Power Generation and Desalination from an Abandoned Oil Well: Kalina Cycle-Driven Reverse Osmosis System
Keywords:
Power Generation, Reverse Osmosis, Geothermal Energy, Desalination, Abandoned Oil Well, Kalina CycleAbstract
The sustainable production of potable water is inherently dependent on a stable and efficient energy source. This interdependence is crucial for fostering trust and investment from stakeholders across industries, research communities, and investors. This study presents an innovative approach, integrating geothermal energy—sourced from an abandoned oil well (AOW) in Iran, which eliminates drilling costs—with a Kalina Cycle System 11 (KC-11) power generation system and a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination unit. By leveraging geothermal energy, a clean, renewable, and virtually unlimited resource, this system aims to meet large-scale demands for both electricity and water. The KC-11 was simulated using EES software, revealing that the injection of geothermal fluid can generate 110 kWh of power efficiently at optimal pressure levels. Simultaneously, the RO unit, modeled with WAVE software, demonstrated that a power input of 4.87 kWh per 1 m3 is sufficient to achieve the client’s potable water requirement of 806 m³/day. The results underline the economic and operational benefits of utilizing AOW-derived geothermal energy, offering a sustainable and cost-effective model for integrated water and energy production that aligns with global environmental and resource efficiency goals.
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