A team of engineers from the Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar has created an “autonomous solar system“. This is an innovative desalination invention that combines electricity production, hydrogen, and cold air for cooling.
The development was published in the Desalination journal, the work of Nurettin Sezer and Sertac Bayhan describes a modular system that addresses critical challenges related to climate change in arid and warm regions.
The autonomous solar system: adaptation and mitigation against climate change
Climate change demands comprehensive solutions that allow communities in dry and hot areas to adapt to extreme conditions.
That’s why this system addresses three essential needs: desalination of seawater or brackish water, generation of renewable energy, and cooling for buildings and homes.
The modularity of the design allows these functions to be integrated efficiently, making it a key solution for a sustainable future.
Solar energy as the core of the system
The Qatari development uses solar energy.
The system starts with a set of bifacial c-Si solar panels capable of generating up to 600 watts per panel, with an estimated efficiency of 23.2%. With a surface area of 10,785 m², the system can produce up to 1.5 MW of electricity per day.
As detailed by the Ecoticias news outlet, the generated electricity is distributed as follows:
- 100 kW are used directly as an energy source.
- The rest powers a system to pre-cool groundwater and operate water pumps.
Desalination and cooling process
Desalination is carried out through a module that uses a vapor compressor and a refrigerant to cool saline water until it forms ice crystals.
This ice, being freshwater, is separated from the remaining salt. Subsequently, it is stored and used to cool air that is pumped into indoor spaces, providing air conditioning.
Hydrogen production for energy storage
Another module in the system purifies part of the water and electricity generated through electrodialysis. A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer produces hydrogen gas by deionizing water.
This hydrogen is stored as an alternative energy source, expanding the system’s capacity to operate continuously.
Another highlight of the system is that it represents a significant advancement in the use of integrated technologies to address water, energy, and cooling issues. Mainly aimed at regions vulnerable to climate change.
Promises to address problems caused by climate change.
Additionally, its flexible design, as described, allows it to be adapted to different scales and needs, from rural communities to expanding cities.
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