Main Technical and Economic Guidelines to Implement Wind/Solar-Powered Reverse-Osmosis Desalination Systems

The use of renewable energy for desalination started in the 1980s, order to provide a sustainable water supply windy/sunny areas with shortages. Nevertheless, this initiative has been generally limited R&D field and prototypes, few units operating under real conditions. research tradition carried out by Canary Islands Institute Technology, based on pilot facilities, resulted wide expertise practical issues, as well deep knowledge state art. This paper deals most relevant technical aspects be considered optimal design operation wind/photovoltaic (PV)-powered reverse-osmosis (RO) systems, focusing indications: appropriate pre-treatment, selection RO recovery system (ERD), an storage system, key recommendations O&M actions wind- PV-powered systems (extracted from experience different remote locations (PV RO) coastal (wind RO)), identification pros cons hybrid systems. A economic data is given, indicating main minimization cost water. Finally, mentions latest advances involved technologies.