WO2009055884A1 - Sea water desalination system driven by wave energy - Google Patents

Sea water desalination system driven by wave energy Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009055884A1
WO2009055884A1 PCT/BR2008/000253 BR2008000253W WO2009055884A1 WO 2009055884 A1 WO2009055884 A1 WO 2009055884A1 BR 2008000253 W BR2008000253 W BR 2008000253W WO 2009055884 A1 WO2009055884 A1 WO 2009055884A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
desalination
sea
water
desalination system
float
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/BR2008/000253
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Paulo Roberto Da Costa
Original Assignee
Seahorse Wave Energy- Energia Das Ondas S/A
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
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Application filed by Seahorse Wave Energy- Energia Das Ondas S/A filed Critical Seahorse Wave Energy- Energia Das Ondas S/A
Publication of WO2009055884A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009055884A1/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/44—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis
    • C02F1/441—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis by reverse osmosis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/02—Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration ; Nanofiltration
    • B01D61/10—Accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2313/00—Details relating to membrane modules or apparatus
    • B01D2313/36—Energy sources
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2313/00—Details relating to membrane modules or apparatus
    • B01D2313/36—Energy sources
    • B01D2313/367—Renewable energy sources, e.g. wind or solar sources
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/08—Seawater, e.g. for desalination
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/008—Mobile apparatus and plants, e.g. mounted on a vehicle
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/009—Apparatus with independent power supply, e.g. solar cells, windpower, fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/124—Water desalination
    • Y02A20/131—Reverse-osmosis
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/124—Water desalination
    • Y02A20/138—Water desalination using renewable energy
    • Y02A20/144—Wave energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/20—Controlling water pollution; Waste water treatment
    • Y02A20/208—Off-grid powered water treatment
    • Y02A20/212—Solar-powered wastewater sewage treatment, e.g. spray evaporation

