Chapter 9 - Resource, environmental, and economic aspects of SGHE

Abstract

First, the heat sources that can be used to power salinity gradient heat engines (SGHEs) are explored. The waste heat sources included in this analysis are waste heat from the industry, from power plants, from marine/vessels, and from gas compression stations. Concrete estimations for each heat source are provided for Europe, adding up to a total of 700TWh/year of recoverable heat within a temperature range of 80–200°C that can be exploited by SGHEs. Renewable heat is also explored. Geothermal energy is an interesting option as there is quite a lot of experience with it, but exploration and drilling involve high initial costs and therefore using existing wells should be considered where possible. Solar thermal collectors have also been examined and it was shown that about 1000kWh/m2/year can be produced with evacuated tube collectors in Southern European countries.