Cost effectiveness of conventionally and solar powered monovalent selective electrodialysis for seawater desalination in greenhouses

Reverse osmosis is the most widely used desalination technology for treating irrigation water. removes both monovalent ions detrimental to crops (Na+,Cl?) and divalent beneficial (Ca2+,Mg2+,SO42?). Fertilizer must then be added desalinated water reintroduce these nutrients. Unlike reverse osmosis, selective electrodialysis selectively while retaining in This paper investigates selectivity cost effectiveness of widely-used Neosepta new Fujifilm membranes seawater irrigation. Membrane selectivity, limiting current, resistance are experimentally characterized. These system parameters inputs developed model, which determines fertilizer savings, as well operating capital costs, relative osmosis; primary difference stems from osmosis’s significantly lower energy consumption. Given prices commercially available membranes, costs an average 30% more than osmosis. At projected sales price still under development, 10% if electricity less 0.08 $/kWh, on par with Regardless membrane cost, solar-powered only economical photovoltaic reduced 0.10–0.20 $/kWh. When exceeds financial requirements competitive (e.g., consumption, source, cost) evaluated.