Environmentally-driven design of a floating desalination platform (Case study: reverse osmosis floating desalination platform of ras gharib, Egypt)

Seif Bayoumi; Mohamed E.A. Ali; Islam Amin; Raneem El Torky; Selda Oterkus; Hosam Shawky; Erkan Oterkus; Seif Bayoumi; Mohamed E.A. Ali; Islam Amin; Raneem El Torky; Selda Oterkus; Hosam Shawky; Erkan Oterkus

doi:10.3934/energy.2021030

AIMS Energy

2021, Volume 9, Issue 3: 623-650. doi: 10.3934/energy.2021030

Previous Article Next Article

Research article

Environmentally-driven design of a floating desalination platform (Case study: reverse osmosis floating desalination platform of ras gharib, Egypt)

1.
Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria 1029, Egypt
2.
Egypt Desalination Research Center of Excellence (EDRC) and Hydrogeochemistry Department, Desert Research Centre, Cairo 11753, Egypt
3.
Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Port Said University, Port Said 42511, Egypt
4.
Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK
5.
Princeton University, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Princeton NJ 08544, USA

Received: 27 March 2021 Accepted: 17 May 2021 Published: 08 June 2021

Floating desalination plants are fairly new technologies and are not as common as the traditional land-based desalination plants. Almost none of the proposed nor installed projects' designers indicates that the design is environmentally driven, and only few designs are environmentally assessed. This paper aims to highlight the significant role of the environmental practices to achieve a sustainable design, where most of the environmental impact assessment procedures are performed prior to the design phase. Throughout the research, comparing alternatives and analyzing the baseline provided reliable technical help in the tasks of selecting the proposed project's location, desalination technology, power source and platform configuration. Thus, detailed technical descriptions of different systems are presented. Finally, environmental impacts associated with the operation of the proposed floating desalination plant in the selected location are assessed to give guidance on the monitoring and mitigation processes necessary to enhance the process performance, minimize the adverse environmental impacts and ensure the project's sustainability.
- floating desalination platforms,
- wind energy,
- solar energy,
- environmental impact assessment,
- sustainable design
Citation: Seif Bayoumi, Mohamed E.A. Ali, Islam Amin, Raneem El Torky, Selda Oterkus, Hosam Shawky, Erkan Oterkus. Environmentally-driven design of a floating desalination platform (Case study: reverse osmosis floating desalination platform of ras gharib, Egypt)[J]. AIMS Energy, 2021, 9(3): 623-650. doi: 10.3934/energy.2021030

Related Papers:

Abstract

Floating desalination plants are fairly new technologies and are not as common as the traditional land-based desalination plants. Almost none of the proposed nor installed projects' designers indicates that the design is environmentally driven, and only few designs are environmentally assessed. This paper aims to highlight the significant role of the environmental practices to achieve a sustainable design, where most of the environmental impact assessment procedures are performed prior to the design phase. Throughout the research, comparing alternatives and analyzing the baseline provided reliable technical help in the tasks of selecting the proposed project's location, desalination technology, power source and platform configuration. Thus, detailed technical descriptions of different systems are presented. Finally, environmental impacts associated with the operation of the proposed floating desalination plant in the selected location are assessed to give guidance on the monitoring and mitigation processes necessary to enhance the process performance, minimize the adverse environmental impacts and ensure the project's sustainability.

