Dynamic numerical modeling and performance assessment of a hybrid photovoltaic thermal collector adsorption desalination system for sustainable water-energy nexus

Abstract

The global challenges of energy and freshwater shortages are becoming more pronounced, driven by the relentless march of population growth and climate change. Adsorption desalination techniques have gained significant attention as a sustainable solution to address the increasing global demand for fresh water and energy because of their ability to utilize low-grade thermal energy. This study presents the annual performance of a hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PVT) with adsorption desalination system (ADS) under the weather conditions of Sohag City, Egypt. Numerical modeling is employed using MATLAB coupled with TRNSYS software to annually evaluate the system’s operational parameters and validate system performance. The study highlights that the PVT-ADS outperforms traditional adsorption desalination systems. During the summer months, the PVT electrical efficiency was 15.80 % better than that of a standard PV system without cooling. Additionally, the heat captured from the PV module enhanced the ADS water production rate to 6.50 m³/ton-day and the cooling power to 156 W/kg, respectively. In comparison, the standalone ADS obtained 5.50 m³/ton-day and 143 W/kg, respectively. Moreover, the hybrid PVT/adsorption desalination system could reduce the freshwater cost by around 20 % and 13 % in the case of driving the ADS system by waste heat or solar evacuated tube solar collector. Conclusively, the findings of the study highlight the hybrid PV/T-ADS’s potential to simultaneously address energy and water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions.