Hybrid solar desalination systems review

ABSTRACT

Solar distillation of saline water can be economical by combining the advantages of free-cost solar energy with effective design. A combination of two or more desalination processes is called hybrid desalination. It may provide a better cost-effective pure water yield and optimize energy consumption and pure water production. An optimum combination of the features of the multi processes is hoped that either one process can provide. This study introduces an inclusive revision of recent research on hybridization techniques solar-powered desalination systems passing through the numerical and experimental studies from the energetic, exergertic, and economic views. This study is categorized as a hybrid solar desalination system using geothermal energy, humidification dehumidification HDH, solar stills SS, photovoltaic systems, waste heat, heat pump HP, and membrane technology. Cost analysis of the presented hybrid solar desalination systems was introduced. The study presents a comprehensive, up-to-date review of these techniques and developments with suggested future research directions. It was found that using geothermal energy in desalination achieves the heat source continuously (24-h available). In addition, the integration of geothermal energy with HDH improves system productivity by nearly 35%. Further, the combination of HDH units with renewable energy desalination systems indicates good performance, high GOR, high freshwater yield, and low water cost. The hybridization of reverse osmosis RO and renewable energy gives an accepted salinity (for drinking) in addition to the quantity of freshwater productivity.

KEYWORDS:

• Hybridization
• solar desalination
• geothermal energy
• humidification dehumidification
• solar still
• reverse osmosis

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Table

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gamal B. Abdelaziz

Gamal B. Abbelaziz awarded his Ph.D. 2005, from Mechanical Power engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering ElMansoura University, Egypt. He worked at Egyptian Armed Forces 1986-2006. He currently works at Mechanical Department, Faculty of Technology and Industrial Education, Suez University, Egypt. G.B. research field covers Renewable Energy Technologies, Thermal & Environmental Engineering, Solar Desalination, Energy Sustainability and building energy conservation

Emad M. S. El-Said currently works at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Fayoum University. Emad does research in Desalination, Naval Engineering and Heat exchanger development. Their current project is 'Power generation from waves'.

Emad M.S. El-Said

Gamal B. Abbelaziz awarded his Ph.D. 2005, from Mechanical Power engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering ElMansoura University, Egypt. He worked at Egyptian Armed Forces 1986-2006. He currently works at Mechanical Department, Faculty of Technology and Industrial Education, Suez University, Egypt. G.B. research field covers Renewable Energy Technologies, Thermal & Environmental Engineering, Solar Desalination, Energy Sustainability and building energy conservation

Mohamed A. Dahab

M. E. Omara and M. Dahab, RHVAC Branch, Mechanical department, Faculty of Technology and Education, suez University, Egypt.

M.A. Omara

M. E. Omara and M. Dahab, RHVAC Branch, Mechanical department, Faculty of Technology and Education, suez University, Egypt.

Swellam. W. Sharshir

Swellam.W. Sharshir currently works at Kafrelsheikh University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. S.W. does research in Mechanical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering. Their current project is 'Kinetic analyses and synergistic effects of CO 2 co-gasification of low sulphur petroleum coke and biomass wastes'.