Integrating water desalination plants in renewable energy systems for isolated areas

Isolated areas may face difficulties regarding both energy security and water supply as they are often not connected to the energy and water network of the mainland. In this respect, we investigate the integration of a desalination plant in the planning of a hybrid renewable energy system for an isolated area, in order to satisfy energy and freshwater needs. We examine the major desalination technologies (thermal, membrane) and we compare their advantages, limitations and potential for water production, in a small Aegean island. Using stochastic approaches for the energy and water demand and production, the reliability and feasibility of such a renewable energy-based desalination plant are investigated.

Acknowledgement: This research is conducted within the frame of the undergraduate course "Stochastic Methods" of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). The School of Civil Engineering of NTUA provided moral support for the participation of the students in the Assembly.