Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2025
Abstract
This thesis presents a theoretical analysis of Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) for electricity generation using produced water—a high-salinity byproduct from oil and gas extraction. Drawing from over seventy peer-reviewed studies, this research explores the potential of RED as a sustainable energy solution for industrial wastewater streams. Chapter 1 outlines the environmental and economic implications of produced water. Chapter 2 reviews ion transport theories and membrane technologies. Chapter 3 evaluates past implementations of RED and related membrane systems. Chapter 4 delivers a comprehensive synthesis of current literature, modeling RED performance under realworld salinity gradients, ion compositions, and membrane constraints. Chapter 5 discusses implications for future research, scalability, antifouling technologies, and integration with energy recovery infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on membrane selectivity, thermodynamic efficiency, power density, and system sustainability. This work supports the feasibility of RED as a dual-purpose technology: reducing waste and generating renewable energy, and sets the stage for pilot-scale application in the oilfield and beyond.
Recommended Citation
Wear, Kevin Allen, "Literature Review of Reverse Electrodialysis Technoeconomic and Environmental Analysis" (2025). Water Resources Science and Technology Theses and Graduate Research Reports. 11.
https://digitalcommons.tamusa.edu/water_theses/11
Comments
Research Project Report (Non-Thesis track)
Submitted to the Department of Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Water Resources Science and Technology.