Optimal integration of small scale hybrid solar wind RO-MSF desalination system

Abstract

Solar and wind are two main resources of renewable energies that can supply the energy requirement in the most of world's regions. Iran has desirable condition in terms of solar and wind energy and also is faced with shortage of fresh water resources. Hybrid solar wind RO-MSF desalination system that works with two clean and renewable energy resources of solar and wind, could be a sustainable energy resource for water desalination. Hence, in this paper for evaluating the performance of salty water desalination by hybrid RO-MSF desalination plants, a hybrid system is designed and optimized. Different models of solar wind RO-MSF was considered and analyzed technically and economically. Finally a model which can be used in small scale desalination sites was presented. Design configurations of the hybrid solar-wind RO-MSF desalination systems was done, optimization and sensitivity analysis were done and simulation code of solar wind RO-MSF system for sizing the system were written. Hybridization of RO and MSF systems with two renewable energy resources of wind and solar were led to an increase in reliability and flexibility of system and quality of produced drinking water. The desalinated water price was 1.35–1.84$/m3 depends on different solar wind RO-MSF models. In small scale the solar wind integrated RO-MSF1 was shown the least desalinated water price and most produced desalted water but in large scale the solar wind integrated RO-MSF HR3 was shown the best results. The tests results of manufactured solar wind integrated RO-MSF1 justified the model results.