The clock is ticking. Fact is the Dead Sea is drying up. Something must be done. Sooner is better.
The Red Sea Canal/pipeline is simply not viable. I am amazed the proposed project has gotten as far is it has.
2. Lawrence L Stewart, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
However the real genius is going to a tunnel, which provides essenti
route. The geological strata should present no challenge to the state of the art tunnel
boring machines.
Regarding how to proceed, one suggestion is to find a company within Israel that can
put together the proposal and present it t
good if the company were engaged in projects in Jordan. I’m thinking of a company like
Siemens.
Nevertheless, a WAG at the cost is:
If the surface area* of the sea is allowed to support a power generation o
budget for a 5 year payback at US $0.15 kwh would be about US $1.3B.
A 200MW hydroelectric station would cost around US$200M.
That would leave about US$1B for the tunnel. That would be US$22M/mile.
The Shanghai River Crossing Tunnel was bu
diameter and 4.6 miles long
tunnel should be substantially less.
The project could possibly be built for US$1.3B with a 5 year payback.
*There are things that c
allow a greater inflow and proportionally greater generation.
DEAD SEA Restoration
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
However the real genius is going to a tunnel, which provides essentially a 100% secure
route. The geological strata should present no challenge to the state of the art tunnel
The route
tunnel is the same as that
for the pipeline, 107 km.
If allowed by the politics,
the shortest tunnel
distance is 74 km,
passing essentially
beneath Jerusalem.
More can be said about
this approach in a follow
up discussion
Regarding how to proceed, one suggestion is to find a company within Israel that can
put together the proposal and present it to the appropriate authority. It would be very
good if the company were engaged in projects in Jordan. I’m thinking of a company like
Nevertheless, a WAG at the cost is:
If the surface area* of the sea is allowed to support a power generation o
budget for a 5 year payback at US $0.15 kwh would be about US $1.3B.
A 200MW hydroelectric station would cost around US$200M.
That would leave about US$1B for the tunnel. That would be US$22M/mile.
The Shanghai River Crossing Tunnel was built for US$27M. The tunnel is 50.6 ft
diameter and 4.6 miles long, US$5.37M per mile. The unit cost for a 46 mile long
tunnel should be substantially less.
The project could possibly be built for US$1.3B with a 5 year payback.
*There are things that can be done to improve the evaporation rate which would
allow a greater inflow and proportionally greater generation.
Page 2 of 11
ally a 100% secure
route. The geological strata should present no challenge to the state of the art tunnel
The route length for the
tunnel is the same as that
for the pipeline, 107 km.
If allowed by the politics,
the shortest tunnel
distance is 74 km,
passing essentially
beneath Jerusalem.
More can be said about
this approach in a follow-
up discussion
Regarding how to proceed, one suggestion is to find a company within Israel that can
o the appropriate authority. It would be very
good if the company were engaged in projects in Jordan. I’m thinking of a company like
If the surface area* of the sea is allowed to support a power generation of 200 MW, a
budget for a 5 year payback at US $0.15 kwh would be about US $1.3B.
That would leave about US$1B for the tunnel. That would be US$22M/mile.
r US$27M. The tunnel is 50.6 ft
The unit cost for a 46 mile long
The project could possibly be built for US$1.3B with a 5 year payback.
an be done to improve the evaporation rate which would
3. Lawrence L Stewart, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
In a few words, this Restoration Project is
this project will also benefit Jordan as it re
work out some arrangements of the power that is generated.
The power is really secondary to restoring the Dead Sea. The power generated can
pay for the project in 5 years.
DEAD SEA Restoration
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
this Restoration Project is a benefit to Israel. I am of the opinion that
this project will also benefit Jordan as it restores the Dead Sea. Israel and Jordan could
work out some arrangements of the power that is generated.
The power is really secondary to restoring the Dead Sea. The power generated can
Page 3 of 11
a benefit to Israel. I am of the opinion that
stores the Dead Sea. Israel and Jordan could
The power is really secondary to restoring the Dead Sea. The power generated can
4. Lawrence L Stewart, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
DEAD SEA
The combination of topography, geography, and climate is ideal for the
Effective, Economical Exploitation of the associated natural resources of
producing potable water and electrical power.
