Integrating systems of water reuse and desalination: More water, less energy

Presented by Amy Childress

Abstract

Urban communities that desalinate ocean water using reverse osmosis and treat wastewater in coastal facilities produce two main waste streams: a reverse osmosis concentrate stream and a treated wastewater stream, which are typically discharged to the ocean. In this presentation, theoretical, experimental, and system-scale analyses to compare four blending scenarios for these waste streams will be discussed. Energy consumption, potable water generation, energy recovery, and waste stream management of each of the are considered. The ultimate goal of the research is to determine best scenarios to synergistically utilize the two waste streams and reverse osmosis to achieve the highest beneficial use of both streams, while minimizing energy consumption and environmental concerns. Challenges and opportunities facing system-scale integration of each scenario, including regulatory concerns, are also considered.