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KISR advances solar-powered desalination technology for Kuwait

The experiments showed that the membrane distillation system can generate 23.42 liters of fresh water per day.

KISR advances solar-powered desalination technology for Kuwait
[Source photo: Pankaj Kirdatt/Fast Company Middle East]

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has successfully concluded a research project on seawater desalination powered by solar energy.

Titled “Developing Performance Features for Using Integrated Solar-Powered Air-Gap Membrane Distillation Technology for Desalination of Seawater in Kuwait,” the initiative aimed to enhance and test a specialized solar-powered air-gap membrane distillation system.

A custom-built test unit, installed at KISR’s desalination research station, facilitated experiments under real-world conditions to evaluate the system’s effectiveness and performance.

Led by Dr. Garudachari Bhadrachari, Dr. Mansour Ahmed, and the director of KISR’s Water Desalination Technologies Program, the research evaluated the system’s performance using seawater from the Arabian Gulf.

The study successfully demonstrated the pilot unit’s ability to produce 23.42 liters of fresh water per day under realistic operating conditions, providing valuable insights into its efficiency and functionality.

Building on these results, the team developed a conceptual design for large-scale implementation. Using mathematical modeling and simulations, they assessed the technical and economic feasibility of scaling the technology to meet various operational demands.

The system presents numerous social and economic benefits, such as fostering local expertise, strengthening Kuwait’s water security, and minimizing environmental impact. Its adaptability makes it particularly viable for deployment in remote areas, with scalable potential to address increasing water demands efficiently.

The researchers suggested additional pilot-scale testing to refine the technology, focusing on its integration with renewable energy sources and waste heat recovery systems to further reduce energy consumption and enhance efficiency.

The technology notably showed effectiveness in addressing challenges such as blockages, salt deposits, and corrosion, offering the potential to extend membrane lifespan and reduce reliance on chemical additives compared to traditional reverse osmosis desalination methods.

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