Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 February 2021) | Viewed by 61979

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Merchiston Campus, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK
Interests: mathematical modelling; optimization; thermal and membrane desalination; zero-liquid discharge systems; renewable energy-driven desalination systems; water–energy nexus; integrated polygeneration and desalination systems; energy integration; process intensification

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Informatics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
Interests: dynamic modelling; simulation; optimisation and control of batch and continuous chemical processes with specific interests in distillation; industrial reactors; refinery processes; desalination; wastewater treatment
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Water scarcity due to the ever-increasing worldwide demand and climate change is one of the greatest hurdles of our time. In this light, desalination technologies are pivotal to tackle water shortage generated by population, industrial and urban growth and improve water availability in climate-stressed regions. Desalination can be divided into three main categories: thermal (multi-effect distillation, multi-stage flash distillation, mechanical and thermal vapor compression), chemical (ion exchange), and membrane-based (reverse osmosis, membrane distillation, forward osmosis, nanofiltration and electrodialysis) processes. Despite the technological advances of desalination over the last decades, several issues such as the rather low water recovery factor and excessive energy consumption, together with their elevated costs, constitute major obstacles for its widespread practical implementation. Furthermore, the enormous amount of brine disposal and the high dependence on fossil fuels also raise important environmental concerns. The application of modelling and optimization techniques, allied to the development of more efficient controlling strategies and innovative desalination systems, is therefore paramount to overcome previous barriers and provide ameliorated solutions to process energy, economic and environmental performances.

This Special Issue on "Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes" aims to gather the foremost developments in methodologies, algorithms and advanced computer-aided tools to enhance desalination systems. Design, control and optimization approaches embracing mathematical modelling, meta-heuristics, fuzzy algorithms or hybrid techniques, along with dynamic modelling and simulation methods are welcomed to address the most challenging problems faced by the desalination industry today. Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Renewable energy-driven desalination systems;
  • Water–energy nexus;
  • Simultaneous water and energy production (polygeneration) systems;
  • High-salinity applications and/or zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems;
  • State-of-the-art schemes to optimize control parameters in desalination processes;
  • Heat recovery, energy integration and waste valorisation strategies for process intensification within the context of circular economy.

Dr. Viviani Onishi
Prof. Dr. Iqbal M. Mujtaba
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Water desalination
  • Thermal and membrane desalination
  • Modelling, control, design and operation
  • Renewable energy resources
  • Water–energy nexus
  • Zero-liquid discharge (ZLD)
  • Energy recovery and process intensification
  • Energy, economic and environmental optimization

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 168 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue “Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes”
by Viviani C. Onishi and Iqbal M. Mujtaba
Processes 2021, 9(3), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9030541 - 18 Mar 2021
Viewed by 1472
Abstract
Water scarcity due to the ever-increasing worldwide demand and climate change is one of the greatest hurdles of our time [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

29 pages, 1212 KiB  
Article
Integration of a Combined Cycle Power Plant with MED-RO Desalination Based on Conventional and Advanced Exergy, Exergoeconomic, and Exergoenvironmental Analyses
by Mohammad Hasan Khoshgoftar Manesh, Reza Shojaei Ghadikolaei, Hossein Vazini Modabber and Viviani Caroline Onishi
Processes 2021, 9(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9010059 - 29 Dec 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3345
Abstract
The ever-increasing world population, change in lifestyle, and limited natural water and energy resources have made industrial seawater desalination plants the leading contenders for cost-efficient freshwater production. In this study, the integration of a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) with multi-effect distillation (MED) [...] Read more.