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a system for water desalination by reverse osmosis, using as power source the wave energy as an alternative to electricity.
  • the concept comprises a conventional unit for desalination by reverse osmosis membrane, connected to an energy converter that is put into motion by the action of the sea waves.
  • the converter can be installed at the seashore on a fixed platform, or it can also be operated floating close to the coast in waters of one hundred meters approximately depth.
  • the patent N 0 7,023,104 B2 presents a mechanical device, called in the document as a wave moved engine, consisting of a structure in the form of an articulated panel in a fixed support in the bottom of the sea as residential doors moving with the axis in the horizontal position.
  • a hydraulic cylinder is connected between the mobile structure and the fixed base to generate pressure for desalination or any other use.
  • the support fixed in the sea bottom compromises the functioning of this concept because of the constant change in the direction of the waves.
  • the fixed support is located in a depth equal to L/2, i.e., in a depth equal to half the wave length, being therefore limited to small sea depths so as the height of the pivoting structure operates in the neighborhoods of the orbitals that form the wave where the energy flow is more intense.
  • the sea state changes every four hours, in average, varying the wave period and amplitude.
  • the sea state is called irregular sea and is characterized by crossing waves of different directions and periods modifying, therefore, the direction and vector of the energy flow.
  • This state of sea would modify the efficiency of this type of device.
  • the concept of this device differs in an incisive manner from the one presented in the present invention.
  • the patent N 0 4,335,576 shows a concept to supply the mechanical energy for desalination based on the movements of a floating platform caused by the action of the sea waves.
  • This movement sets in motion four hydraulic cylinders installed on the platform in horizontal position.
  • Each rod of the cylinders is fixed to a ballast system located in the sea floor, by a flexible cable passing through a guide sheave.
  • the hydraulic cylinders supply pressurized water to set in motion a hydraulic engine, which in turn, sets in motion an electrical generator.
  • This electrical generator sets in motion an electrical engine that moves a hydraulic pump raising the water pressure to the level needed for desalination.
  • the described device loses efficiency for having to generate electricity for the desalting process, losing energy, therefore, due to the unnecessary conversion of forms of energy.
  • Patent N 0 6,083,382 deals with a system fixed in the seashore for desalination.
  • the system consists in the intake and elevation of the sea water through a long and inclined helicoidal screw.
  • the screw is set in motion by a renewable source of energy such as aeolian, solar, from the waves or tides.
  • a renewable source of energy such as aeolian, solar, from the waves or tides.
  • the water After reaching the highest part, the water passes to the interior of a tubular column. Then, the water goes down through the interior of this column that contains membranes for desalting by reverse osmosis.
  • the present invention refers to a system for water desalination by reverse osmosis process without the use of electricity.
  • a converter was developed to transform the energy of the sea waves in mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is used for driving the high and low pressure pumps necessary in the desalination process by reverse osmosis.
  • the concept is composed of a conventional unit of desalination with membrane, connected to the energy converter.
  • the plant can be installed in three different versions. In the first version (Onshore), the converter support is mounted in the seashore. A conventional unit of desalination with membrane by reverse osmosis is also installed in land. In the second version (Nearshore), the converter is kept floating in the sea and the desalination unit is mounted in a platform fixed on the ocean floor.
  • the converter and the desalination unit are kept floating in the sea and interlinked.
  • the pumping system is mounted inside of the floating unit.
  • the first version allows the installation of the pumping system on the seashore.
  • the amount of energy converters and desalination units to be installed must be dimensioned according to the flow rate of desalted water to be produced.
  • the desalted water can be sent to hundreds of kilometers of distance due to the high pressures up to 200 bar (3000 psi) inherent to its functioning principle.
  • the concept herein presented, for water desalination by reverse osmosis, operates without the use of electricity and can be installed in three different versions which are: Onshore plant version, Nearshore plant version and Offshore plant version. All the versions use as power source the energy coming from the sea waves.
  • the concept is composed of a conventional unit of desalination by reverse osmosis membrane, which operates connected to a source of mechanical energy, responsible for pumping water at high pressure. This source of energy consists of a converter that supplies mechanical energy to the pumps from the action of the sea waves.
  • each pumping module of the device is composed of a float, a mechanical arm and a high-pressure pumping system.
  • the float is connected in one of the extremities of the arm and it moves due to the action of the waves.
  • the other end of the arm is connected through a bearing system to a support fixed in land or in the marine bed next to the coast.
  • the hydraulic pump system may either be fixed on the bearing system of the arm or inside of the float for supplying water at high and low pressures necessary to the desalination process by reverse osmosis.
  • the conventional unit of desalination is installed in a platform above sea level, fixed in the ocean floor. In oil exploitation services this kind of platform receives the name of jacket platform.
  • the installation can operate in seas whose depth can arrive to approximately one hundred meters, next to the coast.
  • One or more converters operate floating in the sea and they are connected to the desalination system that is located in the fixed platform.
  • Each floating pumping module is composed by a float, a mechanism in the interior of the float to increase the water pressure and a shock absorber (damper) or ballast at the sea bed.
  • the third version works in the sea and consists of interlinked floats.
  • the equipment that composes the desalination unit is contained in one of the floats.
  • This float receives water at high pressure from one or more pumping modules. All the floats operate interlinked and disposed in a row. This configuration makes use of an anchorage system on the sea bed.
  • the floating converter transforms the energy from the action of the sea waves into hydraulic pressure.
  • a low pressure intermittent pump situated inside the converter catches sea water and sends it to a hydro pneumatic accumulator in a pressure about
