A Sustainable Water Management Concept for

Auroville and its Bioregion

Desalination

A Pre-Feasibility study

A report by

Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng)

Martina Schimanski (M.Eng)

Walter Wagner (M.Eng)

1st Edition

Auroville, May 2007

A sustainable Water Management Concept for Auroville and its Bioregion, Desalination, A Pre feasibility Study

A Report by Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng.) et. al., Auroville 605101, India; dirkn@auroville.org.in, Off: 0413-3290-312

INDEX

1. Executive Summary 1

2. Introduction 3

3. Auroville Region Error! Bookm

3.1. Physical and chemical data on seawater and brackish water in Auroville’s Beach Area Error! Book

4. Desalination processes, a general introduction Error! Bookm

4.1. Overview of different desalination processes Error! Book
4.2. Thermal Processes Error! Book
4.2.1. Multi-Stage Flash Distillation (MSF) Error! Book
4.2.2. Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) Error! Book
4.2.3. Vapor Compression Distillation (VC), mechanical and thermal Error! Book
4.3. Membrane Processes Error! Book
4.3.1. Electro Dialysis (ED) Error! Book
4.3.2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Error! Book
4.3.3. Nanofiltration Membranes (NF) Error! Book
4.4. Other Processes Error! Book
4.4.1. Freezing Desalination Error! Book
4.4.2. Membrane Distillation Error! Book
4.4.3. Solar Humidification Error! Book
4.4.4. Solar and Wind-Driven Desalters Error! Book
4.4.4.1. Promising Pilot projects “CREST” and “IIT Chennai” Error! Book
4.4.5. New developments in Low Temperature Thermal Desalination plants using “Deep Water
Technology” Error! Book
4.4.5.1. Advantages of this kind of technology: Error! Book
4.4.5.2. Operation Parameters: Error! Book
4.5. Important additional aspects of Desalination Error! Book
4.5.1. Concentrate disposal (brine) and environmental impact, use of chemicals Error! Book
4.5.2. Co-generation of Energy Error! Book
4.5.3. Energy recovering systems, new developments Error! Book
4.5.4. Hybrid Facilities Error! Book
4.5.5. Operation and cost comparison of different desalination techniques Error! Book
4.5.6. BOO or BOOT Error! Book
4.6. Summary Error! Book

5. Alternative Energy source: “Solar Concentration” Error! Bookm

5.1. Introduction Error! Book
5.2. Principles of a Thermal Solar Power Plant Error! Book
5.3. Concentrating Technologies Error! Book
5.3.1. Parabolic Trough Systems Error! Book
5.3.2. Solar Tower Systems Error! Book
5.3.3. Parabolic Dish Engines Error! Book
5.4. Solar Concentrator in Auroville, India Error! Book
5.5. Important Aspects of Thermal Solar Power Plants Error! Book

II
A sustainable Water Management Concept for Auroville and its Bioregion, Desalination, A Pre feasibility Study

A Report by Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng.) et. al., Auroville 605101, India; dirkn@auroville.org.in, Off: 0413-3290-312

5.5.1. Economic Sustainability and Cost Calculation Error! Book

5.5.2. Environmental Impact Error! Book
5.5.3. Environmental Sustainability Error! Book
5.5.4. Social Sustainability Error! Book
5.5.5. Advantages and disadvantages of CSP Error! Book
5.6. Realization Steps of a Thermal Solar Plant Error! Book
5.6.1. Step 1: Basic Project Information Error! Book
5.6.2. Step 2: Project Assessment Error! Book
5.6.3. Step 3: Project Definition Error! Book
5.6.4. Step 4: Engineering-Consortium Error! Book
5.6.5. Step 5: Operation Error! Book
5.7. Résumé and Out view for Solar Concentration technology Error! Book
5.8. Pros and cons for a desalination plant powered by concentrated solar energy Error! Book

6. Alternative Energy source: “Photovoltaic” Error! Bookm

6.1. Photovoltaic powered Desalination plant for Tsunami relief projects in Auroville’s bioregion Error! Book
6.2. Pros and cons for a desalination plant powered by Photovoltaic’s Error! Book

7. Alternative Energy source: “Wind” Error! Bookm

7.1. Pros and cons for desalination plant powered by Wind Energy Error! Book
7.2. Case study Perth, Australia [8] Error! Book

