Evaluation of different hybrid power scenarios to Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination units in isolated areas in Iraq

Abstract

Hybrid systems utilizing renewable energy and conventional diesel generators are important sources for the supply of electricity to remote areas. To maximize the use of the renewable energy resource, the size and operation of the hybrid system components need to be matched to the load and the available renewable resources. The software (HybridRO), which is suitable for the examination of several types of power supply systems using renewable (solar and wind) and conventional energy sources for a Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination unit, was used to simulate the performance of a hybrid power supply system to provide the required power to an RO desalination plant. A small community in the south of Iraq is chosen in this study as an example of the small communities that depends on ground water for providing drinking and other essential water needs. The study concluded that the lowest water cost is 1.8 $/m 3 for RO unit powered by either a diesel generator or by a combination of diesel, wind, and solar power. Relying on renewable energy only increase the water cost to 2.3–2.4 $/m 3 depending on the source type. A significant reduction in the fuel burned occurred with the introduction of the renewable energy sources.