References

[1]	Billion people lack safe drinking water at home, more than twice as many lack safe sanitation, 2017. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/12-07-2017-2-1-billion-people-lack-safe-drinking-water-at-home-more-than-twice-as-many-lack-safe-sanitation.
[2]	Jones E, Qadir M, van Vliet M, et al. (2019) The state of desalination and brine production: A global outlook. Sci Total Environ 657: 1343-1356. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.076
[3]	Eke J, Yusuf A, Giwa A, et al. (2020) The global status of desalination: An assessment of current desalination technologies, plants and capacity. Desalination 495: 114633. doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2020.114633
[4]	How 1,500 nuclear-powered water desalination plants could save the world from desertification, 2019. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2019/07/14/megadroughts-and-desalination-another-pressing-need-for-nuclear-power/?sh=18519e617fde/.
[5]	Alkaisi A, Mossad Ruth R, Sharifian-Barforoush A. (2017) A review of the water desalination systems integrated with renewable energy. Energy Procedia 110: 268-274. doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2017.03.138
[6]	Sea change: desalination and the water-energy nexus, 2018. Available from: https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/sea-change-desalination-and-the-water-energy-nexus/.
[7]	Shift to floating seawater desalination, 2014. Available from: https://www.oecd.org/sti/ind/oecd-shipbuilding-workshop-kokubun.pdf.
[8]	Al-Othmana A, Darwishb N, Qasima M, et al. (2019) Nuclear desalination: A state-of-the-art review. Desalination 457: 39-61. doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2019.01.002
[9]	Fadel M, Wangnick K, Wada N. (1983) Floating desalination plants an engineering, operating and economic appraisal. Desalin J 45: 49-63. doi: 10.1016/0011-9164(83)87199-9
[10]	Davis J, Qi J, Fan X, et al. (2018) Floating membraneless PV-electrolyzer based on buoyancy-driven product separation. Int J Hydrogen Energy 43: 1224-1238. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.11.086
[11]	Dalton G, Bardócz T, Blanch M, et al. (2019) Feasibility of investment in blue growth multiple-use of space and multi-use platform projects; results of a novel assessment approach and case studies. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 107: 338-359. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.01.060
[12]	Chouski B (2002) AquaTDPB3DP plants and systems: Floating modular dismountable desalination equipment. Desalin J 153: 349-354.
[13]	Chouski B (2004) AquaTDP/S3DP plants and systems, Floating ship-borne modular dismountable seawater desalination plant. Desalination 165: 369-375. doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2004.06.042
[14]	Vasjuko V, Klyikov D, Podbereznyi V, et al. (1992) Floating nuclear desalination plant AFWS-40. Desalination 89: 21-32. doi: 10.1016/0011-9164(92)80149-4
[15]	Stuyfzand P, Kappelho P (2005) Floating high-capacity desalting islands on renewable multi-energy supply. Desalination 77: 259-266. doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2004.12.011
[16]	Abozaid D, Abdelaziz M, Ali M, et al. (2020) Desalination and water treatment investment efficiency of floating platforms desalination technology in Egypt. Desal Water Treat 183: 1-6. doi: 10.5004/dwt.2020.25688
[17]	Amin I, Ali ME, Bayoumi S, et al. (2020) Conceptual design and numerical analysis of a novel floating desalination plant powered by marine renewable energy for Egypt. J Mar Sci Eng 8: 95. doi: 10.3390/jmse8020095
[18]	Amin I, Dai S, Oterkus S, et al. (2020) Experimental investigation on the motion response of a novel floating desalination plant for Egypt. Ocean Eng 210: 107535. doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2020.107535
[19]	Amin I, Ali ME, Bayoumi S, et al. (2021) Numerical hydrodynamics-based design of an offshore platform to support a desalination plant and a wind turbine in Egypt. Ocean Eng 229: 108598. doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.108598
[20]	Lampe H, Altmann T, Giitjens H (1997) PCS—Preussag conversion system mobile floating seawater desalination plant. Desalination 114: 145-151. doi: 10.1016/S0011-9164(98)00006-X
[21]	Iankov P, Mumun S, Gerdzhikov G, et al. (2014). Identification of the best sites around the gulf of Iskenderun, Turkey, for monitoring the autumn migration of Egyptian Vultures and other diurnal raptors. Sandgrouse 36: 240-249.
[22]	Alkaisi A, Mossad R, Sharifian-Barforoush A (2017) A review of the water desalination systems integrated with renewable energy. Energy Procedia 110: 268-274. doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2017.03.138
[23]	Palenzuela P, Alarcón-Padilla DC, Zaragoza G (2019) Concentrating solar power and desalination plants, Springer International Publishing.
[24]	Voutchkov N, Cotruvo J (2010) Desalination technology-health & environmental impacts, CRC Press.
[25]	Ghaffour N, Lattemann S, Missimer T, et al. (2014) Renewable energy-driven innovative energy-efficient desalination technologies. Appl Energy 136: 1155-1165. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.03.033
[26]	Bennett A (2014) Current challenges in energy recovery for desalination. Filtration + Separation 51: 22, 24, 26-27.
[27]	Ezugbe, EO, Rathilal, S (2020) Membrane technologies in wastewater treatment: A review. Membranes 10: 89. doi: 10.3390/membranes10050089
[28]	Haveri JH, Murthy ZVP (2016) A comprehensive review on anti-fouling nanocomposite membranes for pressure driven membrane separation processes. Desalination 379: 37-154.
[29]	Singh R, Hankins N (2016) Emerging membrane technology for sustainable water treatment, Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
[30]	Muro C, Riera F, del Carmen Diaz M (2012) Membrane separation process in wastewater treatment of food industry, In Food Industrial Processes-Methods and Equipment. InTech, Rijeka: Rijeka, Croatia, 253-280.
