A new energy-efficient topology for solar-powered capacitive deionization systems

Abstract

Basic Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a method of water desalination based on electrical energy that uses porous electrodes (e.g. activated carbon) to store ions. The current solar-powered CDI systems depend on using batteries as a stage between the PV panels and the CDI modules to regulate the required voltage and current. Batteries have a limited and short lifetime and can reduce the overall efficiency of the solar system and as a consequence there will be over cost load. This research paper aims at developing a power efficient technique for directly driving CDI cells from the photovoltaic (PV) solar panels power without batteries. In addition, this paper develops a novel power efficient topology for energy recovery in discharging the CDI cell during the purge cycle.