In the sun-drenched landscapes of Kuwait and the broader Gulf region, the demand for fresh water is as relentless as the desert heat. Traditional methods of desalination, often powered by fossil fuels, have long been the backbone of water supply in these arid lands. However, a groundbreaking study led by Hisham Ettouney, from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Kuwait University, is poised to revolutionize this sector by integrating renewable energy with advanced desalination technologies.
The research, published in the journal ‘Desalination and Water Treatment’ (which translates to ‘Desalination and Water Treatment’), focuses on the design and performance analysis of large-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. These plants, with a capacity of 111 MWe, utilize parabolic trough solar collectors (PT) and molten salt energy storage tanks. This innovative system is coupled with a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) system, capable of producing 100,000 cubic meters of desalinated water daily.
Ettouney and his team employed the System Advisory Model (SAM) to design and analyze the CSP system, leveraging daily average data on ambient temperature and solar radiation in Kuwait. This model not only generates the thermal energy load but also predicts the amount of electric power produced by the PT-CSP system. The data generated is then used to design a large-scale DCMD plant, which operates efficiently with feed and cooling water temperatures of 60°C and 20°C, respectively.
The feed stream in the DCMD system flows across four elements in series, with a 5°C drop in each component, while the cooling water flows in a parallel configuration. This design ensures optimal performance and efficiency, aligning with previous literature studies. The levelized cost estimates for both systems are impressively low: $0.83 per cubic meter for desalinated water and $0.11 per kilowatt-hour for electric power.
Ettouney emphasizes the significance of this research, stating, “This proposed configuration addresses the pressing need for sustainable, renewable, non-fossil energy sources combined with seawater desalination.” He further adds, “The model and results presented in this research provide valuable insight into the design elements and characteristics of large-scale renewable energy plants and non-conventional desalination systems that utilize, in part, low-grade energy and heating steam from low-pressure turbines.”
The implications of this research are vast. As the world grapples with climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, the integration of renewable energy with desalination technologies offers a sustainable solution. This study not only paves the way for future developments in the field but also sets a benchmark for cost-effective and efficient desalination processes. The energy sector, particularly in arid regions, stands to benefit significantly from this innovation, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impacts.
The commercial impacts are equally compelling. With the levelized cost of electricity and water being competitive, this technology could attract significant investment, driving economic growth and job creation in the renewable energy and desalination sectors. As Ettouney’s research gains traction, it could catalyze a shift towards more sustainable and efficient water and energy production methods, reshaping the future of desalination and renewable energy integration.
