Can solar power power seawater desalination processes?

This study aims to (i) assess the progress of solar energy systems including concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) to power both thermal and membrane seawater desalination processes including MSF, MED, and RO and (ii) evaluate the economic considerations and associated challenges with recommendations for further improvements.

Can solar energy systems be integrated with thermal and membrane seawater desalination methods?

The most associated challenges and possible remediation methods of solar energy systems integrated with thermal and membrane seawater desalination methods are summarised below; To run the desalination plant consistently at static loading, an energy storage device or an auxiliary energy source is essential.

What is solar-thermal desalination?

Solar-thermal desalination (STD) is a potentially low-cost, sustainable approach for providing high-quality fresh water in the absence of water and energy infrastructures. Despite recent efforts to advance STD by improving heat-absorbing materials and system designs, the best strategies for maximizing STD performance remain uncertain.

Can solar thermal energy be used to power desalination systems?

The generated thermal energy and electricity can be used to power the desalination systems. More specifically, solar thermal energy can be directly used to provide steam for MSF and MED while can be indirectly converted to mechanical or electrical energy to operate the RO process.

Are solar energy devices used in water desalination?

They reported, that 43% and 27% of water production with the use of photovoltaic cells and concentrated solar power systems, respectively. This demonstrates the lack of use of solar energy devices in the water desalination sector.

How does solar desalination work?

Solar desalination usually can be divided into direct methods, such as solar still, and indirect methods which use either PV or solar collectors to harvest the solar energy for desalination systems. Despite solar desalination being applied in many regions, such as Middle East and North America, its global use is limited due to high costs.