Desalination System Research Articles

Determining the optimization of seawater concentrate discharge of coastal desalination plants into the marine environment, based on numerical modeling.

In recent years, due to a decrement in water quality and scarcity, desalination systems have gained popularity for desalination purposes. Synchronously, with the development of this system, particularly, in concern with the littoral regions, seawater concentrate disposal consisting of various pollutants was taken into consideration. In this research, two desalination plants near each other were selected and four scenarios have been foreseen, for the discharge of seawater concentrate and the desalination intake, which are taken under study in the Ramin-Chabahar region, based on dual-dimensional hydrodynamic simulation, comprising of diffusion and release, by utilizing the MIKE 21 Software. Due to the proximity of the two desalination plants, to reduce the costs of piping in the sea, the location of discharge and intake were considered common. On the grounds pertaining to the modeling results, the discharge of seawater concentrates, at a distance of 300m (5m of depth) from the coast and the intake point, at a distance of 800m, in elongation, has had the minimum environmental impact; as well as having no undesirable effect on the water quality of the intake, in addition to being cost-effective, from the economic viewpoint. To dilute seawater concentrate to a standardized level, it is appropriate to discharge through a diffuser with 10 nozzles, which are spaced out at 3.25m from each other, being positioned linearly on one side, at an angle of 60 degrees. With the optimal selection of intake and discharge points of seawater concentrate in marine desalination plants, in addition to increasing the quality of treated water and reducing adverse environmental effects, construction and operation costs are also reduced.

Optimal configuration of low‐grade waste heat driven seawater desalination using data envelopment analysis: A case study of industrial application

AbstractWater supply challenges are caused by population growth, industrialization, as well as the scarcity of freshwater resources. Low‐grade waste heat‐driven seawater desalination technologies may improve the water‐energy nexus issues of desalination systems by different configurations. The data envelopment analysis is used to determine the best final decision to achieve a better comparison of different parameters. The optimal configuration of low‐grade waste heat driven seawater desalination is studied using flue gas waste heat in heat recovery boilers of an industrial oil refinery. Nine different types of multistage flash and multi‐effect distillation (MED) desalination plants have been considered. The results show that the multistage flash brine recirculation may produce more desalinated water while the multi‐effect distillation with three stages (3‐stage MED) has the best payback period. Using 3‐stage MED with a production of approximately 19,630 kg/h of water from 5.3 MW exhaust gas is more suitable for this design. Thus, the proposed strategy guides us toward the best decisions to configure low‐grade waste heat‐driven desalination plants for better design considering rigorous simulations for the plants. Moreover, this framework enables us to consider different criteria of technical, economic, and environmental issues for optimal configuration.

Facile synthesis of carbon black and sodium alginate based particles system for efficient solar desalination of highly concentrated brine

Interfacial solar desalination of seawater/wastewater is one of the most promising strategies to mitigate the crisis of freshwater shortage. Tremendous progress on improving the evaporation rate has been achieved over the past ten years, however, with the rapid evaporation at the interfacial region of water and air, salt simultaneously aggregates on the solar absorbers, reducing the stability of the evaporative performance. It is essential to design salt-resistant solar evaporators, especially for dealing with highly concentrated brine, in which salt clogging is more likely to occur. Here, we demonstrate a facile and scalable synthesis of self-cleaning particles system by coating carbon black (CB) onto expanded polystyrene (EPS), which can generate freshwater from high salinity brine. With sodium alginate (SA) as a binder, the EPS core-CB shell particles are fabricated by a simple ‘rolling rice dumpling’ strategy. These particles spontaneously gather to a system in water attributing to the surface tension, which function coordinatively to realize the self-cleaning process through rotating ascribed to the unbalanced force after salt crystallization. Benefiting from the low cost of materials, facile synthesis procedure, and good performance in high salinity water, our EPS-CB particles system opens up an avenue for the practical applications of interfacial solar desalination.

