Search Results (60)

Achieving net-zero emissions in arid and high-solar-yield regions demands innovative, cost-effective, and scalable energy technologies. This study conducts a comprehensive techno-economic analysis and assessment of a novel hybrid photovoltaic–thermal solar collector (U.S. Patent No. 11,431,289) that integrates a reverse flat plate collector and mini-concentrating solar thermal elements. The system was tested in Qatar and Germany and simulated via a System Advising Model tool with typical meteorological year data. The system demonstrated a combined efficiency exceeding 90%, delivering both electricity and thermal energy at temperatures up to 170 °C and pressures up to 10 bars. Compared to conventional photovoltaic–thermal systems capped below 80 °C, the system achieves a heat-to-power ratio of 6:1, offering an exceptional exergy performance and broader industrial applications. A comparative financial analysis of 120 MW utility-scale configurations shows that the PVT + ORC option yields a Levelized Cost of Energy of $44/MWh, significantly outperforming PV + CSP ($82.8/MWh) and PV + BESS ($132.3/MWh). In addition, the capital expenditure is reduced by over 50%, and the system requires 40–60% less land, offering a transformative solution for off-grid data centers, water desalination (producing up to 300,000 m³/day using MED), district cooling, and industrial process heat. The energy payback time is shortened to less than 4.5 years, with lifecycle CO₂ savings of up to 1.8 tons/MWh. Additionally, the integration with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems ensures 24/7 dispatchable power without reliance on batteries or molten salt. Positioned as a next-generation solar platform, the Hassabou system presents a climate-resilient, modular, and economical alternative to current hybrid solar technologies. This work advances the deployment readiness of integrated solar-thermal technologies aligned with national decarbonization strategies across MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing urgent needs for energy security, water access, and industrial decarbonization. Full article

Desalination plays a critical role in addressing global water scarcity, yet brine disposal remains a significant environmental challenge. This study evaluates a minimal liquid discharge (MLD) membrane-based system integrating high-pressure reverse osmosis (HPRO) and membrane distillation (MD) for brine treatment, with a focus on the Eastern Mediterranean. A techno-economic assessment (TEA) was conducted to analyze the system’s feasibility, water recovery performance, energy consumption, and cost-effectiveness. The results indicate that the hybrid HPRO-MD system achieves a high water recovery rate of 78.65%, with 39.65 m³/day recovered from MD and 39 m³/day from HPRO. The specific energy consumption is 23.2 kWh/m³, with MD accounting for 89% of the demand. The system’s cost is USD 0.99/m³, generating daily revenues of USD 228 in Cyprus and USD 157 in Greece. Compared to conventional brine disposal methods, MLD proves more cost-effective, particularly when considering evaporation ponds. While MLD offers a sustainable alternative for brine management, challenges remain regarding energy consumption and the disposal of concentrated waste streams. Future research should focus on renewable energy integration, advanced membrane technologies, and resource recovery through brine mining. The findings highlight the HPRO-MD MLD system as a promising approach for sustainable desalination and circular water resource management. Full article

Permeate Gap Membrane Distillation (PGMD) is an emerging desalination technology that offers a promising alternative for freshwater production, particularly in energy-efficient and sustainable applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of PGMD, covering its fundamental principles, heat and mass transfer mechanisms, and key challenges such as temperature and concentration polarization. Various optimisation strategies, including Response Surface Morphology (RSM), Differential Evolution techniques, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, are explored to enhance PGMD performance. The study further discusses the latest advancements in system design, highlighting optimal configurations and the integration of PGMD with renewable energy sources. Factors influencing PGMD performance, such as operational parameters (flow rates, temperature, and feed concentration) and physical parameters (gap width, membrane properties, and cooling plate conductivity), are systematically analysed. Additionally, the techno-economic feasibility of PGMD for large-scale freshwater production is evaluated, with a focus on cost reduction strategies, energy efficiency, and hybrid system innovations. Finally, this review outlines the current limitations and future research directions for PGMD, emphasising novel system modifications, improved heat recovery techniques, and potential industrial applications. By consolidating recent advancements and identifying key challenges, this paper aims to guide future research and facilitate the broader adoption of PGMD in sustainable desalination and water purification processes. Full article

