Theoretical Analysis of Wind Turbine Generator for Enhancing Efficiency of an Autonomous Solar Desalination Unit

Abstract

This work was motivated by the increasing awareness of the need for enhancing water supplies schemes in arid and coastal areas featuring an appropriate technology for wind energy use. The development of this technology at small scale might be the most economical solution for providing potable water to remote and coastal communities where the electric grid and the proper infrastructure are lacking. The present article analyzes theoretically a wind turbine generator to improve the efficiency of an autonomous desalination unit. Three climatic zones in coastal Egypt—Mediterranean Sea coast and the Red Sea coast have been evaluated and the acoustic noise analysis and calculation from the proposed wind turbine are presented. The mechanical coupling of wind turbine and helical shaft to break the boundary layer of the basin water surface and, therefore, to enhance the performance of the solar desalination system is studied. The analytical assessment reveals that the Egyptian coastal areas are ideally suited for harvesting wind energy for regional economic development. Results show that Hurghada and Mersa-Matruh areas have a considerable wind energy potential that could be used for improving the distillation process.