Estimation of best geometric and operational parameters of a nanophotonics-enabled solar membrane desalination system: A numerical investigation

Nanophotonics-enabled solar membrane desalination (NESMD) system is a sustainable method to address water scarcity by desalinating seawater using solar energy. A layer of nanoparticles absorbs heat, creating localized heating within feed channel, which generates a vapor pressure difference between feed and permeate channels. Distillate water is collected in permeate channel. Numerical modelling of NESMD system, integrating optical and thermal modules in COMSOL Multiphysics, efficiently enumerates distillate flux at specified locations under varying ambient conditions. Reliability of the simulation model is confirmed through validation against in-house experimental results. A set of most effective dimensions and component specifications for NESMD system are computed that maximize distillate flux. Setup width exhibits invariant distillate flux within a range of 2–30 cm, while a feed thickness of 2 mm yields maximum distillate flux, with no change observed for permeate thickness within a range of 2–10 mm. An optimal setup length is determined within 80–200 cm range under varying operating conditions. Membrane porosity of 0.85 is selected to balance both vapor diffusivity and mechanical strength. The optimum membrane thickness lies within 180–225 µm range. An NESMD system with these best suited specifications is demonstrated to produce freshwater at the rate of 4.63 l/m2 per day.

Development and assessment of a floating photovoltaic-based hydrogen production system integrated with storage options

The integrated system approach utilized in the current study represents an innovative approach to harnessing solar energy through a floating photovoltaic-based integrated plant featuring a diverse array of energy storage options. As part of this research, a solar energy system integrating both floating and concentrating solar technologies was designed at the specified site. Despite the constraints presented by the cold temperature at the chosen location, particularly during the winter months when solar irradiation is restricted, strategies are employed, such as exploiting the high albedo effect caused by the freezing of the water body, optimizing the application of solar radiation, and assuring the system's resilience and energy efficiency. Floating photovoltaic and concentrated solar panels are integral components of this advanced system, which is supplemented by underground hot and cold storage units, underground hydro-pumped storage, a multi-effect desalination system with freshwater storage, a lithium bromide absorption cooling system, and an alkaline electrolysis system for hydrogen and oxygen storage. This comprehensive energy strategy includes diverse storage and production technologies. The thermodynamic analyses and assessments employing the Engineering Equation Solver and the System Advisor Model provide some quantitative performance evaluations. The study considers time-dependent operational characteristics, illustrates the water withdrawal rates, energy and exergy efficiencies of the heating space temperature, inverter efficiency, GHI irradiance, mass, and volume values of the heat transfer fluid in both hot and cold tanks within thermal energy storage, annual cooling generation over a year, power production, hydropower storage, and hydrogen storage over a year. The system's concentrated solar panels are projected to generate an annual AC output of 180.79 GWh, with a yearly water usage of 14,055 m3, while floating panels are predicted to provide 7000 kWh with a 0.85 performance ratio. The overall energy efficiency of the current system is determined to be 51.76 %, and the exergy efficiency is found to be 55.41 %, respectively. Optimizing energy efficiency, utilizing diverse storage solutions, and utilizing aquatic environments minimizes environmental impact, and time-dependent analysis enhances perceptions of performance throughout different times and circumstances.

Model-based zero liquid discharge desalination for land-locked arid/semi-arid regions in India

The arid and semiarid regions usually are water-stressed. The available natural groundwater resources in these areas are, at times, saline and unfit for potable use. Desalination of saline water is a possible solution in such cases. However, discharge of concentrated brine is an issue, particularly in land-locked areas. In this regard, a case study has been presented for brackish water desalination in Western Rajasthan, India. As this is a land-locked desert area, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) desalination has been considered, offering a practical and sustainable solution. This study presents a novel approach to the model-based ZLD hybrid desalination system consisting of reverse osmosis and multi-effect distillation (RO-MED) systems producing drinking quality water and common salt. The simultaneous production of common salt has the potential to bring down the cost of drinking water produced by the system. A system design has been carried out for a real case based on the raw water analysis of groundwater in Western Rajasthan. Our hybrid (RO-MED-ZLD) model results indicate that RO reduced TDS from 4419 mg/l to 22 mg/l with a 67 % recovery rate. The proposed ZLD method recovers 93 % of salt crystals from MED brine solutions, potentially reaching 99 % with adjustments.

Experimental investigation of inclined solar still through localized interfacial evaporation using nano enhanced Bio wick under disparate flow rate

