EMPIRICAL EQUATIONS RELATED TO ELECTRICITY GENERATION FROM SALT WATER: CONTRIBUTION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

Abstract

This paper provides some empirical equations that pertain to electricity generation from saline solution. The data used in this study was taken from the Table of Conductivity vs Concentration for Common Solutions and from the laboratory results in salinity loss and voltage applied. The data on salinity and conductivity of sodium chloride (NaCl) were used in the analysis. The empirical equations derived in this paper showed that the basic electricity quantities, namely, voltage, resistance, and current are in a power-law relationship with water salinity. The power law relationships enable the computation of these quantities given water salinity. Resistance is in an inverse power law relationship with water salinity; salinity is in an inverse power relationship with a voltage applied, and current is in direct power law relationship with salinity. Laboratory-scale results as translated into mathematical models can be used as the basis for planning industrialscale salinity-based power generating plants. The prospects of establishing such power-generating plants in Philippine coastal communities are posed as a challenge to non-government organizations and rural cooperatives.