With the climate change which intensifies drought and heat in many regions, the world needs versatile technologies that can solve multiple problems at once. A team of engineers at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar has developed a modular system that addresses three crucial challenges: producing fresh water from salt water, generating renewable energy, and providing cooling for buildings and interior spaces.
How the multifunction desalination system works
At the base of the system is an array of bifacial crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar panels, capable of producing up to 600 watts per panel with an efficiency of 23.2%. With a total surface area of 10,785 m², these panels can generate up to 1.5 MW of electricity per day. The energy produced is distributed intelligently: a part (100 kW) directly powers the system, while the rest is used for cooling the ground water and for the operation of the water pumps.
An additional module uses a vapor compressor and refrigerant to cool the saline water until ice crystals form. These crystals, which represent fresh water, are separated from the residual salt. The collected ice is then stored and used to cool air, which can be pumped into buildings to provide air conditioning. When the ice melts, the water can be used for human consumption or irrigation.
An additional module uses the produced water and electricity to generate hydrogen. Through an electrodeionization system with proton exchange membranes, the water is further purified, producing hydrogen as a by-product, which can be stored and used as a clean energy source.
Extraordinary data and practical applications
The system is designed to operate in differentiated modes during the day and night. During the day, desalination and air cooling are the main activities, while at night the focus shifts to hydrogen production. On a typical day, the system can produce:
This modular system represents an innovative and scalable response to the needs of regions with scarce water resources and high temperatures. With a versatile design, it could be adapted to different industrial and residential applications, providing a complete solution for energy and water needs.