Water treatment is essential for obtaining potable water, and passive solar desalination offers a renewable and sustainable approach. However, productivity remains a key challenge for commercialization. Scaling up solar desalination systems while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness is a significant challenge. The current state of research in solar desalination is focused on developing scalable and sustainable solutions to address challenges faced in productivity. To address this issue, ongoing efforts focus on improving productivity under localized interfacial evaporation. The present study aims to enhance productivity, particularly at higher mass flow rates, through a series of experiments conducted in three sets. In the first set of experiments, a bare Integrated Solar Still (ISS) was utilized with various mass flow rates (0.29, 0.42, 0.75, and 1.3 kg/min). The highest hourly yield of potable water was observed during peak solar intensity, typically between 13:00 and 14:00 Hrs for all mass flow rates. However, as the mass flow rate increased, the hourly yield of potable water decreased. For instance, at 14:00 Hrs, the maximum yield was 0.235, 0.15, 0.12, and 0.06 kg/m2 for mass flow rates of 0.29, 0.42, 0.75, and 1.3 kg/min, respectively, in the ISS without wick material. The highest cumulative yield achieved was 1.6 kg/m2 during 0.29 kg/min mass flow rate, while the minimum clean water yield of 0.4 kg/m2 was obtained at 1.3 kg/min. In the second set of experiments, the goal was to improve productivity at higher mass flow rates. The use of Fe2O3-impregnated jute cloth in comparison to the bare ISS resulted in an average absorber temperature increase of 4∘C, 4.8∘C, 4.8∘C, and 4.9∘C for mass flow rates of 0.29, 0.42, 0.75, and 1.3 kg/min, respectively. Interestingly, the trend showed an increasing rate of reduction mitigation at higher mass flow rates. Simultaneously, the average water temperature increased by 4.2∘C, 4.5∘C, 6.4∘C, and 7.1∘C for the corresponding mass flow rates with Fe2O3-impregnated jute cloth. The introduction of jute cloth enhanced energy harvesting at all mass flow rates compared to the bare ISS. The maximum energy efficiency, at 48.02 %, was achieved with Fe2O3-impregnated jute cloth during the 0.29 kg/min mass flow rate, while the minimum energy efficiency, at 9.14 %, was recorded at the highest mass flow rate of 1.3 kg/min. Notably, the energy efficiency of the jute cloth-covered ISS surpassed that of the bare ISS by 12.44 %, 9.14 %, 7.15 %, and 3.14 % for mass flow rates of 0.29, 0.42, 0.75, and 1.3 kg/min, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of Fe2O3-impregnated jute cloth further improved energy efficiency, with enhancements of 8.19 %, 1.14 %, 6.36 %, and 9.57 % over the jute cloth-covered ISS for the respective mass flow rates. During the 0.75 kg/min mass flow rate, energy efficiency reached 26.12 %, closely matching the 27.3 % efficiency achieved at 0.29 kg/min in the bare ISS. The study also demonstrated a 2.29 % improvement in exergy with Fe2O3-impregnated jute cloth at a mass flow rate of 0.29 kg/min. In conclusion, the results suggest that the implementation of jute cloth over the ISS absorber basin can enhance overall efficiency and mitigate the negative impacts of increased mass flow rates via localized interfacial evaporation. The combination of a jute cloth wick and Fe2O3 nanoparticles holds promise for improving energy efficiency in solar still desalination.

Practicality and Economic Assessment on Using the Solar Organic Rankine Cycle as a Power Source for a Specific Membrane-based Desalination System

Practicality and Economic Assessment on Using the Solar Organic Rankine Cycle as a Power Source for a Specific Membrane-based Desalination System

Performance investigation of a novel free piston Stirling pump for reverse osmosis desalination systems

Renewable energy (RE)-powered desalination technology is considered a cleaner and promising alternative for alleviating energy exhaustion and environmental pollution resulting from traditional desalination. Currently available solar thermal reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems are based on the organic Rankine cycle. With the aim to expand the driving mode of reverse osmosis desalination as well as simplify the transmission chain and reduce mechanical energy losses, a novel hydraulic free piston Stirling pump (FPSP) is developed and a simple model is designed and tested for conceptual validation. A free piston Stirling pump - powered reverse osmosis desalination system is presented, and a thermodynamic–dynamic coupling model is established. A parametric analysis is performed with an emphasis on the effects of temperatures, charge pressure, spring stiffnesses, damping coefficients, and masses on the system performance, including the frequency, power output, water yield, and efficiency. Results showed that the frequency in the pumping process was higher than that in the suction process because of the different loads. Within the range investigated, the performance improved as the hot-end temperature, charge pressure, spring stiffnesses, and damping coefficient of the power piston increased, while it deteriorated with a decrease in the damping coefficient of the displacer and the piston masses. Specifically, the power output and water yield reached the optimum value as the cold-end temperature was maintained around 310 K. Under representative parameter conditions, the power output could reach 12.15 kW and the water yield was approximately 6.07 × 10−4 m3/s. In addition, the temperatures and charge pressure influence the system efficiency most.