The Mediterranean Sea to the west is a limitless source of water.
The seacoast geography provides a constant source of wind energy.
The latitude provides favorable condition
The elevation of the Dead Sea at 1,410.8 FBLS (430 MBSL) provides hydraulic head for
power generation. The exact ele
Interior mountains and valleys
storage.
The following commentary describes a system that combines the above resources to
supply a substantial quantity of power and water to the nation of Israel
Concept. The E4 Concept comprises several phases, summarized as:
1. Dead Sea Hydro Power Generation Station
a. Electrical Power
b. Irrigation Water
c. Sea Salt Recovery
2. dZTM
Process Power Generation and Water Production
a. Wind and Solar Farms
b. dZBoilerTM
3. dPGTM
Energy Storage System
a. Energy Storage
b. Energy Transmission
c. Distributed Power Generation
d. Distributed Potable Water Production
Only Phase 1 is covered in this introductory paper.
75 MW or more of power can be generated while restoring the Dead Sea
Page 2, Table 1. If the Dead Sea is restored to 19
can exceed 100 MW.
A number of other innovations can be applied to greatly expand the benefit of Phase 1
and leading to the implementation of all phases.
DEAD SEA Restoration
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
DEAD SEA RESTORATION E4 CONCEPT
The combination of topography, geography, and climate is ideal for the E
xploitation of the associated natural resources of
producing potable water and electrical power. Hence the E4 Concept.
The Mediterranean Sea to the west is a limitless source of water.
The seacoast geography provides a constant source of wind energy.
The latitude provides favorable conditions for solar energy.
The elevation of the Dead Sea at 1,410.8 FBLS (430 MBSL) provides hydraulic head for
The exact elevation of the Dead Sea varies by published source.
and valleys provide elevations and reservoir volumes for pumped
The following commentary describes a system that combines the above resources to
supply a substantial quantity of power and water to the nation of Israel- The E4
Concept. The E4 Concept comprises several phases, summarized as:
Dead Sea Hydro Power Generation Station
Electrical Power
Irrigation Water
Sea Salt Recovery
Process Power Generation and Water Production
Wind and Solar Farms
Energy Storage System
Energy Storage
Energy Transmission
Power Generation
Distributed Potable Water Production
Only Phase 1 is covered in this introductory paper.
MW or more of power can be generated while restoring the Dead Sea
the Dead Sea is restored to 19th
Century condition, the power output
A number of other innovations can be applied to greatly expand the benefit of Phase 1
and leading to the implementation of all phases.
Page 4 of 11
Efficient,
Israel for
The elevation of the Dead Sea at 1,410.8 FBLS (430 MBSL) provides hydraulic head for
tion of the Dead Sea varies by published source.
for pumped
The following commentary describes a system that combines the above resources to
The E4
MW or more of power can be generated while restoring the Dead Sea, described on
the power output
A number of other innovations can be applied to greatly expand the benefit of Phase 1
5. Lawrence L Stewart, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
PHASE 1. DEAD SEA HYDRO POWER GENERATION STATION
ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION
Fig
Fig
DEAD SEA Restoration
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
DEAD SEA HYDRO POWER GENERATION STATION
ENERATION
Hydroelectric power can be generated
flow from the Mediterranean Sea to the Dead
Sea. 400+ meter elevation difference provid
ample hydraulic head to produce power, limited
only by the fill rate allowed for the Dead Sea.
The conduit must be large to minimize flow
loss. A tunnel, pipeline or combination
be used. One possible routing is
Figure 1, from Gavrieli1
above Gaza, transiting
toward Beersheba and then east to the Dead
Sea, a run of about 62 miles. Water flow via
tunnel is totally gravity driven. A pipeline or
combination would be powered by the siphon
effect. No pumping.
The conduit path can be adjusted
for economical and security factors.
two (2) hydroelectric turbine(s) are installed at
the tunnel discharge for reliability.
Table 1 shows the potential hydroelectric
power that can be generated based on
conditions of the Dead Sea described
Gavrieli2
.
