Modeling of buoyant jets in a cross flow

Over the last decades, the necessity to discover new sources of renewable energy, in order to satisfy the energy requirement of our planet respecting the environment, is quite evident. One source can be found in plants that produce power by means of osmotic pressure through the mixing of fresh and salt water across a suitable membrane. The objectives of the present research is to assess the effects of the outflow that is discharged from the osmotic power plant into the repository water body. A vigorous program of experimental studies using modern field-revolving techniques will be carried out on a new system that is constructing by PRIN 2010- 2011 “Hydroelectric energy by osmosis in coastal areas” funds, supported by detailed mathematical modeling. The present study deals with the calibration of the numerical model with experimental results. The evaluation of the preliminary results shows a quite good agreement with the experimental data.