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A Spatially Resolved Thermodynamic Assessment of Geothermal Powered Multi-Effect Brackish Water Distillation in Texas

Author

Listed:
  • Catherine I. Birney

    (Cockrell School of Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 204 E Dean Keeton St, Stop C22000, Austin, TX 78712, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Michael C. Jones

    (Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, 23 San Jacinto Blvd and E 23rd St, Austin, TX 78712, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Michael E. Webber

    (Cockrell School of Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 204 E Dean Keeton St, Stop C22000, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

Abstract

Brackish groundwater desalination is increasingly being considered as a means to supplement drinking water in regions facing scarce freshwater supplies. Desalination is more energy intensive and expensive than traditional freshwater sources. One method of offsetting carbon emissions is to pair desalination technology with renewable energy sources. This research assesses the geographical feasibility of using a geothermal multi-effect distillation (MED) plant to produce freshwater from brackish aquifers in Texas. The system is analyzed using a thermodynamic model of a binary cycle MED plant. The thermodynamic model is integrated with spatially resolved information of Texas’ geothermal gradient and existing brackish well data (such as depth, salinity, and temperature) to quantify production potential. The results from this study allow for a comparison of potential geothermal desalination plant implementation across all of Texas, rather than a single site assessment. Although this water treatment approach is technologically viable across much of Texas, the system proves to be very energy intensive in all areas except for two hot geopressured fairways in Southeast Texas, the Frio and the Wilcox. In both locations, our research concludes the binary cycle-MED plant can operate self-sufficiently, producing both freshwater and electricity. One well in the fairways can produce 121–1132 m 3 of water per day, enough for 232–2133 people. The framework outlined in this paper can be useful to policymakers and water planners considering where to build desalination facilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine I. Birney & Michael C. Jones & Michael E. Webber, 2019. "A Spatially Resolved Thermodynamic Assessment of Geothermal Powered Multi-Effect Brackish Water Distillation in Texas," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:8:y:2019:i:2:p:65-:d:220815
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raluy, Gemma & Serra, Luis & Uche, Javier, 2006. "Life cycle assessment of MSF, MED and RO desalination technologies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(13), pages 2361-2372.
    2. Mahmoud Shatat & Saffa B. Riffat, 2014. "Water desalination technologies utilizing conventional and renewable energy sources," International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, Oxford University Press, vol. 9(1), pages 1-19.
    3. Gary M. Gold & Michael E. Webber, 2015. "The Energy-Water Nexus: An Analysis and Comparison of Various Configurations Integrating Desalination with Renewable Power," Resources, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-50, April.
    4. Mattheus Goosen & Hacene Mahmoudi & Noreddine Ghaffour, 2010. "Water Desalination Using Geothermal Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 3(8), pages 1-20, August.
    5. Jill B. Kjellsson & Michael E. Webber, 2015. "The Energy-Water Nexus: Spatially-Resolved Analysis of the Potential for Desalinating Brackish Groundwater by Use of Solar Energy," Resources, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-14, June.
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