The ever-increasing world population, change in lifestyle, and limited natural water and energy resources have made industrial seawater desalination plants the leading contenders for cost-efficient freshwater production. In this study, the integration of a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) with multi-effect distillation (MED) and reverse osmosis (RO) desalination units is investigated through comprehensive conventional and advanced exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental analyses. Firstly, the thermodynamic modelling of the CCPP is performed by using a mathematical programming procedure. Then, a mathematical model is developed for the integration of the existing CCPP plant with MED and RO desalination units. Finally, conventional and advanced exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental analyses are carried out to assess the main performance parameters of the integrated CCPP and MED-RO desalination system, as well as to identify potential technical, economic, and environmental improvements. A case study is presented based on the Shahid Salimi Neka power plant located at the north of Iran along the Caspian Sea. The mathematical modelling approach for the integrated CCPP and MED-RO desalination system is solved in MATLAB, and the results are validated via Thermoflex software. The results reveal an increase of 3.79% in fuel consumption after the integration of the CCPP with the desalination units. The exergy efficiency of the integrated system is 42.7%, and the highest cost of exergy destruction of the combustion chamber is 1.09 US$ per second. Economic and environmental analyses of the integrated system also show that gas turbines present the highest investment cost of 0.047 US$ per second. At the same time, MED exhibits the highest environmental impact rate of 0.025 points per second. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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18 pages, 3820 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Function of Ion-Exchange Membrane in Membrane Capacitive Deionization via a Fully Coupled Two-Dimensional Process Model
by Xin Zhang and Danny Reible
Processes 2020, 8(10), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8101312 - 19 Oct 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2718
Abstract
In the arid west, the freshwater supply of many communities is limited, leading to increased interest in tapping brackish water resources. Although reverse osmosis is the most common technology to upgrade saline waters, there is also interest in developing and improving alternative technologies. [...] Read more.
In the arid west, the freshwater supply of many communities is limited, leading to increased interest in tapping brackish water resources. Although reverse osmosis is the most common technology to upgrade saline waters, there is also interest in developing and improving alternative technologies. Here we focus on membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI), which has attracted broad attention as a portable and energy-efficient desalination technology. In this study, a fully coupled two-dimensional MCDI process model capable of capturing transient ion transport and adsorption behaviors was developed to explore the function of the ion-exchange membrane (IEM) and detect MCDI influencing factors via sensitivity analysis. The IEM enhanced desalination by improving the counter-ions’ flux and increased adsorption in electrodes by encouraging retention of ions in electrode macropores. An optimized cycle time was proposed with maximal salt removal efficiency. The usage of the IEM, high applied voltage, and low flow rate were discovered to enhance this maximal salt removal efficiency. IEM properties including water uptake volume fraction, membrane thickness, and fixed charge density had a marginal impact on cycle time and salt removal efficiency within certain limits, while increasing cell length and electrode thickness and decreasing channel thickness and dispersivity significantly improved overall performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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13 pages, 2773 KiB  
Article
Design and Experimental Study on a New Closed-Cycle Desalination System Based On Ambient Temperature
by Jun Liu, Yong Sun, Sanjiang Yv, Jiaquan Wang and Kaixuan Hu
Processes 2020, 8(9), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8091131 - 10 Sep 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1998
Abstract
The use of seawater desalination technology to solve water shortages in energy- and resource-scarce regions has attracted widespread attention worldwide. In this paper, the performance of a closed-cycle humidification–dehumidification desalination system with a heat pump was experimentally investigated. The system is a closed-cycle [...] Read more.
The use of seawater desalination technology to solve water shortages in energy- and resource-scarce regions has attracted widespread attention worldwide. In this paper, the performance of a closed-cycle humidification–dehumidification desalination system with a heat pump was experimentally investigated. The system is a closed-cycle system, which includes humidifiers, a heat pump, dehumidifiers, and an air heat exchanger. The heat pump is used by the system to carry energy. The effects of different parameters on the system performance were studied. Scale and economic analyses of the system were conducted to explore the application prospects of the system. The maximum gained output ratio of the system was 4.82. The maximum freshwater production was 960 kg/h, and the cost per kilogram of freshwater was USD 0.03, which are more considerable compared with other systems. This system provides an effective way to save energy in remote areas with energy shortages and freshwater resource shortages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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23 pages, 4748 KiB  
Article
Simulation Data of Regional Economic Analysis of OTEC for Applicable Area
by Lim Seungtaek, Lee Hosaeng, Moon Junghyun and Kim Hyeonju
Processes 2020, 8(9), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8091107 - 05 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3590
Abstract
To mitigate the power shortage problem in the South Pacific island nations and the equatorial area, we studied the development characteristics of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) using abundant clean ocean energy. Through the simulation of open- and closed-cycle OTEC, the generation amount [...] Read more.
