Comparative analysis of integrating standalone renewable energy sources with brackish water reverse osmosis plants: Technical and economic perspectives

Abstract

This paper tries to simulate and discuss the possible solutions that improve the economic and technical performances of a battery-less renewable energy-powered BWRO system according to the real climate conditions. The systems are considered in two capacities (50 and 100 m3/day) and are powered using photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, or both. Four scenarios are considered to couple the RO unit with renewable energy (RE) sources: simple; elevated brackish water tank; variable frequency drive; and a combination of the latter two. First, the simple approach is optimized for the lowest levelized cost of water, and then the other three scenarios are analyzed based on the optimized results of the first scenario. Results indicate that the hybrid system can provide more water (13,500 and 24,900 m3/year). However, due to its homogenous nature and fewer fluctuations, the PV-based system shows better results from several viewpoints, such as specific energy consumption (1.08 kWh/m3 for both capacities) and unused energy ratio (0.32 and 0.28 for 50 and 100 m3/day devices). Also, the suggested scenarios improve the economic performance of the systems. With the modifications of scenario 4, the PV-based system enhances more and shows the lowest value of levelized cost of water (1.09 $/m3).