Classification: Sophomore

Area of Study: Chemical Engineering

Title of Project: Reduction of Electrical Resistance as a Key to Improving Power Generation

Through Reverse Electrodialysis

Abstract:        Due to the growing limitations in dependence on fossil fuels, attention has been turned towards searching for alternative means for harvesting energy.  One emerging source is energy produced from natural salinity-gradients between freshwater and seawater.  Two different processes used to accomplish this are pressure-retarded osmosis and reverse electrodialysis.  Significant amounts of research are currently under way regarding pressure-retarded osmosis, however very few studies have been conducted on reverse electrodialysis due to heavy resistance in the diluate chamber of a reverse electrodialysis cell.  The focus of this research is to reduce this resistance by using wafers and ion-exchange beads in order to maximize net power gain.  I have used surrogate brackish/saltwater feed streams to measure overall power density.  This poster presentation will model the power increase of electrode ionization and comment on future potential for improvement.