To mitigate the power shortage problem in the South Pacific island nations and the equatorial area, we studied the development characteristics of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) using abundant clean ocean energy. Through the simulation of open- and closed-cycle OTEC, the generation amount and its economic efficiency were compared, and the application characteristics of the power generation cycle according to the seawater temperature distribution were compared by applying various seawater temperature conditions. According to the characteristics of seawater heat sources in the region, the power generation output was about 883.2 kW in Samoa, and the average power generation by region was about 650.5 kW for the open-cycle OTEC model. Regional revenue up to approximately $8,487,000 was generated in Kiribati, driven by the higher electricity tariff of $0.327/kWh and high water costs of $5.86/ton. With the spread of 50 MW commercial plants, Kiribati had a high net present value of $1,930,402,000, and its internal rate of return was more than 37.0%. This paper is presents a method of securing economic feasibility of OTEC according to various heat source conditions and economic conditions in the region, while it also analyzes the capacity and type of the power plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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14 pages, 1789 KiB  
Article
Fault Detection and Isolation System Based on Structural Analysis of an Industrial Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant
by Gustavo Pérez-Zuñiga, Raul Rivas-Perez, Javier Sotomayor-Moriano and Victor Sánchez-Zurita
Processes 2020, 8(9), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8091100 - 04 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3354
Abstract
Currently, the use of industrial seawater reverse osmosis desalination (ISROD) plants has increased in popularity in light of the growing global demand for freshwater. In ISROD plants, any fault in the components of their control systems can lead to a plant malfunction, and [...] Read more.
Currently, the use of industrial seawater reverse osmosis desalination (ISROD) plants has increased in popularity in light of the growing global demand for freshwater. In ISROD plants, any fault in the components of their control systems can lead to a plant malfunction, and this condition can originate safety risks, energy waste, as well as affect the quality of freshwater. This paper addresses the design of a fault detection and isolation (FDI) system based on a structural analysis approach for an ISROD plant located in Lima (Peru). Structural analysis allows obtaining a plant model, which is useful to generate diagnostic tests. Here, diagnostic tests via fault-driven minimal structurally overdetermined (FMSO) sets are computed, and then, binary integer linear programming (BILP) is used to select the FMSO sets that guarantee isolation. Simulations shows that all the faults of interest (sensors and actuators faults) are detected and isolated according to the proposed design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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12 pages, 3703 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Two Different Designs of a Scraped Surface Crystallizer for Desalination Effect and Hydraulic and Thermodynamic Numbers
by Lars Erlbeck, Dirk Wössner, Thomas Kunz, Frank-Jürgen Methner and Matthias Rädle
Processes 2020, 8(8), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8080971 - 12 Aug 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2926
Abstract
The design of a desalination plant is most important if the desired product purity has to be as high as possible. This is also true for freeze crystallization plants. A correct solid-to-liquid ratio has to be ensured when pressing is used as a [...] Read more.
The design of a desalination plant is most important if the desired product purity has to be as high as possible. This is also true for freeze crystallization plants. A correct solid-to-liquid ratio has to be ensured when pressing is used as a post-treatment. Thus, the dependence of the overall plant design on the achieved ice quality but also on different hydraulic and thermodynamic numbers is important. In this research, a scraped screw crystallizer plant is presented and examined for two different screw designs. Experiments with a low initial concentration, as for the usage to desalinate groundwater to gain it as process water, were conducted. Furthermore, solutions with high initial concentrations simulating seawater to produce potable water were used as another set of test solutions. The findings showed that neither of the screw designs is more favorable than the other, but it is important to have a plant design fitting the existing parameters on site. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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17 pages, 3674 KiB  
Article
Radial Movement Optimization Based Optimal Operating Parameters of a Capacitive Deionization Desalination System
by Hegazy Rezk, Muhammad Wajid Saleem, Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem and Mujahed Al-Dhaifallah
Processes 2020, 8(8), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8080964 - 10 Aug 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1950
Abstract
The productivity of the capacitive deionization (CDI) system is enhanced by determining the optimum operational and structural parameters using radial movement optimization (RMO) algorithm. Six different parameters, i.e., pool water concentration, freshwater recovery, salt ion adsorption, lowest concentration point, volumetric (based on the [...] Read more.
