Thermodynamic limits of using fertilizer osmosis to produce mechanical work via pressure retarded osmosis

The potential for concentrated fertilizer to drive water treatment, nutrient recovery, and/or power generation has received increased attention. Recently the concept of fertilizer-driven pressure retarded osmosis (or “Green PRO”) was introduced literature and experimentally validated. limits from however have not yet been established, therefore this energy source supply meaningful farm loads is uncertain. In paper, a combination analytical, numerical, experimental methods are used establish thermodynamic process conversion via PRO. results indicate that up 125 Wh/kg released when it diluted in water. PRO dynamics including operation at constant applied pressure, need maintain high levels throughout batch process, limit work 14.9 Wh/kg. Further, experimentally-calibrated simulation suggest only 6.8 can be expected considering non-ideal transport such as reverse solute flux concentration polarization. effect feed recovery ratio on investigated, found using wastewater may comparable scenarios where clean irrigation with used. common hydroponic plant crops evaluated, advances membrane technology allow approach 5% typical greenhouse electricity consumption.