8. Basic calculations & comparison of different renewable energy devices for desalination Error! Bookm
8.1. Basic data on solar radiation for Pondicherry Error! Book
8.2. Calculation of irradiation on tilted surfaces Error! Book
8.3. Irradiation on a non-concentrating Solar Power Plant (e.g. Photovoltaic) Error! Book
8.4. Irradiation of Solar Concentrating Systems (e.g. parabolic trough concentrators) Error! Book
8.5. Cost calculation for Solar Systems Error! Book

9. Economical cost calculation for combined Desalination and renewable energy devices Error! Bookm

10. Important site aspects for implementation of a desalination plant in the Study Area Error! Bookm
10.1. Location in the Region Error! Book
10.2. Extraction Error! Book
10.2.1. Seawater extraction Error! Book
10.2.2. Well intake of Seawater Error! Book
10.3. Government Permission Error! Book
10.4. Social and environmental impact study Error! Book
10.5. Power supply Error! Book
10.6. Underground storage for fresh water Error! Book
10.7. Supply and distribution to the Study Area (basics) Error! Book

11. What would be the right choice of a desalination plant for Auroville and its Bioregion? Error! Bookm
11.1. Aims Error! Book
11.1.1. Easy handling, maintenance by a minimum of personnel Error! Book

III
A sustainable Water Management Concept for Auroville and its Bioregion, Desalination, A Pre feasibility Study

A Report by Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng.) et. al., Auroville 605101, India; dirkn@auroville.org.in, Off: 0413-3290-312

11.1.2. Economical Investment in combination with a long lifetime Error! Book

11.1.3. Flexibility and easy extendibility Error! Book
11.1.4. Maximum efficiency in energy consumption, 24 h production Error! Book
11.1.5. Minimum use of chemicals, environmental impact Error! Book
11.1.6. Multi Type Plant (brackish/ seawater) Error! Book
11.1.7. Optimal use of the land Error! Book
11.2. Rating of the Aims Error! Book
11.3. Assessment Matrix Error! Book
11.4. Explanation of the Evaluation of the Aims Error! Book
11.4.1. Aim 1: Easy handling, maintenance and minimum of personnel Error! Book
11.4.2. Aim 2: Economical Investment in combination with a long lifetime Error! Book
11.4.3. Aim 3: Flexibility and easy extendibility Error! Book
11.4.4. Aim 4: Maximum efficiency in energy consumption, 24 h production Error! Book
11.4.5. Aim 5: Minimum use of chemicals, Environmental impact Error! Book
11.4.6. Aim 6: Multi Type Plant (brackish / seawater) Error! Book
11.4.7. Aim 7: Optimal use of the land Error! Book

12. Conclusion Error! Bookm

13. Thanks and greetings Error! Bookm

14. Annexure Error! Bookm

14.1. Solar radiation time series for Pondicherry Error! Book
14.2. Economical cost calculation sheets Error! Book
14.3. Bibliography 4
14.4. Nomenclature Error! Book
14.5. Internet links Error! Book

15. Mother’s words on Desalination Error! Bookm

16. Udar’s write-ups from meetings with the Mother on Solar Energy Error! Bookm
16.1. Sri Aurobindo and Solar Power Error! Book

17. Syllabi of the Presentation of Dr. Kalam, President of India, to the Legislators of the
Pondicherry Legislative Assembly, 1st of November 2004 Error! Bookm

18. About the Authors Error! Bookm

18.1. Martina Schimanski Error! Book
18.2. Dirk Nagelschmidt Error! Book
18.3. Walter Wagner Error! Book

IV
A sustainable Water Management Concept for Auroville and its Bioregion, Desalination, A Pre feasibility Study

A Report by Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng.) et. al., Auroville 605101, India; dirkn@auroville.org.in, Off: 0413-3290-312

1. Executive Summary

The outcome of an international water seminar, which was held in Auroville in September 2004, was
a variety of proposals for the future water supply for Auroville, its Bioregion and for the
Matrimandir Lake. One possibility to guarantee a safe and future water supply is to desalinate
seawater.

The CO2 emissions and the impact on the world climate of conventional energy devices are
uncontroversial. It is clear that with every liter of freshwater produced with conventional energy; the
CO2 emission has a negative impact on the world climate. Therefore emphasis was laid on an
alternative desalination plant combined with renewable energy devices.

In this document the author explains different desalination technologies as well as renewable energy
systems. An economical cost calculation was made for selected combined desalination systems with
various plant sizes of 500 m3/d; 1,000 m3/d; 5,000 m3/d and 10,000 m3/d.

