Energy and exergy analysis of solar PV powered reverse osmosis desalination

Abstract

In the current paper presented short review of the state of the art of solar powered reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems, basic parameters, energy demand of RO process and also exergy analysis. In order to identify the main energy losses in desalination processes, to improve their performances from a thermodynamic point of view, there is a need for exergy analysis. The exergy analysis or second law analysis involves a comparison of exergy input and exergy destruction along various desalination processes. Using the exergy analysis methodology, presented in the current paper, the specific exergy and exergy flow rates at various points of a RO system can be evaluated. Once exergy flow rates are available, exergy destroyed within any component can be determined from exergy balance.