Concentrator photovoltaics combined with reverse osmosis and membrane distillation for high-efficiency desalination and electricity production

Abstract: This project is a bachelor thesis and aims to study the integration of concentrator photovoltaics (CPV), reverse osmosis (RO) and membrane distillation (MD) for water desalination and purification. In this report, an introduction of the need for efficient water desalination is presented. Following the introduction, relevant literature has been reviewed to build up the fundamental understanding of CPV, RO and MD. A general classification of CPV subsequently introduced. In order to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of CPVs, two case studies were performed with two different types of CPV/T. The cost efficiency of each type of CPV was analysed when integrated with RO and MD systems. The result turns out to be that it was not economically beneficial to have MD in the integrated system. The reason behind is the extensive thermal energy demand of MD. Other affecting parameters, such as location and system types were also discussed. Lastly, improvements and suggestions for further studies were considered.