The question: “What would be the right desalination plant for Auroville and its Bioregion” was
answered by a discussion of different possible desalination methods powered by renewable energy
devices, e.g. reverse Osmosis powered by Photovoltaic etc.

Seven important aims with different weight were defined:

1. Easy handling, maintenance and minimum of personnel

2. Economical investment in combination with a long lifetime

3. Flexibility and easy extendibility

4. Maximum efficiency in energy consumption, 24 h production

5. Minimum use of chemicals, Environmental impact

6. Multi Type Plant (brackish/ seawater)

7. Optimal use of the land

All Aims were discussed, rated and assessed with a matrix. The outcome from the evaluation was
that a Reverse Osmosis desalination plant powered by a wind turbine is the best solution to produce
fresh water. The economical cost calculation showed up that water can be produced for Rs 22 per m3
with this combination. The low cost price of the fresh water is supported through the re-selling of the
surplus electricity.

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A sustainable Water Management Concept for Auroville and its Bioregion, Desalination, A Pre feasibility Study

A Report by Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng.) et. al., Auroville 605101, India; dirkn@auroville.org.in, Off: 0413-3290-312

In case “waste steam” would be available a MEDfree-steam system would be the best option concerning
the pre set seven aims. For example a 10,000 m3/d MEDfree-steam powered by PV could produce fresh
water for Rs 35 per m3. Again the cheapest option would be to combine the system with a wind
turbine; then the water price will be app. Rs 20 per m3.

Not included in this price are the storage facilities, distribution/ piping network, pump station as well
as the necessary treatment facility for the brine. A separate study has to be done to clarify this costs.

For the second planning phase of the desalination plant several questions, like exact location, land
availability, well tests, brine disposal treatment, Wind Park and TNEB connection etc. have to be
answered by separate studies. It is important to include an environmental and social impact study at
this stage already.

Auroville/ Februar 2007

Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng)

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A sustainable Water Management Concept for Auroville and its Bioregion, Desalination, A Pre feasibility Study

A Report by Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng.) et. al., Auroville 605101, India; dirkn@auroville.org.in, Off: 0413-3290-312

2. Introduction

Over extraction, coastal salinisation and pollution of ground and river waters are major problems in
India. Missing waste water treatment systems and the necessary awareness support these processes.
The International Town planning project "Auroville" and its bio region are facing these problems,
too. Auroville was born 1968 from a vision of Mira Alfassa called the “Mother”. The Mother was
the spiritual leader of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. The city of Auroville is located on
the Bay of Bengal, 160 km south of Tamil Nadu’s capital city Chennai in India. Presently the city is
under development.

One vision of the Mother was that the Matrimandir, the soul and centre of Auroville should be
surrounded by a lake. But where to find the water for the lake, as the Matrimandir is built on a
plateau 52 m above main sea level? There is no river nearby and the groundwater aquifers are nearly
empty. The safe drinking water supply for Auroville and the app. 45.000 inhabitants of Auroville’s
immediate surrounding bio region is in danger.

To find a solution, an international water seminar was held in Auroville in September 2004. It was
supported by UNESCO and the President of India, His Excellency Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
Experts from India, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Israel participated in the conference too.
The outcomes of this conference were different proposals for the future water supply for Auroville,
its bio region and as well for the Matrimandir Lake.

In December 2004, a Tsunami hit the coastal line of Auroville’s Bioregion and the ground water in
the wells of the affected villages turned salty. These areas have an emergency need for a safe
drinking water supply.

One possibility to guarantee a safe and future water supply is to desalinate seawater. In this
pre-feasibility study the author discusses the possibility of a desalination plant for Auroville and its
bio region.

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A sustainable Water Management Concept for Auroville and its Bioregion, Desalination, A Pre feasibility Study

A Report by Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng.) et. al., Auroville 605101, India; dirkn@auroville.org.in, Off: 0413-3290-312

14.3.1 Bibliography

[1] BRENDEL THOMAS, Dissertation, Solare Meerwasserentsalzung mit mehrstufiger

Verdunstung , Ruhruniversität Bochum 2003.

[2] BUND DER ENERGIEVERBRAUCHER, Stromerzeugung Wasser und erneuerbare

Energien, Page 894.

[3] BUROS, O.K., INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION ASSOCIATION, The ABC’s of

Desalination, 1990.

[4] BUROS O.K ET AL, The USAID Desalination Manual. Produced by CH2M HILL
International for the U.S. Agency for International Development. 1980.