Eco‐friendly approach to thermal energy storage: Assessing the thermal and chemical properties of coconut biochar‐enhanced phase change material

AbstractPhase change materials (PCMs) can absorb, store, and release substantial latent heat within a specific temperature range during phase transition and have gained huge attention due to environmental concerns and energy crises. However, PCMs have a significant downside in energy storage due to their relatively lower thermal conductivity, leading to inadequate heat transfer (HT) performance. The foremost aim of the research is to synthesize an eco‐friendly coconut shell biochar (CSB) dispersed with organic A46 PCM in the temperature range of 44°C to 46°C to form a green nanocomposite. A two‐step approach is adopted to formulate the nanocomposites with different weight concentrations (0.2% and 0.8%) of green CSB particles. The developed nanocomposite's thermal conductivity and chemical stability were examined using a thermal properties analyzer and a Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer. The developed biochar composites have excellent thermal conductivity (0.39 W/m K) compared with base PCM (0.22 W/m K). Also, the developed nanocomposites were physically mixed together; there were no additional functional groups formed compared to pristine PCM, and the prepared materials were composite. Furthermore, a numerical analysis was performed using two‐dimensional energy modeling software to ascertain the HT rate of A46 composites. These thermally energized green nanocomposites show great promise for thermal energy storage and thermal management applications like battery thermal management, photovoltaic thermal systems, desalination systems, electronic cooling, building applications, and textiles.

Hybrid air conditioning and seawater desalination system assisted by solar energy: thermoeconomic investigation and optimization

The demand for freshwater has become progressively critical due to population growth and water scarcity. The current work investigates the energetic performance of a hybrid absorption refrigeration and desalination system. A parametric study for the system operating conditions has been performed to get the optimal conditions. Also, economic analysis and a multi-objective optimization method are used with the aim of maximizing the energy utilization factor of the system and minimizing total costs. The specific cost of desalinated water from the multi-objective optimization is calculated as (1.728 Cent/L) with the greatest energy utilization factor of (2.214). It turns out that, the system performs optimum at condensation and generation temperatures of 30 and 65 °C respectively, with resultant COP and GOR of 0.84 and 1.37. Using the optimum conditions, TRNSYS has been used to investigate the transient performance of the system for Marsa–Matrouh City in Egypt. The cooling and freshwater demands are 10 kW and 24 L/h. It was concluded that the input energy required to run the hybrid system decreased by about 65% less than that required for separate systems. With the assistance of solar energy, it became clear that the energy required was 60% less than the hybrid system as well.

Assessment of thermoeconomic and thermoenvironmental impacts of a novel solar desalination system using a heat pump, evacuated tubes, cover cooling, and ultrasonic mist

Various desalination methods have been introduced to address the growing demand for freshwater. Among these methods, solar stills have emerged as one of the simplest approaches. However, their performance has been hindered by low reliability, particularly due to heavy reliance on solar energy year-round. Addressing this issue, this study presents a novel and reliable solar desalination unit incorporating an evacuated tube water solar heater as a heat collector and a 250 W heat pump unit for condensation. Additionally, ultrasonic atomizers are integrated to facilitate vapor generation and accelerate its separation from the hot water fed into the desalination unit. The research commences with the selection of the optimal number of atomizers, followed by a comprehensive analysis encompassing environmental, economic, exergy, and energy (4E) considerations for the system with the optimal atomizer configuration. Furthermore, cover cooling is implemented to enhance condensation rates. Results indicate that the system, equipped with a single atomizer, yields 19.565 L/m2 per day of distilled water, with daily energy and exergy efficiencies of 62.39 % and 6.04 %, respectively. Following cover cooling, the system achieves production of 20.95 L/m2 of distilled water per day, accompanied by energy and exergy efficiencies of 65.48 % and 6.67 %, respectively. These improvements represent enhancements in freshwater production, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency by 431.7 %, 57.82 %, and 74.61 %, respectively. Additionally, the system demonstrates a cost reduction of 14.36 % and a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by 11.17 tons CO2, underscoring its economic and environmental benefits.

