Abstract
This research presents a technical simulation of theoretically portable desalination systems utilising low-energy and lightweight components that are either commercially available or currently in development. The commercially available components are small-scale flexible and portable photovoltaic (PV) modules, Li-ion battery-converter units, and high pressure low voltage brushless DC motor-powered micropumps. The theoretical and conventional small-scale desalination membranes are compared against each other: low-pressure reverse osmosis (RO), nanofilters, graphene, graphene oxide, and graphyne technology. The systems were designed with the identical PV-Li-ion specifications and simulation data to quantify the energy available to power the theoretical energy demand for desalinating a saline water at 30,000–40,000 ppm total dissolved solid (TDS) to reliably supply the minimum target of 3.5 L d−1 of freshwater for one theoretical year. The results demonstrate that modern portable commercially available PV-battery systems and new generations of energy-efficient membranes under development have the potential to enable users to sustainably procure daily drinking water needs from saline/contaminated water resources, with the system exhibiting a net reduction in weight than carrying water itself.
Highlights
Twenty five percent of the global population live in arid or semi-arid regions, and lack access to quality and reliable water supplies [1]
This research presents a technical simulation of theoretically portable desalination systems utilising low-energy and lightweight components that are either commercially available or currently in development
The theoretical and conventional small-scale desalination membranes are compared against each other: low-pressure reverse osmosis (RO), nanofilters, graphene, graphene oxide, and graphyne technology
Summary
Twenty five percent of the global population live in arid or semi-arid regions, and lack access to quality and reliable water supplies [1]. Diesel fuel and associated transport costs can be very high in many remote areas, and utilising renewable energy desalination systems is a promising opportunity [3]. Water-limited regions often have excellent solar resources, and small-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems coupled to suitable water treatment technologies are increasingly able to cost-effectively supply this demand [4,5]. Traditional direct solar thermalpowered desalination remains an attractive option for small-scale desalting in remote regions with several competitive advantages, including very low operating costs, no moving parts, and low operational maintenance [2,6,7]. In practice many traditional solar desalination/distillation facilities are abandoned due to basic operational issues, or the availability of alternative water sources [7]
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