[5] CREST, CENTER FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, The

development of a small scale high performance PV powered RO system, University of
Loughborough, UK 2001

[6] COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES DIRECTORATE - GENERAL

FOR ENERGY TRANSPORT: Renewable Energy Driven Desalination Systems-REDDES,
2002

[7] DME DEUTSCHE MEERWASSERENTSALUNG E.V., Einfuehrung in die

Meerwasserentsalzung, Presentation folder, DME workshop 4.10.2004

[8] ENERGY RECOVERING SYSTEMS LTD, San Leandro, USA www.energy-recovery.com

[9] EUROPEAN DESALINATION SOCIETY, Olga L. Villa Sallangos, Euromed

2004 Morocco. Operating experience of the Dhekelia seawater desalination plant using an
innovative energy recovery system.

[10] FEDERAL MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, NATURE CONSERVATION AND

NUCLEAR SAFETY (BMU), DLR DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT UND
RAUMFAHRT, Concentrating Solar Power Now, December 2002, E-Mail:
service@bmu.bund.de Internet: http://www.bmu.de

[11] GOEBEL OLAF, Concepts for Solar and Wind Powered Desalination Systems, DME
Congress, Seawater Desalination in Saudi Arabia Status, Challenges & Solutions October
5th - 7th 2004, Lahmeyer International GmbH

[12] HIRSCHBERG, STEFAN; BAUER, CHRISTIAN; BURGHERR; PETER; BIOLLAZ,

SERGE; DURISCH, WILHELM; FOSKOLOS, KONSTANTIN; HARDEGGER, PETER;
MEIER, ANTON; SCHENLER, WARREN; SCHULZ, THORSTEN; STUCKI SAMUEL;
VOGEL, FREDERIC: Ganzheitliche Betrachtung von Energiesystemen (GaBE) Neue

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A sustainable Water Management Concept for Auroville and its Bioregion, Desalination, A Pre feasibility Study

A Report by Dirk Nagelschmidt (M.Eng.) et. al., Auroville 605101, India; dirkn@auroville.org.in, Off: 0413-3290-312

erneuerbare Energien und Nuklearanlagen: Potenziale und Kosten, PSI-Bericht Nr. 04-05
Mai 2005 ISSN 1019-0643

[13] INDIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION, Personal exchange with Dr. Anil Kane,
chairman IWEA, www.inwa.org

[14] INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION & WATER (D&W) REUSE QUARTERLY. A

Lineal/Green Publication. USA

[15] INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION & WATER REUSE MAGAZINE (D&WR),

November/ December 2004 Volume 14/ No 3 Issue.

[16] LATTERMANN SABINE & HOEPNER THOMAS, Seawater Desalination Impacts of

Brine and chemical discharge on the Marine Environment, Desalination Publications, Italy
2003

[17] NIKOLAY VOUCHKOV, Use of beach well intakes for large desalination plants,
Everything about water magazine, November/ December 2005 Issue.

[18] NIOT, NATIONAL INSTITUE OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI

http://www.niot.res.in

[19] PILKINGTON SOLAR INTERNATIONAL GMBH, Statusbericht Solarthermische

Kraftwerke 1996, Mühlengasse 7, D- 50667 Köln, Germany.

[20] QUASCHNING, VOLKER: Regenerative Energiesysteme Technologie – Berechnung –

Simulation, Carl Hanser Verlag München Wien, 2006

[21] TRIEB, FRANZ; KRONSHAGE, STEFAN; QUASCHNING, VOLKER; DERSCH,

JÜRGEN; LERCHENMÜLLER, HANSJÖRG; MORIN, GABRIEL; HÄBERLE,
ANDREAS: Zukunftsinvestitionsprogramm des Bundesministeriums für Umwelt,
Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit, SOKRATES-Projekt, Solarthermische
Kraftwerkstechnologie für den Schutz des Erdklimas, 2004

[22] UNITED NATIONS. Non-Conventional Water Resource Use in Developing Countries. (UN
Pub No. E.87.II.A.20.) 1987.

[23] WANGNICK, KLAUS. 1998 IDA Worldwide Desalting Plants Inventory Report No. 15.
Produced by Wangnick Consulting for International Desalination Association. 1998.

[24] WILLIAMS ALAN DR. Large scale solar desalination using multi effective Humidification,
Personal Information paper, unpublished, UK April 2005

[25] WIKIPEDIA, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page