  • This accumulator sends the salty water, now in continuous flow to a series of filters with different porosity levels. After passing through the filters the salty water is deposited in a first reservoir. The filtered water is caught from this reservoir in an intermittent manner by the high-pressure pump. This pump sends the water to a hydro pneumatic accumulator in a desalting pressure of about 60 bar (900 psi). From this accumulator water is at constant pressure and continuous flow.
  • This filtered and salty water when passing through the membrane cartridges produces desalted water and water with higher concentration of salinity. The desalted water is collected in a second reservoir, for different uses whereas the water with bigger concentration of salinity is collected in a third reservoir for a prompt destination. A possible destination for this water would be its pumping to the sea, by the converter itself, to give it back to the sea currents, thus minimizing the questions related to the environment.
  • Figure 1 presents the simplified scheme of the equipment set that compose a desalination plant without the use of electricity.
  • the set is composed basically of two distinct units: the conventional module of desalination with reverse osmosis membrane and the module of pumping that consists of the energy converter that is put into motion by the action of the sea waves.
  • letter A represents the float under the action of the sea waves
  • letter B is the mechanical arm responsible for the increase of the load applied on the pumps
  • letter C is the platform fixed in the seashore that maintain the bearings to articulate the mechanical arm
  • letters D represent the low pressure pumps
  • letter E represents the filter in the suction line mounted with a water retention valve
  • letter F is the hydro pneumatic accumulator of the low pressure line of the hydraulic circuit
  • letter G is the first filter with porosity of 75 micra
  • letter H is the second filter with porosity of 25 micra
  • letter I is the last filter with porosity of 5 micra.
  • Letter J represents the first water reservoir of the circuit, and is used for the storage of the filtered water;
  • letter K represents the high-pressure pump;
  • letter L is the hydro pneumatic accumulator of the high-pressure line of the hydraulic circuit;
  • letter M represents the set of membrane cartridges for the desalination by reverse osmosis;
  • letters N and O represent, respectively, the desalted water reservoir and the reservoir of high salinity concentration water.
  • Figure 2 presents a scheme of a desalination plant mounted in the seashore (Onshore type).
  • the desalination equipments are installed on the ground in the seashore whereas the pumps are in the interior of the floats or fixed in the platform on land, next to the joint point of the arm.
  • Letter A represents the set of filters at the entrance of the water for desalination;
  • letter B represents the set of membrane cartridges responsible for the desalination by reverse osmosis;
  • letter C represents the set of hydro pneumatic accumulators of the hydraulic circuit;
  • letter D shows one of the arms of the installation;
  • letter E shows one of the floats in charge of pumping water supplying the necessary pressures to the desalination process;
  • letter F shows one ballast at the sea floor necessary to set in motion the pumping mechanism inside each float.
  • B-1) Installation on the sea Figure 3 presents a first scheme of a desalination plant mounted in the sea (Nearshore type). In this scheme, the desalination equipments are fixed in a jacket type platform installed in the marine floor.
  • the pumping units are in the interior of the floats that operate floating in the sea.
  • Letter A represents the set of filters at the entrance of the water for desalination;
  • letter B represents the set of membrane cartridges responsible for the desalination by reverse osmosis;
  • letter C represents the set of hydro pneumatic accumulators of the hydraulic circuit;
  • letter D shows one of the floats that compose the pumping unit of water to supply the necessary pressures to the desalination process;
  • letter E shows a lattice beam structure interlinking the float and the shock absorber.
  • Letter F shows one of the shock absorbers necessary for the drive of the internal mechanism of each float;
  • letter G shows the flexible tubing line for the transmission of the water in high and low pressures and
  • letter H shows the ballast for the anchorage of one of the pumping modules.
  • Figure 4 presents a second scheme of a desalination plant installed at the sea (Nearshore type).
  • the desalination equipments are fixed in the interior of one of the floats.
  • the pumping units are mounted in the interior of the other floats that operate floating on the sea.
  • Letter A represents the set of filters at the entrance of the water for the desalination
  • letter B represents the set of membrane cartridges responsible for the desalination by reverse osmosis
  • letters C and D represent the set of hydro pneumatic accumulators of the hydraulic circuit
  • letter E shows one of the floats that compose the pumping unit of water to supply the necessary pressures to the desalination process
  • letter F shows one of the mooring cables of anchorage of each float
  • letter G shows the anchorage ballast of one of the pumping modules.
  • Figure 5 presents a scheme of a desalination plant installed in open sea.
  • the plant is designed to operate in deep waters (Offshore type).
  • the desalination equipments are also fixed in the interior of one of the floats in an identical manner to the scheme previously cited.
  • the pumping units are mounted in the interior of the floats that operate floating in the sea, differing from the previous scheme in the way each float is driven, which in this project operates with a lattice beam structure connected to the shock absorber.
  • Letter A represents the set of filters at the entrance of water for desalination
  • letter B represents the set of membrane cartridges responsible for the desalination by reverse osmosis
  • letters C and D represent the set of hydro pneumatic accumulators of the hydraulic circuit
  • letter E shows one of the floats that compose the pumping unit of water to supply the necessary pressures to the desalination process
  • letter F shows one of the lattice structures interlinking each float with its respective shock absorber
  • letter G shows one of the shock absorbers
  • letter H shows the ballast of anchorage of the plant.
  • Figure 6 presents a float having internally a mechanism of force amplification used for pumping water at high pressures.
  • the letter A represents the float;
  • letter B shows the mechanical assemblage where two sectors of gears work on the rack;
  • letter C shows one of the two symmetrical arms that operate as levers for driving the pumps;
  • letter D shows a fixed metallic structure at the bottom of the float, for the installation of the hydraulic pumps and of the pivoting center of the symmetrical arms;
  • letter E shows two hydraulic pumps and
  • letter F shows a prolonging rod from the rack to connect at the lattice structure directed to sea floor.
  • ADVANTAGES OF A DESALINATION PLANT WITH NO ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION The cost of the electric energy in the water desalination process by reverse osmosis is about fifty percent of the total cost. Using the wave energy converter for desalinization this cost will not be included.
  • desalted water can be sent to supply distant communities as well as for irrigation of agriculture areas.

