Applying wind energy as a clean source for reverse osmosis desalination: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Desalination has gained significant importance in recent decades especially in arid regions such as MENA. There are different technologies for desalination such as thermal, electrodialysis and Reverse Osmosis (RO); however, RO is currently among the most attractive and widely used technology. Utilizing renewable energy systems for supplying the required power of RO or electrodialysis desalinations is beneficial in terms of environmental and applicability for remote areas, and has attracted attention in recent decades. In the present review article, studies on the desalination systems utilizing wind energy are reviewed. According to the findings, it can be concluded that wind turbines can be considered to supply the required power of desalinations in a clean and efficient way. In addition, by applying hybrid systems composed of wind turbines, the reliability of the systems can be improved and the issues related to the intermittent nature of wind could be resolved. Cost effectiveness of hybrid energy systems is dependent on the configuration of the systems and case studies. Lastly, several recommendations are advised for the upcoming studies in the relevant fields of science.

Keywords

• Desalination
• Reverse osmosis
• Wind turbines
• Renewable energy
• Hybrid systems