Hybrid solar desalination systems review

Solar distillation of saline water can be economical by combining the advantages of free-cost solar energy with effective design. A combination of two or more desalination processes is called hybrid desalination. It may provide a better cost-effective pure water yield and optimize energy consumption and pure water production. An optimum combination of the features of the multi processes is hoped that either one process can provide. This study introduces an inclusive revision of recent research on hybridization techniques solar-powered desalination systems passing through the numerical and experimental studies from the energetic, exergertic, and economic views. This study is categorized as a hybrid solar desalination system using geothermal energy, humidification dehumidification HDH, solar stills SS, photovoltaic systems, waste heat, heat pump HP, and membrane technology. Cost analysis of the presented hybrid solar desalination systems was introduced. The study presents a comprehensive, up-to-date review of these techniques and developments with suggested future research directions. It was found that using geothermal energy in desalination achieves the heat source continuously (24-h available). In addition, the integration of geothermal energy with HDH improves system productivity by nearly 35%. Further, the combination of HDH units with renewable energy desalination systems indicates good performance, high GOR, high freshwater yield, and low water cost. The hybridization of reverse osmosis RO and renewable energy gives an accepted salinity (for drinking) in addition to the quantity of freshwater productivity.