The productivity of the capacitive deionization (CDI) system is enhanced by determining the optimum operational and structural parameters using radial movement optimization (RMO) algorithm. Six different parameters, i.e., pool water concentration, freshwater recovery, salt ion adsorption, lowest concentration point, volumetric (based on the volume of deionized water), and gravimetric (based on salt removed) energy consumptions are used to evaluate the performance of the CDI process. During the optimization process, the decision variables are represented by the applied voltage, capacitance, flow rate, spacer volume, and cell volume. Two different optimization techniques are considered: single-objective and multi-objective functions. The obtained results by RMO optimizer are compared with those obtained using a genetic algorithm (GA). The results demonstrated that the RMO optimization technique is useful in exploring all possibilities and finding the optimum conditions for operating the CDI unit in a faster and accurate method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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17 pages, 2739 KiB  
Article
A Small RO and MCDI Coupled Seawater Desalination Plant and Its Performance Simulation Analysis and Optimization
by Shouguang Yao and Mengting Ji
Processes 2020, 8(8), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8080944 - 06 Aug 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3370
Abstract
To solve the problems of high specific energy consumption and excessive harmful ions in the water production of a small reverse osmosis (RO) plant, a desalination system coupling RO and membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) is proposed in this study. Aiming at producing two [...] Read more.
To solve the problems of high specific energy consumption and excessive harmful ions in the water production of a small reverse osmosis (RO) plant, a desalination system coupling RO and membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) is proposed in this study. Aiming at producing two cubic meters per day of fresh water with a salt concentration of less than 280 mg L−1, parameter matching optimization was carried out on two desalination system schemes of one-stage two-section RO and one-stage three-section RO coupled with MCDI. The results were compared with the parameter matching optimization results of the one-stage one-section RO and the one-stage two-section pure RO desalination system. The results show that compared with the pure RO desalination mode, the seawater desalination mode coupled with RO and MCDI reduces the specific energy consumption under the same effluent salt concentration. Moreover, it decreases the feed water pressure in front of the RO membrane, which can reduce the standard of high-pressure pump in a small seawater desalination plant. The energy consumption of the one-stage three-section RO and MCDI coupling system is lower than that of the one- stage two-section RO and MCDI coupling system, and the feed water pressure is also lower. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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22 pages, 5741 KiB  
Article
Mode-Based Analysis and Optimal Operation of MSF Desalination System
by Hanhan Gao, Aipeng Jiang, Qiuyun Huang, Yudong Xia, Farong Gao and Jian Wang
Processes 2020, 8(7), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8070794 - 07 Jul 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2622
Abstract
Multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plays an important role in achieving large-scale fresh water driven by thermal energy. In this paper, based on first-principle modeling of a typical multi-stage flash desalination system, the effects of different operational parameters on system performance and operational optimization [...] Read more.
Multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plays an important role in achieving large-scale fresh water driven by thermal energy. In this paper, based on first-principle modeling of a typical multi-stage flash desalination system, the effects of different operational parameters on system performance and operational optimization for cost saving were extensively studied. Firstly, the modelled desalination system was divided into flash chamber modules, brine heater modules, mixed modules and split modules, and based on energy and mass conservation laws the equations were formulated and put together to describe the whole process model. Then, with physical parameter calculation the whole process was simulated and analyzed on the platform of MATLAB, and the water production performance effected by operational parameters such as the feed temperature of seawater, the recycle brine from the discharge section, steam temperature and flowrate of recycled brine were discussed and analyzed. Then, the optimal operation to achieve maximize GOR (gained output ratio) with fixed freshwater demand was considered and performed, and thus the optimal flowrate of recycled brine, steam temperature, and seawater output flowrate from rejection section were obtained based on the established model. Finally, considering that minimizing the daily operational cost is a more rational objective, the operational cost equations were formulated and the optimal problem to minimize the daily operational cost was solved and the optimal manipulated variables at different hours were obtained. The study results can be used for guideline of real time optimization of the MSF system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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18 pages, 2580 KiB  
Article
Unconfined Dense Plunging Jets Used for Brine Disposal from Desalination Plants
by Aaron C. Chow, Ishita Shrivastava, E. Eric Adams, Fahed Al-Rabaie and Bader Al-Anzi
Processes 2020, 8(6), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8060696 - 15 Jun 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2607
Abstract
Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure entrained air bubble penetration depth and dilution of a dense vertical unconfined plunging jet to evaluate its performance as an outfall to dilute brine from desalination plants as well as a means to aerate water column. Experiments [...] Read more.
Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure entrained air bubble penetration depth and dilution of a dense vertical unconfined plunging jet to evaluate its performance as an outfall to dilute brine from desalination plants as well as a means to aerate water column. Experiments involved neutrally buoyant or dense plunging jets discharging in quiescent receiving water. The density difference between effluent and receiving water, the plunging jet length (height above water surface), and the receiving water salinity were varied in the experiments. Observed penetration depth for neutrally buoyant jets was somewhat greater than previously reported, and increased modestly with jet density. Increasing density also resulted in an increasing number of fine bubbles descending together with the dense plume. These observations can help guide the design of plunging jets to mitigate anoxic conditions in the water column when brine is introduced to a receiving water body, as with seawater desalination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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19 pages, 6504 KiB  
Article
An Optimal Sizing of Stand-Alone Hybrid PV-Fuel Cell-Battery to Desalinate Seawater at Saudi NEOM City
by Hegazy Rezk, Mohammed Alghassab and Hamdy A. Ziedan
Processes 2020, 8(4), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8040382 - 25 Mar 2020
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6655
Abstract
NEOM City in Saudi Arabia is planned to be the first environmentally friendly city in the world that is powered by renewable energy sources minimizing CO2 emissions to reduce the effect of global warming according to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. In recent [...] Read more.
NEOM City in Saudi Arabia is planned to be the first environmentally friendly city in the world that is powered by renewable energy sources minimizing CO2 emissions to reduce the effect of global warming according to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has had a problem with water scarcity. The main factors affecting water security are unequal water distribution, wrong use of water resources and using bad or less efficient irrigation techniques. This paper is aimed to provide a detailed feasibility and techno-economic evaluation of using several scenarios of a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system to satisfy the electrical energy needs for an environmentally friendly seawater desalination plant which feeds 150 m−3 day−1 of freshwater to 1000 people in NEOM City, Saudi Arabia. The first scenario is based on hybrid solar photovoltaic PV, fuel cells (FC) with a hydrogen storage system and batteries system (BS), while the second and third scenarios are based on hybrid PV/BS and PV/FC with a hydrogen storage system, respectively. HOMER® software was used to obtain the optimal configuration based on techno-economic analysis of each component of the hybrid renewable energy systems and an economic and environmental point of view based on the values of net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE). Based on the obtained results, the best configuration is PV/FC/BS. The optimal size and related costs for the optimal size are 235 kW PV array, 30 kW FC, 144 batteries, 30 kW converter, 130 kW electrolyzer, and 25 kg hydrogen tank is considered the best option for powering a 150 m3 reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant. The values of net present cost (NPC) and the cost of energy (COE) are $438,657 and $0.117/kWh, respectively. From the authors’ point view, the proposed system is one among the foremost environmentally friendly systems to provide electric energy to the seawater desalination plant, especially when connecting to the utility grid, because it is ready to reduce a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions due to using oil/nature gas in utility generation stations to reduce the effect of global warming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

29 pages, 3411 KiB  
Review
Energy, Exergy, and Thermo-Economic Analysis of Renewable Energy-Driven Polygeneration Systems for Sustainable Desalination
by Mohammad Hasan Khoshgoftar Manesh and Viviani Caroline Onishi
Processes 2021, 9(2), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9020210 - 23 Jan 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4606
Abstract
Reliable production of freshwater and energy is vital for tackling two of the most critical issues the world is facing today: climate change and sustainable development. In this light, a comprehensive review is performed on the foremost renewable energy-driven polygeneration systems for freshwater [...] Read more.
