Wind and Wave Energy for Reverse Osmosis

Abstract

The idea of using Renewable Energy Sources (RES) to drive desalination processes is fundamentally attractive, as a considerable number of in-depth studies and real-life applications demonstrate. Renewable energy systems convert naturally occurring energy (sunlight, wind, etc.) into usable electrical, mechanical or thermal energy. Most of these systems are well established and reliable, with a significant number of applications all over the world. The selection of the most suitable technological combination for RES/desalination is an important factor in the success of a project. Wind energy turbines to drive Reverse Osmosis (RO) units is the second most used combination, following that of photovoltaic (PV)/RO systems. Only a few studies and applications have been done on the use of wave energy to drive RO units. Wave energy is a relatively new technology with only a small number of applications being used for electricity production. In this chapter, an overview of wind and wave energy technologies and their coupling with RO units for seawater desalination is presented. Additionally, a description of existing applications, economic data, as well as market potential, is provided.