Thesis-2003-Miranda.pdf (5.29 MB)
Small-scale wind-powered seawater desalination without batteries.
thesis
posted on 2012-10-17, 09:44 authored by Marcos MirandaPotable water is a commodity taken for granted by many in modem society. In
places where it is not naturally available, it is usually produced by adequate processing
of the supply from other sources, as is the case with seawater desalination. Such
processes require an energy supply, which just as well may not exist at many of these
locations.
In view of the above, this w~rk focuses on the study of two well-established
technologies and their integration: water desalination by Reverse Osmosis (RO) and
electricity generation using Wind Energy.
Based on the premise that no energy backup or storage devices would be
employed, two alternative wind-powered RO system configurations are proposed. Their
components are individually described and modelled. Control strategies are devised for
both systems, aiming at making the best possible use of the energy available. The
expected performances of both systems are assessed through simulation of computer
models.
Based on the simulated performance results, one of the systems is chosen for
further development. A prototype system is built and experimental tests carried out. The
design of the prototype is detailed and the results obtained are presented. In the light of
these results, the developed model is validated and the viability of the system is
discussed.
Finally, practical implementation issues are discussed; a case study is introduced,
including performance predictions and a simplified economic analysis presented.
History
School
- Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Publisher
© Marcos dos Santos MirandaPublication date
2003Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.Language
- en