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Science 13 February 1976:
Vol. 191. no. 4227, pp. 557 - 559
DOI: 10.1126/science.191.4227.557
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Articles

Electric Power from Differences in Salinity: The Dialytic Battery

JOHN N. WEINSTEIN 1 and FRANK B. LEITZ 2

1 Laboratory of Theoretical Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014
2 Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior, Denver, Colorado 80225

An array of alternating anion and cation exchange membranes can be used to generate electric power from the free energy of mixing of river and sea waters. A simple mathematical model, which predicts experimental results well, is useful in exploring conditions for optimization of the process. Major, but not impossible, improvements in technology would be required to bring the cost of power from the dialytic battery into line with foreseeable energy prices.

Submitted on October 1, 1975
Revised on November 25, 1975


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Salinity Gradient Power: Utilizing Vapor Pressure Differences.
M. Olsson, M. OLSSON, G. L. WICK, and J. D. ISAACS (1979)
Science 206, 452-454
   Abstract »    PDF »
Salt Domes: Is There More Energy Available from Their Salt than from Their Oil?.
G. L. Wick, G. L. WICK, and J. D. ISAACS (1978)
Science 199, 1436-1437
   Abstract »    PDF »
Energy Recovery from Saline Water by Means of Electrochemical Cells.
F. E. KIVIAT (1976)
Science 194, 719-720
   Abstract »    PDF »


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