CO₂-responsive polymers have emerged as a significant class of smart materials, distinguished by their ability to reversibly alter their properties upon exposure to CO₂. Due to CO₂’s abundant availability, low cost, non-toxicity, energy efficiency, and excellent biocompatibility, these polymers offer remarkable environmental and practical advantages. This review succinctly explores recent advancements in the synthesis, mechanisms, and applications of CO₂-responsive polymers, emphasizing the pivotal roles of specific acidic and basic functional groups such as carboxylic acids, phenolic groups, amines, amidines, guanidines, and imidazoles. Advanced polymerization techniques including free radical polymerization (FRP), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), and nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP) are critically evaluated for their precision and flexibility in polymer design. Significant applications in smart separation, carbon capture, drug delivery, desalination, emulsions, tissue engineering, and sensing technologies are discussed comprehensively. Although substantial progress has been made, ongoing challenges include enhancing response speed, durability, sustainability, and economic viability. Future research is recommended to focus on innovative polymer structures, computational modeling, hybrid materials, and greener synthesis methods. This review aims to inspire continued exploration and practical utilization of CO₂-responsive polymers to address pressing environmental and technological needs. Full article

Graphyne, a hypothetical carbon allotrope comprising sp and sp² hybridized carbon atoms, has garnered significant attention for its potential applications in next-generation technologies. Unlike graphene, graphyne’s distinctive acetylenic linkages endow it with a tunable electronic structure, directional charge transport, and superior mechanical flexibility. This review delves into the structural variety, theoretical underpinnings, and burgeoning experimental endeavors associated with various graphyne allotropes, including α-, β-, γ-, and 6,6,12-graphyne. It examines synthesis methods, structural and electronic characteristics, and the material’s prospective roles in diverse fields, such as nanoelectronics, transistors, hydrogen storage, and desalination. Additionally, it highlights the use of computational modeling techniques—density functional theory (DFT), GW approximation, and nonequilibrium Green’s function (NEGF)—to anticipate and validate properties without fully scalable experimental data. Despite substantial theoretical progress, the practical implementation of graphyne-based devices faces several challenges. By critically assessing current research and identifying strategic directions, this review underscores graphyne’s potential to revolutionize advanced materials science. Full article

Energy-efficient and cost-effective water desalination systems can significantly replenish freshwater reserves without further stressing limited energy resources. Currently, the majority of the desalination systems are operated by non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuel power plants. The viability of any desalination process depends primarily on the type and amount of energy it utilizes and on the product recovery. In recent years, membrane distillation (MD) and forward osmosis (FO) have drawn the attention of the scientific community because of FO’s low energy demand and the potential of MD operation with low-grade heat or a renewable source like geothermal, wind, or solar energy. Despite the numerous potential advantages of MD and FO, there are still some limitations that negatively affect their performance associated with the water–energy nexus. This critical review focuses on the hybrid forward osmosis–membrane distillation (FO-MD) processes, emphasizing energy demand and product quality. It starts with exploring the limitations of MD and FO as standalone processes and their performance. Based on this, the importance of combining these technologies into an FO-MD hybrid process and the resulting strengths of it will be demonstrated. The promising applications of this hybrid process and their advantages will be also explored. Furthermore, the performance of FO-MD processes will be compared with other hybrid processes like FO–nanofiltration (FO-NF) and FO–reverse osmosis (FO-RO). It will be outlined how the FO-MD hybrid process could outperform other hybrid processes when utilizing a low-grade heat source. In conclusion, it will be shown that the FO-MD hybrid process can offer a sustainable solution to address water scarcity and efficiently manage the water–energy nexus. Full article

The global scarcity of freshwater, particularly in arid regions, has intensified interest in sustainable desalination technologies. Among these, solar still (SS) systems stand out for their low operational costs and environmental compatibility. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in solar still technologies, with a particular emphasis on innovative materials, thermal management strategies, and hybrid systems aimed at improving water productivity and cost-efficiency. Key technologies such as phase change materials (PCMs) and thermoelectric modules (TEMs) are examined in detail, showing up to 140% and 6.7-fold improvements in productivity, respectively, in select configurations. The review also synthesizes results from various studies using a comparative lens, highlighting combinations such as double-glazed glass with fins and TEMs (5.7-fold increase) and CuO–water nanofluids coupled with TEMs and vibration (5.3-fold increase). Cost analyses reveal that some configurations achieve water production at as low as 0.011 USD/L under real-world conditions in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, using an integrated system with an external condenser and solar collector. Unlike general reviews, this work systematically compares performance metrics, cost-effectiveness, and design innovations across multiple studies to provide a clearer perspective on technology viability. Future directions suggest the integration of hybrid approaches using PCM, TEM, nanotechnology, and advanced geometries to overcome current limitations and further advance solar desalination efficiency. Full article