Abstract

The present invention refers to a system for water desalination by reverse osmosis using as power source the energy from the sea waves as an alternative to electricity. The concept is composed of a conventional desalination unit with membrane for reverse osmosis, connected to an energy converter that is put into motion by the action of the sea waves. The system comprises three versions and can be installed in the seashore, in the marine floor in depths up to one hundred meters and also in deep waters. The desalted water can be sent with high pressure to great distances for irrigation or domestic use.

Description

SEA WATER DESALINATION SYSTEM DRIVEN BY WAVE ENERGY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention refers to a system for water desalination by reverse osmosis, using as power source the wave energy as an alternative to electricity. The concept comprises a conventional unit for desalination by reverse osmosis membrane, connected to an energy converter that is put into motion by the action of the sea waves. The converter can be installed at the seashore on a fixed platform, or it can also be operated floating close to the coast in waters of one hundred meters approximately depth. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
Many technical processes for water desalination exist nowadays. The most used are: distillation, reverse osmosis and electrical dialysis. In general, all of these processes demand a high energy waste.
The reverse osmosis desalination using the sea waves as power source has been scarcely divulged so far and there are few patent applications in this subject up to now.
Among the applications for water desalination by reverse osmosis studied, the main differences observed are basically related to the concept of the mechanical device used for the extraction of the energy from the sea waves. Water desalination by reverse osmosis is a conventional process used world around that consumes electrical energy. Some patent applications in this subject are presented below, and their main differences when compared to the present invention are pointed out.
The patent N0 7,023,104 B2 presents a mechanical device, called in the document as a wave moved engine, consisting of a structure in the form of an articulated panel in a fixed support in the bottom of the sea as residential doors moving with the axis in the horizontal position. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the mobile structure and the fixed base to generate pressure for desalination or any other use. The support fixed in the sea bottom compromises the functioning of this concept because of the constant change in the direction of the waves. The fixed support is located in a depth equal to L/2, i.e., in a depth equal to half the wave length, being therefore limited to small sea depths so as the height of the pivoting structure operates in the neighborhoods of the orbitals that form the wave where the energy flow is more intense. In general, the sea state changes every four hours, in average, varying the wave period and amplitude. When prolonged winds occur and the fetch is long enough, the sea state is called irregular sea and is characterized by crossing waves of different directions and periods modifying, therefore, the direction and vector of the energy flow. This state of sea would modify the efficiency of this type of device. As can be observed, the concept of this device differs in an incisive manner from the one presented in the present invention.
The patent N0 4,335,576 shows a concept to supply the mechanical energy for desalination based on the movements of a floating platform caused by the action of the sea waves. This movement sets in motion four hydraulic cylinders installed on the platform in horizontal position. Each rod of the cylinders is fixed to a ballast system located in the sea floor, by a flexible cable passing through a guide sheave. The hydraulic cylinders supply pressurized water to set in motion a hydraulic engine, which in turn, sets in motion an electrical generator. This electrical generator sets in motion an electrical engine that moves a hydraulic pump raising the water pressure to the level needed for desalination. The described device loses efficiency for having to generate electricity for the desalting process, losing energy, therefore, due to the unnecessary conversion of forms of energy.
Thus, great differences between this device and the one of the present invention are observed.
Patent N0 6,083,382 deals with a system fixed in the seashore for desalination. The system consists in the intake and elevation of the sea water through a long and inclined helicoidal screw. The screw is set in motion by a renewable source of energy such as aeolian, solar, from the waves or tides. After reaching the highest part, the water passes to the interior of a tubular column. Then, the water goes down through the interior of this column that contains membranes for desalting by reverse osmosis.
The ways to obtain energy to set in motion the screw are not clearly presented in this patent nor the necessary amount for such purpose. Another point of uncertainty is the pressure of the water offered by the device under analysis.