Parametric study of low‐temperature solar‐assisted flash evaporation desalination systems using two‐phase water–steam ejector

AbstractThis study aims to investigate a two‐phase subsonic ejector added to a flash evaporation desalination system to increase the system productivity of distilled water. The flash evaporation was of low‐temperature condition that it could be powered by a flat and evacuated tube solar water heater. A parametric study of superheat degree (range 5°C–25°C), back pressure (range 10–30 kPa of absolute pressure), primary fluid flow rate (range 1–3 L/min), nozzle diameter (range 1–3 mm), and salinity concentration (range 0%–7%) were investigated to examine the system productivity and the ejector performance in terms of its entertainment ratio under different operating conditions. Results show that the inclusion of the ejector led to an average of 99% improvement in system productivity, primarily through the efficient secondary flow. Moreover, the effect of the studied parameter was more pronounced in the considered flash evaporation desalination system as it has two places where flash evaporation occurs, compared with the normal system where the flash evaporation occurs at one place. All in all, the application of the ejector could enhance the system's productivity significantly under different operating conditions.

Performance of tube heat pipe solar collector with phase change material for seawater desalination system

Abstract Unlimited seawater resources resulted for utilization of desalination systems using seawater treatment process emerges as a promising technology for addressing the continually escalating need for freshwater. At present, the most notable desalination processes that are reverse osmosis, membrane distillation, multistage desalination, multiple-effect distillation, and electrodialysis, require energy generated by fossil fuels to obtain fresh water. Among the noteworthy sources of renewable energy, solar energy stands out with its manifold applications. The use of solar energy has strong advantages, such as a low maintenance and operation costs. In this study, a novel solar desalination system is introduced, which integrates tube heat pipe solar collector (THP-SC) equipped with phase change material (PCM). The aim of this research is to evaluate the performance of THP-SC equipped with PCM and without PCM. The feedwater sample used is water. Parameters measured for 24 hours were temperature, solar radiation, ambient air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The greatest recorded solar radiation at noon (11.52 a.m.) is 900 W/m2 while the maximum recorded ambient temperature at 12.45 p.m. is 35.2°C. The experimental study showed that from morning to afternoon (06.00-15.00), the temperature of the evaporator section of the heat pipe on the THP-SC without PCM (46.70-56.21°C) was higher than the temperature of the evaporator section of the heat pipe on the THP-SC with PCM (33.18-44.43°C). This is because solar radiation will heat the PCM first before heating the heat pipe. PCM can store heat energy and release it at night. This can be seen from the water temperature in THP-SC with PCM (28.39-36.03) which is higher than the water temperature in THP-SC without PCM (27.17-34.01) at night, but the temperature difference is not significant. This can be caused by the large amount of heat lost to the environment in THP-SC with PCM, it is best to coat the heat pipe tube with insulation and create a vacuum to reduce heat loss.

Enhanced Performance of Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination Systems through PCM Integration: An Experimental and Numerical Review

Enhanced Performance of Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination Systems through PCM Integration: An Experimental and Numerical Review

Sensitivity analysis on heat pump - mechanical vapor recompression desalination system by recovering waste heat of offshore power converter station

Abstract Offshore wind power converter stations produce massive low-temperature waste heat, which can hardly be used constrained by their offshore location. Therefore, the recovery of the waste heat has been raising widespread concern. Meanwhile, a large amount of fresh water is needed for its cooling system. So, a novel system combining high temperature heat pump and a mechanical vapor recompression system (HP-MVR) was proposed, and sensitivity analysis was performed to optimize it. The heat pump was used to absorb the waste heat and to produce high temperature water. The mechanical vapor recompression system was adopted to produce fresh water and to recover the condensation heat from the steam. In order to determine the impact parameters on the two crucial performance indicators of freshwater production and unit energy consumption, this article introduces a sensitivity analysis method, focusing on analyzing the sensitivity of the three operating parameters of heat pump condensation temperature, saturated water vapor inlet temperature entering the compressor, and freshwater condensation temperature to these two performance indicators. The results show that the sensitivity coefficients of heat pump condensation temperature, saturated water vapor inlet temperature entering the compressor, and freshwater condensation temperature are 1.13, -0.26, and 1.56. So, the freshwater condensation temperature has the most significant effect on freshwater output. Their sensitivity coefficients to unit energy consumption are 1.02, 1.41, and -0.64. The saturated water vapor inlet temperature entering the compressor has the most significant impact on the required power consumption per unit of freshwater. It will give some guidance for the application of low-temperature waste heat in seawater desalination and the reduction of operating costs.