[31]	Moharram NA, Bayoumi S, Hanafy AA, et al. (2021) Techno-economic analysis of a combined concentrated solar power and water desalination plant. Energy Convers Manage 228: 113629. doi: 10.1016/j.enconman.2020.113629
[32]	ASHRAE, Standard 62.1-2016. ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality, Atlanta, GA, Am. Soc. Heating, Refrig. Air-Conditioning Eng. Inc, 2016.
[33]	SNAME, recommended practices for ship heating, ventilation & air conditioning design calculations, Soc. Nav. Archit. Mar. Eng. 40 (n.d.) 6710.
[34]	Global solar atlas. Available from: http://www.globalsolaratlas.info/map.
[35]	Global wind atlas. Available from: http://www.globalwindatlas.info/map.
[36]	Collu M, Maggi A, Gualeni P, et al. (2014) Stability requirements for floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) during assembly and temporary phases: Overview and application. Ocean Eng 84: 164-175. doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2014.03.018
[37]	Veritas DN, Offshore standard DET norske veritas as design of floating wind turbine structures, 2013.
[38]	Matha D, Sandner F, Molins C, et al. (2015) Efficient preliminary floating offshore wind turbine design and testing methodologies and application to a concrete spar design. Philos Trans Series A, Math, Phys, Eng Sci 373: 20140350.
[39]	Ezz H, Gomaah M, Abdelwares M (2019) Watershed delineation and estimation of groundwater recharge for ras gharib region, Egypt. J Geosci Environ Prot 07: 202-213.
[40]	The red sea governorate. Available from: http://www.redsea.gov.eg/t/default.aspx.
[41]	Abou RM, Djebedjian B, El-Sarraf S, et al. (2003). Desalination option within water demand management and supply for the Red Sea. Seventh Int Water Technol Conf, 25-34.
[42]	Elnazer AA, Salman SA, Asmoay AS. (2017) Flash flood hazard affected ras gharib city, red sea, Egypt: A proposed flash flood channel. Nat Hazards 89: 1389-1400. doi: 10.1007/s11069-017-3030-0
[43]	El Afandi GS (2014) Evaluation of NCEP climate forecast system reanalysis (CFSR) against surface observations over Egypt. Am J Sci Technol 1: 157-167.
[44]	Average weather in ras gharib. Available from: https://weatherspark.com/y/97645/Average-Weather-in-Ras-Gharib-Egypt-Year-Round.
[45]	Astronomical algorithms-2nd edition (hardback)[jean meeus-1998]. Available from: http://astrobooks.com/browseproducts/Astronomical-Algorithms-2nd-Edition-(Hardback)-[Jean-Meeus---1998]. html.
[46]	Moharram NA, Bayoumi S, Hanafy AA, et al. (2021) Hybrid desalination and power generation plant utilizing multi-stage flash and reverse osmosis driven by parabolic trough collectors. Case Stud Therm Eng 23: 100807. doi: 10.1016/j.csite.2020.100807
[47]	Abdelmongy A, El-Moselhy K (2015) Seasonal variations of the physical and chemical properties of seawater at the Northern Red Sea, Egypt. Open J Ocean Coast Sci 2: 1-17. doi: 10.15764/OCS.2015.01001
[48]	Endangered species egypts coral reefs. Available from: https://egyptindependent.com.
[49]	Ministry of environment egyptian environmental affairs agency. Available from: http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/portals/0/eeaaReports/NCSCB/SpecificReports/TOWARDSTHEFUTURE.pdf.
[50]	Flyway \| migratory soaring birds project. Available from: http://migratorysoaringbirds.undp.birdlife.org/en/flyway#gsc.tab=0.
[51]	Ahmed AS (2011) Investigation of wind characteristics and wind energy potential at Ras Ghareb, Egypt. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 15: 2750-2755. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2011.04.003
[52]	Climate ras gharib. Available from: https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/ras-gharib_egypt_350207.
[53]	Jenkins S, Paduan J, Roberts P, et al. (2012). Management of brine discharges to coastal waters; recommendations of a science advisory panel. retrieved 2020. Available from https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ocean/desalination/docs/dpr051812.pdf.
[54]	Al-Abri M, Al-Ghafri B, Bora T, et al. (2019) Chlorination disadvantages and alternative routes for biofouling control in reverse osmosis desalination. Clean Water 2: 2. doi: 10.1038/s41545-018-0024-8
[55]	Tawalbeh M, Al-Othman A, Abdelwahab N, et al. (2021). Recent developments in pressure retarded osmosis for desalination and power generation. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 138: 110492.
[56]	Tawalbeh M, Al-Othman A, Singh K, et al. (2020) Microbial desalination cells for water purification and power generation: A critical review. Energy 209: 118493. doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118493
[57]	Slater K (2019) Detecting and managing hydraulic system leakage. Available from: https: //www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/205/hydraulic-leakage.
[58]	Bayoumi S, Incecik A, Kamel W, et al. (2010) Envrionmental impact assessment of wave energy device in Sidi Barrani (NW Egypt). The 10th International Conference on Clean Energy, Cyprus.
[59]	Abou Y, Mohamed E, Abdel AI, et al. (2016). Environmental impact assessment for wind energy power plant, gabal El zeet, suez gulf, in Egypt. Egypt J Occup Med 40: 253-266.
[60]	Tawalbeh M, Al-Othman A, Kafiah F, et al. (2021). Environmental impacts of solar photovoltaic systems: A critical review of recent progress and future outlook. Sci Total Environ 759: 143528.
[61]	Egyptian environmental affairs agency report: Self-monitoring manual wastewater management. Available from: http://industry.eeaa.gov.eg/publications/WWTP.pdf.
[62]	HEPCA program. Available from: https://www.hepca.org/mooring.
[63]	Egyptian organization for standardization and quality: Acoustics-description, measurement and asessment of environmental noise part 1: Basic quantities and assessment procedures. Available from: http://www.eeaa.gov.eg/Portals/0/eeaaReports/air/AirReports.

Reader Comments

Your name:*

Email:*
© 2021 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)