hydrogen, electricity, and cooled air for refrigeration” title=”Source: Desalination (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2024.118321″ width=”800″ height=”530″/>
Credit: Desalination (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2024.118321
Revolutionary Dual-Function Desalination System Unveiled by Engineers
Engineers Nurettin Sezer and Sertac Bayhan from Hamad Bin Khalifa University have introduced a groundbreaking desalination technology capable of generating electricity, hydrogen gas, and cool air for cooling needs simultaneously.
The Response to Climate Challenges
The urgency of climate change necessitates innovative solutions in arid regions where heat is pervasive. Strategies typically focus on desalting salty ocean water or brackish estuaries, creating renewable energy like hydrogen, and designing systems for temperature regulation in buildings and homes. The Qatar-based researchers have ingeniously crafted a modular system that seamlessly integrates these functions.
How the System Operates
This novel system operates using an array of bifacial crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) panels that can each output up to 600 watts with an efficiency rate of approximately 23.2%. According to the team’s calculations, utilizing about 10,785 square meters of these solar panels could yield around 1.5 megawatts of electrical power.
The generated electricity is allocated appropriately—100 kW is directed toward immediate energy needs while the remaining capacity powers water pumps and pre-cools groundwater in preparation for the desalination process.
Desalination Process with Ice Crystallization
A unique aspect involves another module equipped with a vapor compressor coupled with refrigerants to freeze saline water until ice crystals form; this yields freshwater while leaving salt behind as residue.
This ice remains stored until air circulated over it provides room cooling as it melts down.
Furthermore, after melting, this fresh water can serve multiple applications such as potable water supply or irrigation during growing seasons.
Hydrogen Production via Electro-deionization
An additional module further processes some portion of the freshly produced water alongside electricity using electro-deionization techniques employing proton exchange membrane electrolyzers—this results in hydrogen generation which can be harvested as an energy source for later use.
A Day’s Output—Impressive Statistics
This state-of-the-art system operates optimally throughout daylight hours for both desalinating seawater and providing essential air conditioning capabilities; however, its electrolyzer component activates at night when demand fluctuates.
Remarkably, daily outcomes include:
- Electricity Produced: approximately 2.4 MWh
- Fresh Water Generated: around 52.8 cubic meters
- Cooled Air Supply:: equivalent to 6.3 MWh per day
- Sustainable Hydrogen Storage:: near ‘177 kilograms’
Citation Information on Research Findings
© 2024 Science X Network
A comprehensive analysis titled “Integrated solar-powered freeze desalination and water electrolysis system with energy recovery and storage for sustainable agriculture in desert environments,” authored by Nurettin Sezer et al., appears in the journal *Desalination* (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal .
Citation:
“Desalinization device innovatively produces hydrogen along with needed electricity & chill vibes” – Released December 10th , retrieved December date placeholder from https://techxplore.com/news/202412-desalinization-hydrogen-electricity-cool-air.html
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