Innovations in Solar-Powered Desalination: A Comprehensive Review of Sustainable Solutions for Water Scarcity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

Water scarcity poses significant challenges in arid regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) due to constant population growth, considering the effects of climate change and water management aspects. The desalination technologies face problems like high energy consumption, high investment costs, and significant environmental impacts by brine discharge. This paper researches the relationships among water scarcity, energy-intensive desalination, and the development of renewable energy in MENA, with a particular focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It examines innovations in solar-powered desalination, considering both solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies, in combination with traditional thermal desalination methods such as multi-effect distillation (MED) and multi-stage flash (MSF). The environmental impacts associated with desalination by brine discharge are also discussed, analyzing innovative technological solutions and avoidance strategies. Utilizing bibliometrics, this report provides a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature for the assessment of the research landscape in order to recognize trends in desalination technologies in the MENA region, providing valuable insights into emerging technologies and research priorities. Despite challenges such as high initial investment costs, technical complexities, and limited funding for research and development, the convergence of water scarcity and renewable energy presents significant opportunities for integrated desalination systems in GCC countries. Summarizing, this paper emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and international collaboration by addressing the complex challenges of water scarcity and energy sustainability in the MENA region. By leveraging renewable energy sources and advancing desalination technologies, the region can achieve water security while mitigating environmental impacts and promoting economic development.

Experimental analysis of freezing desalination using gravity and centrifugal methods with economic evaluation of coupled freezing desalination and ice storage system

This study conducted experiments to compare the desalination efficiency of gravity and centrifugal desalination methods for freezing desalination, showing the superiority of centrifugal desalination. Moreover, through experiments on supercooled water production, it was determined that supercooled water can operate stably at an evaporator temperature of −4.5 °C, and its supercooling state can be released using ultrasound. Based on the experimental results, a novel system that combines freezing desalination with ice storage is proposed. The proposed system utilizes supercooled water for ice production and centrifugal post-treatment, using desalinated ice as a cold storage medium to integrate desalination and ice storage. The proposed system showed a 30 % lower total capital cost compared to conventional systems, with a payback period of 38.18 % lower than conventional system (5.42 years). Additionally, the system demonstrated optimal economic performance when utilizing 80 % of its ice storage capacity, with a payback period of 3.38 years, contrasting with 7.62 years when utilizing 20 % storage capacity. The application of this system in four regions with varying peak and off-peak electricity prices, including Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, and, France revealed that the system demonstrates greater economic viability in areas with significant disparities in electricity pricing.

Energy and exergoeconomic analyses of parallel cross feed multi effect desalination system driven by twin-screw compressor with water injection

This work proposes the design of a parallel cross-feed multi-effect desalination system with a twin-screw compressor, incorporating water injection to enhance system performance. The improvement is achieved by injecting water during the compression process to increase the isentropic efficiency of compression. The mathematical model is solved using Engineering Equation Solver software, and the resulting mass and energy balance equations are validated against literature data. The system is analyzed and evaluated from energy, exergy, and exergy-economic perspectives, and compared with the performance of the conventional configuration in terms of specific power consumption, exergy efficiency, and cost of produced water. The impact of various operating conditions, such as the number of effects, steam temperature, compressor efficiency, and injection pressure, on specific power consumption, exergy efficiency, exergy destruction, and final product cost, is examined in this study. Additionally, factors like interest rate, plant life expectancy, and electricity cost are investigated for their effect on the final product cost. The study demonstrates that replacing the normal compressor with a twin-screw compressor result in more than a 15 % reduction in specific power consumption, approximately 4 % less exergy destruction (indicating higher exergy efficiency), and a 14 % lower unit cost of freshwater.

Feasibility study of hybridizing a solar power plant with a small modular reactor for seawater desalination

The article discusses the technical and economic analysis of a seawater desalination plant, where the power source is a hybrid of solar and nuclear energy, as they are considered the cleanest energy sources compared to fossil fuel power plants. The source of nuclear energy in this study is a small modular reactor (SMR). This plant also uses a hybrid of seawater desalination systems: either a reverse osmosis plant with a multi-effect distillation (RO + MED) unit, or a reverse osmosis plant with a multi-stage flash distillation (RO + MSF) unit. Small modular reactors can be used for other applications besides generating electricity, as they produce high-temperature steam which can be used in many industrial processes such as hydrogen production and seawater desalination. Small modular reactors are also considered to be more cost effective, safer, more flexible and have a greater number of applications compared to high power reactors. The analysis is based on calculating the cost of producing of one cubic meter of fresh water using this hybrid desalination plant and comparing the results with those of desalination plant integrated with a power plant that uses exclusively nuclear energy as a source of thermal and electrical power, which uses the VVER-1200 reactor. Also, this study studies the impact of the degree of hybridization, that is, the ratio of power used from solar energy to power used from nuclear energy, on the cost of desalination of one cubic meter of water, as well as on the quality of the desalinated water.