To obtain desalination using membranes pressures of about 800 psi, i.e., 540 meters of water column are necessary. For the reasons stated above, it does not seem probable that the desalination really occurs in the device analyzed above.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention refers to a system for water desalination by reverse osmosis process without the use of electricity. A converter was developed to transform the energy of the sea waves in mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is used for driving the high and low pressure pumps necessary in the desalination process by reverse osmosis. The concept is composed of a conventional unit of desalination with membrane, connected to the energy converter. The plant can be installed in three different versions. In the first version (Onshore), the converter support is mounted in the seashore. A conventional unit of desalination with membrane by reverse osmosis is also installed in land. In the second version (Nearshore), the converter is kept floating in the sea and the desalination unit is mounted in a platform fixed on the ocean floor. In the third version (Offshore) both, the converter and the desalination unit are kept floating in the sea and interlinked. In the three mentioned versions the pumping system is mounted inside of the floating unit. The first version allows the installation of the pumping system on the seashore. The amount of energy converters and desalination units to be installed must be dimensioned according to the flow rate of desalted water to be produced. In the present invention, the desalted water can be sent to hundreds of kilometers of distance due to the high pressures up to 200 bar (3000 psi) inherent to its functioning principle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION AND EQUIPMENT
The concept herein presented, for water desalination by reverse osmosis, operates without the use of electricity and can be installed in three different versions which are: Onshore plant version, Nearshore plant version and Offshore plant version. All the versions use as power source the energy coming from the sea waves. The concept is composed of a conventional unit of desalination by reverse osmosis membrane, which operates connected to a source of mechanical energy, responsible for pumping water at high pressure. This source of energy consists of a converter that supplies mechanical energy to the pumps from the action of the sea waves. ONSHORE PLANT VERSION
In the first version, each pumping module of the device is composed of a float, a mechanical arm and a high-pressure pumping system. The float is connected in one of the extremities of the arm and it moves due to the action of the waves. The other end of the arm is connected through a bearing system to a support fixed in land or in the marine bed next to the coast. The hydraulic pump system may either be fixed on the bearing system of the arm or inside of the float for supplying water at high and low pressures necessary to the desalination process by reverse osmosis. NEARSHORE PLANT VERSION
In the second version the conventional unit of desalination is installed in a platform above sea level, fixed in the ocean floor. In oil exploitation services this kind of platform receives the name of jacket platform. In this version the installation can operate in seas whose depth can arrive to approximately one hundred meters, next to the coast. One or more converters operate floating in the sea and they are connected to the desalination system that is located in the fixed platform. Each floating pumping module is composed by a float, a mechanism in the interior of the float to increase the water pressure and a shock absorber (damper) or ballast at the sea bed. OFFSHORE PLANT VERSION
The third version works in the sea and consists of interlinked floats. The equipment that composes the desalination unit is contained in one of the floats. This float receives water at high pressure from one or more pumping modules. All the floats operate interlinked and disposed in a row. This configuration makes use of an anchorage system on the sea bed. PROCESS AND OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS
The process and operational parameters may be the same for all the plant configurations presented. A brief description of the process is: The floating converter transforms the energy from the action of the sea waves into hydraulic pressure. A low pressure intermittent pump situated inside the converter catches sea water and sends it to a hydro pneumatic accumulator in a pressure about
3 bar (45 psi). This accumulator sends the salty water, now in continuous flow to a series of filters with different porosity levels. After passing through the filters the salty water is deposited in a first reservoir. The filtered water is caught from this reservoir in an intermittent manner by the high-pressure pump. This pump sends the water to a hydro pneumatic accumulator in a desalting pressure of about 60 bar (900 psi). From this accumulator water is at constant pressure and continuous flow. This filtered and salty water when passing through the membrane cartridges produces desalted water and water with higher concentration of salinity. The desalted water is collected in a second reservoir, for different uses whereas the water with bigger concentration of salinity is collected in a third reservoir for a prompt destination. A possible destination for this water would be its pumping to the sea, by the converter itself, to give it back to the sea currents, thus minimizing the questions related to the environment.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Figure 1 presents the simplified scheme of the equipment set that compose a desalination plant without the use of electricity. The set is composed basically of two distinct units: the conventional module of desalination with reverse osmosis membrane and the module of pumping that consists of the energy converter that is put into motion by the action of the sea waves. In the scheme, letter A represents the float under the action of the sea waves; letter B is the mechanical arm responsible for the increase of the load applied on the pumps; letter C is the platform fixed in the seashore that maintain the bearings to articulate the mechanical arm; letters D represent the low pressure pumps; letter E represents the filter in the suction line mounted with a water retention valve; letter F is the hydro pneumatic accumulator of the low pressure line of the hydraulic circuit; letter G is the first filter with porosity of 75 micra; letter H is the second filter with porosity of 25 micra and letter I is the last filter with porosity of 5 micra.