* Graphs 1 and 2 show other conditions for Table 2
** Evaporation rate set at 1m per m
2
The Calculation of the hydroelectric
described as follows:
TABLE 1 – POTENTIAL HYDROELECTRIC POWER
Dead Sea Condition, Figure 2* 20th Century
Elevation, mbsl 392
Surface Area, km2 950
Annual Water Deficit, m3 ** 913,500,000
Water Flow, m/s 30.12
Hydroelectric Power, MW 107
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Page 5 of 11
can be generated by water
flow from the Mediterranean Sea to the Dead
elevation difference provides
to produce power, limited
lowed for the Dead Sea.
large to minimize flow
, pipeline or combination could
possible routing is overlaid on
Gaza, transiting
east to the Dead
62 miles. Water flow via
tunnel is totally gravity driven. A pipeline or
be powered by the siphon
adjusted as required
for economical and security factors. At least
are installed at
for reliability.
ydroelectric
based on the
ons of the Dead Sea described by
show other conditions for Table 2
of surface water.
hydroelectric power is
POTENTIAL HYDROELECTRIC POWER
20th Century 21st Century
413
650
913,500,000 625,000,0003
30.12 19.82
77
6. Lawrence L Stewart, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
Hydroelectric output is calculated by the Formula:
P = ηρQgh, where:
P, power in watts
η, turbine efficiency (decimal
ρ, water density, kg/m3
Q, water flow, m3
/sec
G, acceleration due to gravity
m/sec2
H, hydraulic head, m
DEAD SEA Restoration
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
, August 11, 2013 Original, February 23, 2018 Update
Hydroelectric output is calculated by the Formula:
decimal)
3
acceleration due to gravity.
Page 6 of 11
7. DEAD SEA RESTORATION
Lawrence L Stewart, June 18, 2018
η can range between 80% and 95%, higher efficiencies
http://www.mpoweruk.com/hydro_power.htm
although 95% is more likely applicable
The flow rate is 19.82 m3
/s, which is the am
evaporation rate stated by Gavrieli
During periods of higher evaporation, the water flow could be increased. I
Sea area is allowed to expand
output, proportional to the larger
Calculation:
Conditions are per Table 1. Sea water Density is 1
P = (0.90×1.025×19.82×9.81×
P = 74.6 MW (shown in Table 1)
Power Generation potential for different surface areas and evaporation rates
based on allowable Dead Sea
TABLE 2 – HYDROELECTRIC
Surface Elevation Surface Area
mbsl km
2
416 625
400 694
396.24 875
390 1046
380 1134
370 1217
360 1277
350 1336
340 1389
330 1436
DEAD SEA RESTORATION
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
can range between 80% and 95%, higher efficiencies apply to larger turbines ref
http://www.mpoweruk.com/hydro_power.htm . 90% is selected as a conservative figure,
pplicable.
which is the amount of water needed to matc
Gavrieli et al for the present area Dead Sea conditions
During periods of higher evaporation, the water flow could be increased. I
expand, the water flow could be increased for greater power
larger surface area and elevation.
. Sea water Density is 1025 kg/m3
. Note density can vary.
×416)/1000 MW
able 1)
Power Generation potential for different surface areas and evaporation rates
based on allowable Dead Seaiv
HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATED, MW
Surface Area Power, MW
ER 1.0 m/yr ER 1.6 m/yr
74.6 119.3
79.6 127.4
99.5 159.1
1046 117.0 187.2
1134 123.6 197.8
1217 129.2 206.7
1277 131.9 211.0
1336 134.1 214.6
1389 135.5 216.8
1436 135.9 217.5
Page 7 of 11
larger turbines ref
as a conservative figure,
needed to match the 1 m/m2
conditions.
During periods of higher evaporation, the water flow could be increased. If the Dead
ased for greater power
. Note density can vary.
Power Generation potential for different surface areas and evaporation rates
8. Lawrence L Stewart, June 18, 2018
IRRIGATION WATER
Water can be routed to a Reverse Osmosis
potable water. The elevation of 330 mbsl for the
provides a head of 330 m (469 psi), more than
may require addition pumping depending on the quality of potable water required
SEA SALT RECOVERY
Reject water drained to the Dead Sea would reduce the available water for hydroelectric
generation. To avoid that reduction, the reject water could be drained to eva
ponds for sea salt production. The resulting sea salt would most likely not require
treatment to remove bromide.
