Techno-economic analysis of low impact solar brackish water desalination system in the Brazilian Semiarid region.

In remote communities of the Brazilian semiarid, water obtained from groundwater wells is brackish and usually non-potable. Solar photovoltaic reverse osmosis (PVRO) system has been proposed as a viable alternative to produce clean water for isolated communities in different areas around the world. This paper presents the techno-economic feasibility of using small-scale PVRO systems in Brazilian semiarid communities. Detailed design model and economic analysis are provided to assess PVRO system performance. The results of the techno-economic analysis are integrated into a Geographical Information System (GIS) to provide maps of potential water production, levelized water cost, and energy consumption based on available brackish water salinity and solar input data. The model predicts that a 10 m3/day proposed system capacity can produce water at a levelized cost ranging from 1.44 to 1.65 US$/m3. This is enough to sustain the basic water needs of 250 people for 2 days. Moreover, land required for the solar PV panels ranges from 26 to 33 m2. The outcomes of this research integrated with the GIS maps are a powerful tool to demonstrate the techno-economic feasibility to implement this system for remote communities in the Brazilian semiarid. Designing small-scale PVRO systems for the Brazilian semiarid. Image 10398 • Solar photovoltaic reverse osmosis desalination system is a feasible option for Brazilian semiarid region. • Levelized water cost in the region is less than 1.65 $/m3. • The photovoltaic panels require a land footprint in the range of 26–34 m2. • The 10 m3 produced freshwater capacity is enough for 250 people for 2 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]