Letter J represents the first water reservoir of the circuit, and is used for the storage of the filtered water; letter K represents the high-pressure pump; letter L is the hydro pneumatic accumulator of the high-pressure line of the hydraulic circuit; letter M represents the set of membrane cartridges for the desalination by reverse osmosis; letters N and O represent, respectively, the desalted water reservoir and the reservoir of high salinity concentration water.
Figure 2 presents a scheme of a desalination plant mounted in the seashore (Onshore type). In this scheme, the desalination equipments are installed on the ground in the seashore whereas the pumps are in the interior of the floats or fixed in the platform on land, next to the joint point of the arm.
Letter A represents the set of filters at the entrance of the water for desalination; letter B represents the set of membrane cartridges responsible for the desalination by reverse osmosis; letter C represents the set of hydro pneumatic accumulators of the hydraulic circuit; letter D shows one of the arms of the installation; letter E shows one of the floats in charge of pumping water supplying the necessary pressures to the desalination process; letter F shows one ballast at the sea floor necessary to set in motion the pumping mechanism inside each float. B-1) Installation on the sea Figure 3 presents a first scheme of a desalination plant mounted in the sea (Nearshore type). In this scheme, the desalination equipments are fixed in a jacket type platform installed in the marine floor. The pumping units are in the interior of the floats that operate floating in the sea. Letter A represents the set of filters at the entrance of the water for desalination; letter B represents the set of membrane cartridges responsible for the desalination by reverse osmosis; letter C represents the set of hydro pneumatic accumulators of the hydraulic circuit; letter D shows one of the floats that compose the pumping unit of water to supply the necessary pressures to the desalination process; letter E shows a lattice beam structure interlinking the float and the shock absorber. Letter F shows one of the shock absorbers necessary for the drive of the internal mechanism of each float; letter G shows the flexible tubing line for the transmission of the water in high and low pressures and letter H shows the ballast for the anchorage of one of the pumping modules.
B-2) Installation on the sea
Figure 4 presents a second scheme of a desalination plant installed at the sea (Nearshore type). In this scheme, the desalination equipments are fixed in the interior of one of the floats. In the same way the pumping units are mounted in the interior of the other floats that operate floating on the sea.
Letter A represents the set of filters at the entrance of the water for the desalination; letter B represents the set of membrane cartridges responsible for the desalination by reverse osmosis; letters C and D represent the set of hydro pneumatic accumulators of the hydraulic circuit; letter E shows one of the floats that compose the pumping unit of water to supply the necessary pressures to the desalination process; letter F shows one of the mooring cables of anchorage of each float and letter G shows the anchorage ballast of one of the pumping modules.
Figure 5 presents a scheme of a desalination plant installed in open sea. The plant is designed to operate in deep waters (Offshore type). In this scheme, the desalination equipments are also fixed in the interior of one of the floats in an identical manner to the scheme previously cited. In the same way the pumping units are mounted in the interior of the floats that operate floating in the sea, differing from the previous scheme in the way each float is driven, which in this project operates with a lattice beam structure connected to the shock absorber.
Letter A represents the set of filters at the entrance of water for desalination; letter B represents the set of membrane cartridges responsible for the desalination by reverse osmosis; letters C and D represent the set of hydro pneumatic accumulators of the hydraulic circuit; letter E shows one of the floats that compose the pumping unit of water to supply the necessary pressures to the desalination process; letter F shows one of the lattice structures interlinking each float with its respective shock absorber; letter G shows one of the shock absorbers and letter H shows the ballast of anchorage of the plant. Figure 6 presents a float having internally a mechanism of force amplification used for pumping water at high pressures. In the figure the letter A represents the float; letter B shows the mechanical assemblage where two sectors of gears work on the rack; letter C shows one of the two symmetrical arms that operate as levers for driving the pumps; letter D shows a fixed metallic structure at the bottom of the float, for the installation of the hydraulic pumps and of the pivoting center of the symmetrical arms; letter E shows two hydraulic pumps and letter F shows a prolonging rod from the rack to connect at the lattice structure directed to sea floor.
ADVANTAGES OF A DESALINATION PLANT WITH NO ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION The cost of the electric energy in the water desalination process by reverse osmosis is about fifty percent of the total cost. Using the wave energy converter for desalinization this cost will not be included.
Using a converter of wave energy in hydraulic energy with great pressures, desalted water can be sent to supply distant communities as well as for irrigation of agriculture areas.

