Regular Article

Simulation and optimization of a RO/EV pilot reverse osmosis desalination plant powered by PV solar energy: the application to brackish water at low concentration

Renewable Energy & Dynamic Systems Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Aîn Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, El-Jadida road Km9 −BP 5366 Maarif Casablanca, Morocco

^* e-mail: amine.lilane-etu@etu.univh2c.ma; m.amine.lilane@gmail.com

Received: 31 March 2022
Received in final form: 14 September 2022
Accepted: 27 September 2022
Published online: 18 November 2022

Abstract

Recently, the whole world recognizes a very impressive demographic evolution; in fact, it becomes necessary to meet their needs in terms of water and electricity. Solar energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV), is considered as an efficient electric production technique, and easy to couple with other systems. The PV coupling with the reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system represents several technical and ecological advantages. In this work, solar PV is connected directly to RO desalination system for a production rate of 1–10 m³/day. The system is aiming to produce a freshwater from brackish water sources. MATLAB/Simulink toolbox is used to simulate the real system under different operating conditions. Real time simulation is presented to measure the system performance along the day. Genetic Algorithm is also used to optimize the system performance under different operating conditions.