Development of a New strategy for selecting solar desalination plants based on Techno-Economic, Environmental, and climatic Issues: The case study of Iran

Abstract

The global water crisis, increasing droughts, and Iran’s status as a water-stressed nation have underscored the urgent need for sustainable potable water solutions. This study introduces a comprehensive management framework for solar desalination systems aimed at delivering renewable water resources at urban, rural, and building scales. Initially, various desalination and solar technologies are thoroughly analyzed. Using Iran as a case study, the research examines climatic factors such as temperature, solar irradiation, humidity, rainfall, water demand, and water resources. Prioritization of desalination and solar technologies is determined through value engineering. Subsequently, the need for solar desalination systems across various Iranian cities is assessed based on operational feasibility and value engineering principles. A roadmap is then presented for selecting appropriate solar desalination technologies tailored to specific management requirements. Detailed technical, economic, and environmental analyses are conducted on systems such as photovoltaic-reverse osmosis (PV-RO), parabolic trough collector-multi-effect distillation (PTC-MED), parabolic trough collector-multi-stage flash (PTC-MSF), and the hybrid CPVT-MEDRO. The PV-RO system, selected as the most suitable solar desalination solution for numerous urban, rural, and construction applications, demonstrates the highest economic performance, with a payback period of just 1.5 years, making it a financially viable option. Among the photovoltaic panels evaluated for PV-RO systems, the C-Si type panel emerged as the most advantageous from both economic and environmental perspectives. Additionally, the PTC-MED and CPVT-MEDRO systems, with payback periods of 3.5 and 3 years, respectively, are identified as appealing choices for coastal cities, considering both financial and environmental factors.