Effect of thermodynamic limitations on PV initial cost estimations for solar-powered RO desalination Original Research Article

The minimum initial cost of photovoltaic (PV) arrays in PV-powered reverse osmosis (PV–RO) desalination systems is estimated by thermo-hydro calculations that are based on second law of thermodynamics limitations. This cost is a function of location, which includes sea water salinity and climate data. The reversible work needed per kg of potable water produced has been computed. The effects of feed sea/brackish water salinity and the exhaust brine salinity (including the two extreme cases of zero and maximum recovery ratios) on the performance have been investigated. Power needed to drive a PV–RO desalination system of a given output is calculated. Osmotic pressure needed for different locations and the minimum PV area are calculated; the corresponding initial cost is estimated.