Photovoltaic-thermal driven membrane distillation water desalination: Dynamic simulation in an actual weather condition

This work investigates the dynamic performance of integrated photovoltaic thermal and membrane distillation systems for simultaneous electricity and heat generation, subsequently utilized for potable water production through membrane distillation. The coupled system was tested under two representative weather conditions. Analyses of temporal variation in temperature, power, efficiency, and water flux were conducted at four cooling fluid flow rates. Under hot weather, peak electrical power reached 207.15 W at the highest flow rate (0.04 m/s), while a peak efficiency of 15.26 % was achieved across all rates. Notably, the highest electrical efficiency in cold weather (15.76 %) surpasses the peak in hot weather. However, cold weather falls significantly short in peak thermal power (68.82 W). Increasing the flow rate beyond 0.03 m/s did not significantly reduce fluid and panel temperatures. While summer conditions generally offer higher thermal power, colder weather provides superior electrical efficiency. The maximum flux was 38.82 LMH in hot weather, significantly exceeding the 12.4 LMH maximum in colder conditions. This seasonal trade-off highlights the need for an optimal PVT-MD cooling system that prioritizes maximizing both efficiencies, especially thermal extraction, within its wintertime limitations. This approach would enhance overall performance and potentially allow for year-round water production with this versatile technology.