This paper examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in desalination. The study explored AI techniques, including machine learning, neural networks, and genetic algorithms, to enhance system efficiency and reduce energy costs. Case studies assessed the impact of AI on desalination systems, including those powered by renewable energy sources. Key findings revealed that AI-driven systems improved water quality, reduced energy consumption by up to 50%, and enabled predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime. Challenges in integrating AI with renewable energy-powered water treatment and desalination systems were addressed by analyzing hybrid setups combining solar, wind, and battery storage with reverse osmosis (RO) and multi-stage flash (MSF) technologies. These systems demonstrated critical improvements in energy efficiency, making desalination more viable for arid and remote areas. Fault detection algorithms and predictive maintenance emerged as pivotal AI applications, significantly reducing maintenance costs and enhancing reliability. This study was concluded by identifying challenges such as the intermittent nature of renewable energy and the complexities of designing scalable hybrid AI systems. Future research should further refine AI techniques, advancing sustainable and energy-efficient water treatment solutions. Full article

This paper reviews recent advancements in integrated thermoelectric power generation and water desalination technologies, driven by the increasing global demand for electricity and freshwater. The growing population and reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation pose challenges related to environmental pollution and resource depletion, necessitating the exploration of alternative energy sources and desalination techniques. While thermoelectric generators are capable of converting low-temperature thermal energy into electricity and desalination processes that can utilize low-temperature thermal energy, their effective integration remains largely unexplored. Currently available hybrid power and water systems, such as those combining conventional heat engine cycles (e.g., the Rankine and Kalina cycles) with reverse osmosis, multi-effect distillation, and humidification–dehumidification, are limited in effectively utilizing low-grade thermal energy for simultaneous power generation and desalination, while solid-state heat-to-work conversion technology, such as thermoelectric generators, have low heat-to-work conversion efficiency. This paper identifies a key research gap in the limited effective integration of thermoelectric generators and desalination, despite their complementary characteristics. The study highlights the potential of hybrid systems, which leverage low-grade thermal energy for simultaneous power generation and desalination. The review also explores emerging material innovations in high figure of merit thermoelectric materials and advanced MD membranes, which could significantly enhance system performance. Furthermore, hybrid power–desalination systems incorporating thermoelectric generators with concentrated photovoltaic cells, solar thermal collectors, geothermal energy, and organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) are examined to highlight their potential for sustainable energy and water production. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing material properties, system configurations, and operating conditions to maximize efficiency and output while reducing economic and environmental costs. Full article

As the demand for sustainable water and wastewater management continues to rise in both desalination and industrial sectors, there is been notable progress in developing Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD) systems. Membrane technologies have become a key component of these systems, providing effective solutions for removing contaminants and enabling the recovery of both water and valuable resources. This article explores recent advancements in the design and operation of ZLD and MLD systems, discussing their benefits, challenges, and how they fit into larger treatment processes. Emphasis is given to membrane-based processes, such as reverse osmosis (RO), membrane distillation (MD), and forward osmosis (FO), as well as hybrid configurations, and innovative membrane materials. These advancements are designed to address critical challenges like fouling, scaling, high energy demands, and high brine production. The article also explores exciting research directions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and durability of membrane technologies in ZLD and MLD systems, paving the way for new innovations in sustainable water management across various industries. Full article

Water is one of the most valuable and essential resources for human life, yet its scarcity has become a pressing global issue exacerbated by climate change and population growth. To address the increasing demand for water driven by urbanization, industrial expansion, tourism, and agricultural needs, many countries are turning to desalination as a viable solution. This study investigates the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) with desalination technologies to enhance both sustainability and efficiency. A comprehensive review of major desalination methods has been conducted, with a particular focus on the application of solar and wind energy. Additionally, the challenges associated with renewable energy-powered desalination, including the need for effective energy storage systems and the inherent volatility of power supply, were explored. Our findings indicate that coupling renewable energy with desalination not only significantly reduces carbon emissions but also enhances the sustainability of water supply systems. The study also emphasizes the importance of emerging technologies, such as hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) and machine learning (ML), in optimizing RES powered desalination processes. Ultimately, this study aims to guide future research and development initiatives, promoting the global adoption of desalination systems powered by renewable energy. Full article

