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Desalination using solar energy: Towards sustainability

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  • Gude, Veera Gnaneswar
  • Nirmalakhandan, Nagamany
  • Deng, Shuguang

Abstract

This paper describes the theoretical rationale for a new low temperature phase-change desalination process, and six examples of applications to illustrate how this process can be engineered for sustainable desalination. In this process, brackish water is evaporated at near-ambient temperatures under near-vacuum pressures created by the barometric head without any mechanical energy input. Thermodynamic advantages and benefits of low temperature phase-change desalination are discussed and results from simulation studies and a prototype test system are presented. Three of the examples illustrate how the proposed process can be driven by solar energy: a) utilizing direct solar energy; b) inclusion of an external reflector; c) utilizing photovoltaic energy during non-sunlight hours. The other examples illustrate how the proposed process can be driven by waste heat: i) waste heat rejected by an absorption refrigeration unit driven by grid power; ii) waste heat rejected by an absorption refrigeration unit driven by solar collectors; and iii) waste heat rejected by an absorption refrigeration unit supported by a photovoltaic array. Merits of utilizing solar energy and process waste heat in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are discussed in detail.

Suggested Citation

  • Gude, Veera Gnaneswar & Nirmalakhandan, Nagamany & Deng, Shuguang, 2011. "Desalination using solar energy: Towards sustainability," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 78-85.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:36:y:2011:i:1:p:78-85
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2010.11.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Lund, Henrik & Duić, Neven & Krajac˘ić, Goran & Graça Carvalho, Maria da, 2007. "Two energy system analysis models: A comparison of methodologies and results," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 948-954.
    4. Kalogirou, Soteris, 1997. "Survey of solar desalination systems and system selection," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 69-81.
    5. Deng, Runya & Xie, Lixin & Lin, Hu & Liu, Jie & Han, Wei, 2010. "Integration of thermal energy and seawater desalination," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(11), pages 4368-4374.
    6. Gude, Veera Gnaneswar & Nirmalakhandan, Nagamany & Deng, Shuguang, 2010. "Renewable and sustainable approaches for desalination," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(9), pages 2641-2654, December.
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