Solar Thermal Desalination

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Solar thermal desalination utilizes solar energy to power desalination processes, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for producing freshwater from seawater or brackish water. This technology is particularly relevant for regions facing water scarcity or limited access to freshwater resources.

Impact on climate action

Solar Thermal Desalination under the Solar Thermal theme advances climate action by providing clean water without adding to carbon emissions. By utilizing solar energy to power desalination processes, this innovation addresses water scarcity, reduces reliance on fossil fuel-powered desalination plants, and contributes to sustainable water management in arid regions, mitigating climate change impacts.

Underlying
Technology

  • Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) Desalination: This technology uses solar thermal energy to heat seawater, which is then flashed into steam in multiple stages under vacuum. The steam condenses into freshwater, leaving behind concentrated brine.
  • Multi-Effect Distillation (MED): This technology uses a series of evaporators and condensers to evaporate and condense seawater multiple times, producing freshwater with each stage. Solar thermal energy is used to heat the seawater in the first stage, and the subsequent stages utilize waste heat from the previous stages.

TRL : 7-8


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Hybrid Solar Thermal-PV Desalination Systems: Combining solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies can improve the efficiency and reliability of desalination systems. PV panels can generate electricity to power pumps and other equipment, while solar thermal collectors provide heat for the desalination process.
  • Membrane Distillation (MD): MD is an emerging desalination technology that uses a hydrophobic membrane to separate water vapor from saline water. Solar thermal energy can be used to provide the heat needed for the evaporation process.
  • Nanotechnology for Desalination Membranes: Researchers are exploring the use of nanotechnology to develop desalination membranes with improved performance and reduced fouling.
  • Advanced Materials for Solar Collectors: Innovations in materials science are leading to the development of more efficient and durable solar collectors for solar thermal desalination systems.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Solar Thermal Desalination for Arid Agriculture
  • Zero-Emission Solar Thermal Desalination
  • Next-Gen Solar Thermal Collectors
  • Decentralized Solar Desalination Solutions
  • Hybrid Solar-PV Desalination
  • Multi-Effect Distillation Optimization
  • Solar Thermal Desalination for Disaster Relief
  • Advanced Heat Transfer Techniques
  • Solar Desalination for Sustainable Tourism
  • Solar Thermal Desalination for Industrial Use
  • Solar Thermal Desalination for Aquaculture
  • Solar Desalination for Climate Resilience

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  • Trevi Systems:
    • Technology Enhancement: Trevi Systems specializes in solar thermal desalination technology, utilizing renewable energy from sunlight to desalinate seawater or brackish water. Their systems employ advanced membrane distillation technology powered by solar thermal energy, enabling efficient and sustainable water desalination without the need for grid electricity.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Trevi Systems stands out for its innovative approach to solar thermal desalination, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions for producing freshwater from seawater or brackish sources. Their technology addresses the growing global demand for clean drinking water in water-stressed regions, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional desalination methods.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Trevi Systems serves municipalities, industrial facilities, agricultural operations, and remote communities facing water scarcity or lack of access to clean water. Their solar thermal desalination systems are deployed in coastal regions, islands, arid areas, and off-grid locations, providing a reliable and sustainable source of freshwater for various applications.
  • Solar Water Solutions:
    • Technology Enhancement: Solar Water Solutions specializes in solar-powered desalination systems based on membrane distillation technology. Their solutions harness solar energy to heat water and drive the desalination process, producing freshwater from seawater or brackish water. Solar Water Solutions’ systems are designed for scalability, modularity, and low energy consumption, offering an environmentally friendly approach to water desalination.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Solar Water Solutions stands out for its focus on developing modular and decentralized desalination solutions powered by solar energy. Their systems are designed for ease of installation, operation, and maintenance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including rural communities, disaster relief, and remote industries.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Solar Water Solutions serves communities, industries, and organizations seeking sustainable and off-grid water desalination solutions. Their solar-powered desalination systems are deployed in coastal areas, islands, resorts, and remote locations where access to freshwater is limited or unreliable, providing a reliable and self-sufficient water supply.
  • Desolenator:
    • Technology Enhancement: Desolenator offers solar thermal desalination systems that utilize solar energy to produce freshwater from seawater or brackish water. Their patented technology combines solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal collectors to generate electricity and heat, powering the desalination process. Desolenator’s systems employ multiple distillation stages to achieve high water recovery rates and purity levels.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Desolenator stands out for its innovative integration of solar PV and solar thermal technologies to optimize energy efficiency and water production. Their systems are designed to operate off-grid and in remote locations, providing a sustainable solution for decentralized water desalination and purification.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Desolenator serves households, communities, humanitarian organizations, and commercial entities seeking sustainable and off-grid water desalination solutions. Their solar thermal desalination systems are deployed in areas with limited access to clean water, including coastal regions, rural communities, and disaster-affected areas, providing a reliable and resilient source of freshwater.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
    • Research Focus: MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research on Solar Thermal Desalination, focusing on developing advanced solar-driven technologies for converting seawater or brackish water into fresh water using thermal energy from sunlight.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves the design and optimization of solar collectors, heat exchangers, and distillation systems for efficient water purification. They explore novel materials, phase-change fluids, and system architectures to enhance heat transfer, evaporation rates, and overall energy efficiency in solar desalination processes.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in off-grid communities, arid regions, and disaster relief efforts where access to clean water is limited. By harnessing solar thermal energy for desalination, MIT’s research contributes to addressing water scarcity challenges, promoting sustainable development, and improving public health outcomes in water-stressed regions worldwide.
  • King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST):
    • Research Focus: KAUST is a global leader in research on Solar Thermal Desalination, leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary expertise, and strategic location in a water-scarce region to develop innovative solutions for solar-powered water desalination.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of hybrid solar desalination systems, including multi-effect distillation (MED), membrane distillation (MD), and solar stills, integrated with concentrating solar collectors or parabolic troughs for high-efficiency thermal energy conversion. They also investigate advanced materials, nanotechnologies, and fouling-resistant membranes to improve system performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in coastal communities, remote islands, and industrial sectors requiring large-scale water production. By advancing solar thermal desalination technologies, KAUST’s research supports sustainable water management practices, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and enhances water security in arid and water-stressed regions.
  • National University of Singapore (NUS):
    • Research Focus: NUS conducts pioneering research on Solar Thermal Desalination, leveraging its expertise in renewable energy, water treatment, and environmental engineering to develop innovative approaches for solar-driven water purification and desalination.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves exploring integrated solar desalination systems, such as solar stills, solar ponds, and solar-assisted distillation, coupled with thermal energy storage, hybrid heat sources, and intelligent control strategies for enhancing system reliability, scalability, and energy autonomy. They also investigate the environmental impacts, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic feasibility of solar desalination technologies to inform sustainable decision-making.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in agriculture, aquaculture, and decentralized water supply systems. By harnessing solar thermal energy for desalination, NUS’s research contributes to mitigating climate change impacts, conserving freshwater resources, and promoting equitable access to clean water for human consumption and food production.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Solar thermal desalination systems are being implemented in various regions around the world, particularly in water-scarce areas with abundant sunlight. For example, large-scale solar thermal desalination plants are operating in the Middle East and North Africa, providing freshwater for municipal and industrial use.



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