This work develops a comprehensive review of the main conventional and emerging desalination processes. It presents the state of knowledge of the most known and investigated techniques, highlights their advantages and drawbacks, and draws appropriate conclusions on their respective performances from various angles including their energy consumption and efficiency, environmental impacts, reliability, and flexibility in operations. This review reveals the recent large dominance and deployment of the reverse osmosis technology in the Gulf countries, mainly in Saudi Arabia; the importance of hybridization; and the slow penetration of promising processes including membrane distillation and forward osmosis into the industrial desalination market. In addition, this work aims to develop some comparison exercises between these processes using specific criteria. A cross approach allowing an easier comparison between various desalination processes could help identify the advantages and drawbacks of each technology and select the appropriate process. Therefore, various criteria allowing a clear picture to be drawn of the performance and capabilities of the main conventional and emerging desalination processes have been proposed in the frame of sustainable development. As an illustration of this general approach from sustainability prospects and considering specific weights for each proposed criterion for the case of Saudi Arabia, a comparison exercise reveals that the superiority of reverse osmosis (RO) is confirmed. Multiple effect distillation (MED) and membrane distillation (MD) processes are potentially competitive to RO while multi-stage flash (MSF) comes last due to several drawbacks. Full article

This study addresses solar energy applications in protected agriculture, focusing on greenhouses and related technologies. A bibliometric and technical analysis is developed, covering research published between 1976 and 2024, to identify the main trends and challenges in the use of solar energy in controlled environments. The methodology was based on the PRISMA approach, using the Scopus database to retrieve relevant documents. From an initial total of 221 documents, 216 were selected after a filtering and debugging process, ensuring the relevance of the final set. In the analytical phase, the results showed a moderate growth of 3.68% in the annual publication rate, highlighting the impact of research on solar energy’s application to air conditioning and energy efficiency in greenhouses. Most of the studies reviewed feature hybrid systems that combine solar energy with other resources, and we highlight both advances in climate control through artificial intelligence and the implementation of photovoltaic and thermal technologies to improve the energy efficiency of agricultural systems. The results also underline the importance of tomato cultivation in the selected studies, reflecting its global economic impact. The conclusions highlight the need for the further integration of energy storage and desalination technologies, especially in arid regions with high solar irradiation, to ensure the sustainability of greenhouses. It is proposed that future research should address the wider implementation of hybrid systems and advanced climate control technologies, optimizing both the use of energy resources and the performance of crops under cover. In addition, it is recommended that international collaboration be strengthened to address technical and climatic challenges in protected agriculture and to expand the adoption of innovative solutions in different geographical contexts. Full article

In response to the growing demand for potable water, this study presents a practical methodology for designing and fabricating a hybrid desalination system that integrates reverse electrodialysis and electrodialysis using 3D-printing technology. The hybrid system combines the energy generation potential of RED with the salt removal capabilities of ED, reducing energy consumption. Customized reactors were designed to enhance flow distribution and ion exchange, with computational fluid dynamics simulations validating the hydrodynamic performance. The reactors were fabricated using 3D printing, allowing rapid, cost-effective production, with functional reactors constructed in under 24 h. The system achieved a 15% reduction in salt concentration within one hour, with a specific energy consumption of 0.1388 Wh/m³ and a water recovery rate of 50%. These results demonstrate the functionality of the RED-ED hybrid system for achieving energy savings and performing water desalination. This methodology provides a scalable and replicable solution for water treatment applications, especially in regions with abundant salinity gradients and limited freshwater resources, while offering a multidisciplinary approach that integrates physicochemical and engineering principles for effective device development. Full article

Nuclear microreactors are a potential technology to provide heat and electricity for remote microgrids. There is potential for the microgrid on the island of El Hierro to use a microreactor, within an integrated energy system (IES), to generate electricity and provide desalinated water. This work proposes a workflow for optimizing and analyzing IESs for microgrids. In this study, an IES incorporating a microreactor, thermal energy storage (TES) system, combined heat and power plant, and a thermal desalination plant was designed, optimized, and analyzed using Idaho National Laboratory’s Framework for Optimization of Resources and Economics (FORCE) toolset. The optimization tool, Holistic Energy Resource Optimization Network (HERON), was used to determine the optimal capacity sizes and dispatch for the reactor and thermal energy storage systems to meet demand. The optimized reactor and TES sizes were found to be 11.61 MW_th and 58.47 MWh_th, respectively, when optimizing the IES to replace 95% of the island’s existing diesel generation needs. A dynamic model of the system was created in the Modelica language, using models from the HYBRID repository, to analyze and verify the dispatch from the optimizer. The dynamic model was able to meet the ramp rates while maintaining reactor power with minimal control adjustments. Full article