Prospects of solar distillation on levelized cost of Water: A comparative analysis with conventional desalination technologies

Abstract

Access to clean water is a significant issue in off-grid communities around the world, where typical infrastructure is unfeasible. This thesis reviewed two renewable energy-powered technologies Solar Distillation Systems and Membrane Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) for providing drinkable water in rural places. Both leverage photovoltaic energy, making them suited for places with little electricity. The analysis assesses its economic, technical, environmental, and sustainability aspects, concentrating on the Levelized Cost of Water (LCOW) for a village community consuming 50 m³ daily (18,300 m³ annually). Solar Distillation uses solar energy to purify water by evaporation and condensation, while MCDI employs an electrochemical desalination method. Capital costs, operations and maintenance expenses, and LCOW are compared, with Solar Distillation costing $1.94/m³ and MCDI at $0.886/m³, suggesting MCDI’s cost advantage. The analysis utilizes a 20-year system lifespan and a 12% interest rate, applying capital recovery and sinking fund variables to assess fixed costs and salvage values. Environmental implications and sustainability are studied to determine long-term feasibility. Results indicate MCDI’s economic superiority due to lower LCOW, however Solar Distillation may offer simplicity in maintenance. Environmental factors favor both systems for their renewable energy use, although MCDI’s efficiency decreases its ecological imprint. Recommendations include enhancing Solar Distillation’s architecture to minimize costs and scaling MCDI for greater adoption. This analysis emphasizes MCDI’s promise as a cost-effective, sustainable option for off-grid water supply, with future enhancements needed to enhance accessibility and affordability in underserved places.