| 摘要 |
An apparatus and method generates energy and, optionally, produces fresh water using osmotic processes that are driven by energy embodied in the heat of evaporation of water. An osmotic chamber transfers fresh water into a brine solution by osmotic pressure across an osmotic membrane. A mass transfer unit uses the osmotic pressure to maintain a high pressure concentrated brine solution within the osmotic chamber while providing for replenishing diluted brine solution with concentrated brine solution. The volume increase in the concentrated brine solution as it is diluted drives a motor to generate useful output energy. A concentrator uses dry air to concentrate dilute brine solution from the motor to a concentrated brine solution for return to the osmotic chamber. |
