Simulation and Operational Optimization of RO Based Desalination for Coal-Fired Power Plants' Wastewater

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Energy Systems

Background:

• Coal-fired power plants face challenges with wastewater recycling, including opacity and high energy demands.
• Efficient wastewater treatment is crucial for environmental compliance and sustainable energy production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a mechanistic model for coal-fired power plant wastewater treatment.
• To simulate and analyze the impact of operational parameters on system performance.
• To optimize the wastewater treatment process for reduced energy consumption and operating costs.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mechanistic model based on solution-diffusion theory, pressure drop, and osmotic concentration polarization.
• Calibration of the model equation and parameters for accuracy.
• Simulation and analysis of system performance under varying feed flowrates, temperatures, pressures, and concentrations.
• Optimization analysis targeting minimal specific energy consumption and daily operating costs.

Main Results:

• The mechanistic model accurately represents the wastewater treatment process.
• Key operational parameters significantly influence water recovery and salt rejection rates.
• The optimized strategy demonstrably reduces the system's operational costs.

Conclusions:

• The developed model and optimization strategy offer a pathway to significantly lower operational costs in coal-fired power plant wastewater treatment.
• This research contributes to the digitization and low-carbon operation of industrial wastewater management systems.
• Implementing optimized strategies is essential for enhancing the sustainability of the energy sector.