Reliable production of freshwater and energy is vital for tackling two of the most critical issues the world is facing today: climate change and sustainable development. In this light, a comprehensive review is performed on the foremost renewable energy-driven polygeneration systems for freshwater production using thermal and membrane desalination. Thus, this review is designed to outline the latest developments on integrated polygeneration and desalination systems based on multi-stage flash (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED), humidification-dehumidification (HDH), and reverse osmosis (RO) technologies. Special attention is paid to innovative approaches for modelling, design, simulation, and optimization to improve energy, exergy, and thermo-economic performance of decentralized polygeneration plants accounting for electricity, space heating and cooling, domestic hot water, and freshwater production, among others. Different integrated renewable energy-driven polygeneration and desalination systems are investigated, including those assisted by solar, biomass, geothermal, ocean, wind, and hybrid renewable energy sources. In addition, recent literature applying energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironmental analysis is reviewed to establish a comparison between a range of integrated renewable-driven polygeneration and desalination systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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36 pages, 5623 KiB  
Review
Seawater Desalination: A Review of Forward Osmosis Technique, Its Challenges, and Future Prospects
by Aondohemba Aende, Jabbar Gardy and Ali Hassanpour
Processes 2020, 8(8), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8080901 - 28 Jul 2020
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 12273
Abstract
Currently over 845 million people are believed to be living under severe water scarcity, and an estimated 2.8 billion people across the globe are projected to come under serious water scarcity by the year 2025, according to a United Nations (UN) report. Seawater [...] Read more.
Currently over 845 million people are believed to be living under severe water scarcity, and an estimated 2.8 billion people across the globe are projected to come under serious water scarcity by the year 2025, according to a United Nations (UN) report. Seawater desalination has gained more traction as the solution with the most potential for increasing global freshwater supplies amongst other solutions. However, the economic and energy costs associated with the major desalination technologies are considered intrinsically prohibitive largely due to their humongous energy requirements alongside the requirements of complex equipment and their maintenance in most cases. Whilst forward osmosis (FO) is being touted as a potentially more energy efficient and cost-effective alternative desalination technique, its efficiency is challenged by draw solutes and the draw solutes recovery step in FO applications alongside other challenges. This paper looks at the present situation of global water scarcity, and a brief leap into the major desalination technologies employed. A closer look at the key drivers of FO as a seawater desalination technique in their individual domain and its outlook as an technology are further highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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31 pages, 1303 KiB  
Review
Scope and Limitations of Modelling, Simulation, and Optimisation of a Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis Process-Based Water Desalination
by Alanood A. Alsarayreh, Mudhar A. Al-Obaidi, Raj Patel and Iqbal M. Mujtaba
Processes 2020, 8(5), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8050573 - 12 May 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6310
Abstract
The reverse osmosis (RO) process is one of the best desalination methods, using membranes to reject several impurities from seawater and brackish water. To systematically perceive the transport phenomena of solvent and solutes via the membrane texture, several mathematical models have been developed. [...] Read more.
The reverse osmosis (RO) process is one of the best desalination methods, using membranes to reject several impurities from seawater and brackish water. To systematically perceive the transport phenomena of solvent and solutes via the membrane texture, several mathematical models have been developed. To date, a large number of simulation and optimisation studies have been achieved to gauge the influence of control variables on the performance indexes, to adjust the key variables at optimum values, and to realise the optimum production indexes. This paper delivers an intensive review of the successful models of the RO process and both simulation and optimisation studies carried out on the basis of the models developed. In general, this paper investigates the scope and limitations of the RO process, as well as proving the maturity of the associated perspective methodologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Control and Optimization of Desalination Processes)
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