Evaporation pond productions could be greatly increased by the use of solar heat
Indirectly by solar hot water system
direct by mirrors focused on the water surface
Both of the above.
OPERATION STRATEGY
Foregoing description treats the hydroelectric power generation as a
24/7/365 process. But the facility can be operated at various capacities to meet exigent
demand requirements, within the constraints of the allowable surface area/ water level.
For example it may be desirable to generate higher MW
year, accepting the consequent
generation may be preferred during the day and
Hydroelectric generation capacity
Allowed Dead Sea Surface area
Cost of higher capacity turbine
Cost of larger water conduit system.
DEAD SEA Restoration
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
routed to a Reverse Osmosis Facility for producing irrigation
n of 330 mbsl for the largest surface area shown on Graph 1
provides a head of 330 m (469 psi), more than sufficient for irrigation, potable water
ddition pumping depending on the quality of potable water required
Reject water drained to the Dead Sea would reduce the available water for hydroelectric
generation. To avoid that reduction, the reject water could be drained to eva
ponds for sea salt production. The resulting sea salt would most likely not require
treatment to remove bromide.
s could be greatly increased by the use of solar heat
Indirectly by solar hot water system,
rrors focused on the water surface,
Foregoing description treats the hydroelectric power generation as a continuous
he facility can be operated at various capacities to meet exigent
uirements, within the constraints of the allowable surface area/ water level.
For example it may be desirable to generate higher MW-Hrs during certain times
year, accepting the consequent reduced generation at other times. Or higher
y be preferred during the day and lower generation at night.
capacity can be varied as desired considering:
Allowed Dead Sea Surface area,
Cost of higher capacity turbine-generators and associated equipment,
conduit system.
Page 8 of 11
irrigation and/or
largest surface area shown on Graph 1
irrigation, potable water
ddition pumping depending on the quality of potable water required.
Reject water drained to the Dead Sea would reduce the available water for hydroelectric
generation. To avoid that reduction, the reject water could be drained to evaporation
ponds for sea salt production. The resulting sea salt would most likely not require
s could be greatly increased by the use of solar heat:
continuous
he facility can be operated at various capacities to meet exigent
uirements, within the constraints of the allowable surface area/ water level.
Hrs during certain times of the
at other times. Or higher
generation at night.
uipment,
9. Lawrence L Stewart, June 18, 2018
LAKE KINNERET
Lake Kinneret is encountering a
water for irrigation and drinking.
Some mitigation could be realized by installing a tunnel or siphon pipe system to from
the Mediterranean Sea to the appropriate area to exploit the potential hydraulic head
energy similar to that proposed for the Dead Sea.
This fresh water body has an elevation of 251
pressure of 24.6 bar (357 psi)
of the reverse osmosis process to make irrigation
substantial increase to make potable water. Improvements in RO membrane technology
may ultimately reduce the osmotic pressur
possible at the available pressure.
Reject water would require eva
marketable.
Lake Kinneret is not suitable for
ecology would be destroyed by the attendant
MEDITERRANEAN SALINITY IMPACT ON POWER GEN
Hydroelectric power is directly proportional to the specific gravity of the seawater, which
in turn is dependent on the salinity and temperat
below the surface where the temperature and salinity are most favorable, i.e. balance of
lowest temperature highest salinity. The specific gravity of 1025 kg/m
value for ocean water. Actual eastern Mediterranean Sea salinity will be higher,
resulting in greater power generation.
CONCLUSION
Restoration schemes for the Dead Sea go back to the 19
for water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The innovation presented herein is to
connect the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean Sea by a tun
The above concept can be implemented
application to as summarized
CONCEPT. Details are omitted pending the disposition of the concept presented
herein.
Technological, financial and political
evaluated and accepted for further progress,
scope of this paper.