Claims

1- "WATER DESALINATION SYSTEM DRIVEN BY SEA WAVES", characterized by the non use of electric energy.
2- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claim 1 , characterized byjhe use of one or more energy converters driven by the action of the sea waves that pumps water through an internal mechanism of force multiplication in the ratio of one to ten.
3- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claim 1 , characterized by the use of an energy converter driven by the action of the sea waves, connected to a conventional desalination unit.
4- "ONSHORE DESALINTION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by the installation of pumps of high and low pressures in the interior of the float connected in one end of the mechanical arm.
5- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by the installation of pumps of high and low pressures in the concrete base driven by the mechanical arm that actuates as a lever that pumps water multiplying the forces in the ratio of one to ten.
6- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by the utilization of ballast in the sea bed, connected in the internal mechanism of the float located at the end of the mechanical arm.
7- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by the utilization of repeated modules (arm and float) for supplying high water flow rates to the desalination unit located on land.
8- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by the installation of a desalination unit on a jacket type fixed platform on the sea floor.
9- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by one or more floating converters in the sea containing each one of them a long rigid structure, directed to the sea floor, connected to a shock absorber (damper).
10- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by one or more converters interlinked that pump water to the desalination unit, located on the fixed platform through flexible tubings of high and low pressures.
11- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claim 10, characterized by having an anchorage system at the sea floor aiming the positioning of the converters. 12- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by having a float containing a desalination unit in its interior, interlinked to one or more floats in a row. Each float has in its interior a pumping mechanical system of high and low pressures connected to an anchorage system in the sea bed. This system is the same utilized in the onshore system.
13- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claims 1 and 2, where the offshore system has in each float a rigid lattice structure directed to the sea floor, connected to a shock absorber (damper).
14- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to claim 13, characterized by having a single anchorage system for positioning the floats in deep waters.
15- "DESALINATION SYSTEM" according to described in the previous claims, characterized by being onshore, nearshore or offshore.
PCT/BR2008/000253 2007-11-01 2008-08-28 Sea water desalination system driven by wave energy WO2009055884A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BRPI0704141-1A BRPI0704141A2 (en) 2007-11-01 2007-11-01 seawater energy powered water desalination system
BRPI0704141-1 2007-11-01

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014153617A1 (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-02 Ceto Ip Pty Ltd Wave energy conversion system
WO2017210800A1 (en) 2016-06-10 2017-12-14 Oneka Technologies System and method for desalination of water by reverse osmosis

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4335576A (en) * 1979-01-15 1982-06-22 Hopfe Harold H Wave energy desalinization
DE20014772U1 (en) * 2000-08-25 2001-01-18 Peter Alfred Robert Wave energy converter
US6812588B1 (en) * 2003-10-21 2004-11-02 Stephen J. Zadig Wave energy converter

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4335576A (en) * 1979-01-15 1982-06-22 Hopfe Harold H Wave energy desalinization
DE20014772U1 (en) * 2000-08-25 2001-01-18 Peter Alfred Robert Wave energy converter
US6812588B1 (en) * 2003-10-21 2004-11-02 Stephen J. Zadig Wave energy converter

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014153617A1 (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-02 Ceto Ip Pty Ltd Wave energy conversion system
WO2017210800A1 (en) 2016-06-10 2017-12-14 Oneka Technologies System and method for desalination of water by reverse osmosis
US11130097B2 (en) 2016-06-10 2021-09-28 Oneka Technologies System and method for desalination of water by reverse osmosis

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