Work

Integrated water–energy–environment nexus in solar desalination: A multi-criteria optimization of organic Rankine cycle-driven reverse osmosis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This research presents a new method to reduce the environmental impact of reverse osmosis (RO) systems in solar farms. The concept involves enhancing the connection between water, energy, and the environment by utilizing an RO system that is powered by an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), which produces electricity using heat from a solar field. The study examines various ORC setups and operating fluids based on energy analysis (1E), exergy (2E), economic (3E), and environmental effects (4E) to create clean water. Important aspects of the optimization process include selecting the ORC setup, picking the working fluid for the ORC, and establishing the design parameters for the solar parabolic farm. These parameters are fine-tuned using a genetic algorithm technique. The findings show a 12% decrease in environmental impact and a 7.5% improvement in exergy efficiency due to this three-objective optimization strategy.

Source: Energy Exploration & Exploitation

DOI: 10.1177/01445987251388671

Authors: Azher M Abed, Hamid Reza Azizi, Ghassan Fadhil Smaisim, Esfandyar Ataei, Anker Bhogayatay

Institutions: Al-Mustaqbal University, Islamic Azad University Ardabil, University of Kufa, Payame Noor University, Kabul University

Language: English

Topic: Thermodynamic and Exergetic Analyses of Power and Cooling Systems

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Clean water and sanitation, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000