DEAD SEA Restoration
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
Lake Kinneret is encountering an issue with maintaining water level due to withdr
water for irrigation and drinking.
Some mitigation could be realized by installing a tunnel or siphon pipe system to from
Mediterranean Sea to the appropriate area to exploit the potential hydraulic head
energy similar to that proposed for the Dead Sea.
This fresh water body has an elevation of 251-209 m below sea level. The associated
(357 psi) – 20.5 bar (297 psi) may be sufficient for the application
of the reverse osmosis process to make irrigation water. Pressure would require
substantial increase to make potable water. Improvements in RO membrane technology
may ultimately reduce the osmotic pressure requirement to where potable water is
possible at the available pressure.
quire evaporation to dispose of the salt. The salt may be
for hydroelectric generation as the fresh water lake
logy would be destroyed by the attendant influx of sea water.
MEDITERRANEAN SALINITY IMPACT ON POWER GENERATION
Hydroelectric power is directly proportional to the specific gravity of the seawater, which
in turn is dependent on the salinity and temperature. The intake should be position
below the surface where the temperature and salinity are most favorable, i.e. balance of
lowest temperature highest salinity. The specific gravity of 1025 kg/m3 is
value for ocean water. Actual eastern Mediterranean Sea salinity will be higher,
resulting in greater power generation.
Restoration schemes for the Dead Sea go back to the 19th
Century, all based on a canal
for water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The innovation presented herein is to
connect the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean Sea by a tunnel or tunnels, or Siphon Pipe
implemented and integrated with other technology
summarized in the introductory DEAD SEA RESTORATION E4
Details are omitted pending the disposition of the concept presented
political viability of the Dead Sea Restoration
for further progress, considerations which are outside
Page 9 of 11
with maintaining water level due to withdrawal of
Some mitigation could be realized by installing a tunnel or siphon pipe system to from
Mediterranean Sea to the appropriate area to exploit the potential hydraulic head
209 m below sea level. The associated
the application
Pressure would require
substantial increase to make potable water. Improvements in RO membrane technology
e requirement to where potable water is
salt. The salt may be
esh water lake
Hydroelectric power is directly proportional to the specific gravity of the seawater, which
ure. The intake should be position
below the surface where the temperature and salinity are most favorable, i.e. balance of
an average
value for ocean water. Actual eastern Mediterranean Sea salinity will be higher,
Century, all based on a canal
for water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The innovation presented herein is to
or tunnels, or Siphon Pipe
other technology
RESTORATION E4
Details are omitted pending the disposition of the concept presented
Restoration must be
outside the
10. Lawrence L Stewart, June 18, 2018
NOTES:
EVAPORATION RATES
“Actual evaporation ranges from about 1,300 to 1,600 mm and varies with the salinity at
the surface of the Dead Sea, which is affected by the annual volume of freshwater
inflow. “v
CONDITIONS FOR CALCULATIONS OF TABLE 2
Water in Israel: Overview of Midd
1998)
Dead Sea Graphs were extracted from
information was used for the Electrical
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/overview
Graph 2
DEAD SEA Restoration
&
POWER GENERATION
E4 CONCEPT
Actual evaporation ranges from about 1,300 to 1,600 mm and varies with the salinity at
the surface of the Dead Sea, which is affected by the annual volume of freshwater
LATIONS OF TABLE 2vi
Water in Israel: Overview of Middle East Water Resources (Updated December
extracted from the above document and copied below.
Electrical Power Generation calculations shown
The surface area of the Dead Sea is
known to have varied between about
1,440 km2
at its historical high of
330 m below sea level, and
km2
at 410 m below sea
greater than twofold difference.
is a corresponding difference in the
volume of water lost to evaporation
each year.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/overview-of-middle-east-water
Page 10 of 11
Actual evaporation ranges from about 1,300 to 1,600 mm and varies with the salinity at
the surface of the Dead Sea, which is affected by the annual volume of freshwater
Updated December
document and copied below. The
shown in Table 2.
area of the Dead Sea is
known to have varied between about
at its historical high of about
330 m below sea level, and about 670
at 410 m below sea level, a
difference. There
difference in the
to evaporation
water-resources
Graph 1