Design and performance analysis of thermal assisted reverse osmosis (RO)

Abstract

Abstract Today, the world is facing difficult challenges related to water scarcity and freshwater resources. Water desalination has become necessary to meet this great demand. The reverse osmosis desalination system is considered the dominant type of desalination, although the high amount of energy consumed is considered the main barrier to expanding seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO). The need for producing an environmentally friendly energy source is also one of the most important challenges in preserving the environment and reducing global warming. The coexistence of power plants that release waste heat energy through the condenser and reverse osmosis plant represents an opportunity for a synergy system. Therefore, research has shown that the low/ultralow grade heat from natural sources or industrial processes can assist the process of desalination. This paper reviews available process configurations, system design, and operating parameters, and discusses the performance of the RO process at high temperatures.