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Scientists from Qatar's Hamad Bin Khalifa University have developed an integrated autonomous system that combines water desalination, hydrogen production, electricity generation and air conditioning. The goal of the system is to ensure efficient use of resources in desert regions where agriculture is hampered by water and energy shortages.
The system uses double-sided silicon-based (c-Si) photovoltaic panels with a total area of 10 m785. Each module generates up to 2 W of electricity with an efficiency of 600%. The total capacity of the panels is 23,2 MW, of which 1,5 kW are directed directly to the farmer's needs. The excess energy powers a system for cryogenic desalination, air conditioning and hydrogen production.
The system achieves a daily output of 52,8 m3 of fresh water, 177 kg of green hydrogen and 6,3 MWh for air conditioning. To conserve energy, metal hydride tanks are used, which hold 3 m? hydrogen At night, hydrogen is used in fuel cells with a capacity of 229,7 kW, ensuring continuous operation of the system.
System modeling is based on thermodynamic principles. The energy efficiency of the system during the day is 17,8%, while at night it is 56%, which demonstrates high adaptability to changing conditions of solar radiation. According to the researchers, the exergetic efficiency is also impressive at 13,5% during the day and 34,9% at night.
The innovation lies in the use of freezing to desalinate brackish water and the integration of energy-saving solutions such as ice storage systems and metal hydride canisters. Advanced two-sided photovoltaic technology allows for increased energy production by capturing solar radiation from both sides of the panels, even in challenging climates.
Thus, the proposed system is promising for implementation in remote regions, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture, water and energy supply.
- After 50 years, the desalination system has finally been made cheap: Scientists have developed the Wave2O system, which uses wave energy to desalinate water, providing a daily supply for 40 people.
- Obtaining hydrogen due to the energy of the sun without solar batteries and electrolyzers: Researchers from Linköping University have created nanoporous silicon carbide, which opens up new opportunities for ecological hydrogen production.
- Scientists have proven the profitability of hydrogen production from offshore wind energy: Researchers propose using energy from offshore wind generators for industrial hydrogen production, which could replace fossil fuels.
