In the quest for sustainable and efficient water solutions, a team of researchers led by Fares Bettahar from the Laboratory of Electrical Engineering (LGEB) at the University of Biskra has made a significant breakthrough. Their work, published in the journal *Nature Scientific Reports*, introduces a smart, single-stage solar battery-driven desalination system that promises to revolutionize brackish water treatment, particularly in remote, off-grid communities.
The innovation lies in the integration of a high-performance photovoltaic (PV) system with a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination process, enhanced by advanced control algorithms and energy storage. “Our system is designed to optimize energy extraction and conversion, ensuring stable and efficient operation under fluctuating solar conditions,” Bettahar explains. This is crucial because RO desalination is notoriously energy-intensive, requiring a reliable and efficient power supply.
At the heart of the system is a novel SHO-P&O Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm, which optimizes PV power extraction while minimizing voltage fluctuations. This algorithm outperforms conventional methods, achieving an impressive 99.9% efficiency with reduced oscillations and faster tracking of the maximum power point (MPP). “This means we can harness solar energy more effectively, making the desalination process more energy-efficient and cost-effective,” Bettahar adds.
The system also incorporates a Quasi-Z Source Inverter (QZSI), which improves energy conversion and eliminates the need for a separate DC-DC boost stage. This integration simplifies the system architecture and enhances overall efficiency.
One of the standout features of this research is the modeling of the RO system as a Two-Input-Two-Output (TITO) system. This approach allows for precise regulation of the permeate flow rate and product water salinity, ensuring consistent water quality. A Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) is implemented to minimize transient errors, reduce settling time, and enhance system stability. Comparative analysis shows that the LQR controller outperforms conventional PID, FOPID, and SMC strategies, with a settling time reduction and an overshoot of just 2%.
The effectiveness of the proposed system was validated using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing on the dSPACE DS1104 platform, confirming its stability and energy efficiency under dynamic environmental conditions.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, the integration of advanced control algorithms and energy storage solutions in desalination systems opens up new avenues for sustainable and efficient water treatment. “This technology can be particularly beneficial for remote, off-grid communities where access to fresh water is limited,” Bettahar notes. “It provides a practical solution for fresh drinking water, reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and lowering operational costs.”
Moreover, the superior performance of the SHO-P&O MPPT algorithm and the LQR controller sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency and system stability in desalination processes. This could pave the way for further advancements in the field, driving innovation and improving the sustainability of water treatment technologies.
As the world grapples with water scarcity and the need for sustainable energy solutions, this research offers a promising path forward. By harnessing the power of solar energy and advanced control systems, we can make significant strides towards ensuring access to clean water for all, while also reducing our environmental footprint.