Concentrated solar power (CSP) driven desalination systems: A techno-economic review

IF 16.3 1区工程技术 Q1 ENERGY & FUELS

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews Pub Date : 2025-09-23 DOI:10.1016/j.rser.2025.116311

M. Imran Khan , Muhammad Reshaeel , Faisal Asfand , Sami G. Al-Ghamdi , Muhammad Farooq , Mushtaq Khan , Furqan Tahir , Yusuf Bicer , Muhammad Asif , Mohammad Rehan , Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The rising global demand for freshwater, coupled with the urgency to transition away from fossil fuel-based energy systems, has intensified research into sustainable desalination solutions. However, conventional desalination methods reliant on fossil fuels are highly energy-intensive, presenting substantial obstacles to achieving a low-carbon energy transition. Concentrated solar power (CSP) presents a compelling alternative, particularly for arid regions with high direct normal irradiation (DNI). This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in CSP-driven desalination technologies, with a particular focus on key methods such as multi-stage flash distillation (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED), membrane distillation (MD), and innovative hybrid systems. It systematically categorizes solar desalination technologies based on their functional components, economic feasibility, and research progress, highlighting advancements in hybrid system designs, thermal performance optimization, and economic evaluations. Although CSP desalination has experienced significant growth over the past five years, challenges remain in developing cost-competitive solutions, particularly in addressing parasitic losses during integration with conventional power systems. This review identifies potential strategies to overcome these challenges, including optimized system configurations, the integration of thermal energy storage, the adoption of advanced power cycles, and the hybridization of MED-RO systems. Realizing the full potential of CSP for sustainable freshwater production will require advances in materials, system integration, and hybrid configurations. A multidisciplinary approach—combining thermal sciences, desalination engineering, power systems, and techno-economic analysis, alongside supportive policies—is key to establishing CSP desalination as a viable solution for high-DNI, water-scarce regions. This review provides a timely and comprehensive overview of current progress and future directions, offering practical insights for advancing sustainable desalination technologies.

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聚光太阳能（CSP）驱动的海水淡化系统：技术经济回顾

全球对淡水的需求不断增长，再加上从化石燃料能源系统转型的紧迫性，加强了对可持续海水淡化解决方案的研究。然而，依赖化石燃料的传统海水淡化方法是高度能源密集型的，对实现低碳能源转型存在重大障碍。聚光太阳能（CSP）是一种引人注目的替代方案，特别是在具有高直接正常辐射（DNI）的干旱地区。本文综述了csp驱动海水淡化技术的最新进展，重点介绍了多级闪蒸（MSF）、多效蒸馏（MED）、膜蒸馏（MD）和创新混合系统等关键方法。它根据其功能组件、经济可行性和研究进展对太阳能海水淡化技术进行了系统分类，重点介绍了混合系统设计、热性能优化和经济评估方面的进展。尽管CSP海水淡化在过去五年中经历了显着增长，但在开发具有成本竞争力的解决方案方面仍然存在挑战，特别是在解决与传统电力系统集成期间的寄生损失方面。这篇综述确定了克服这些挑战的潜在策略，包括优化系统配置、集成热能储存、采用先进的电源循环以及MED-RO系统的混合。实现CSP在可持续淡水生产中的全部潜力，需要在材料、系统集成和混合配置方面取得进步。结合热科学、海水淡化工程、电力系统和技术经济分析以及支持性政策的多学科方法是将CSP海水淡化作为高dni缺水地区可行解决方案的关键。本文及时、全面地综述了海水淡化技术的发展现状和未来发展方向，为推进可持续海水淡化技术的发展提供了切实可行的见解。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 工程技术-能源与燃料

CiteScore

31.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

1055

审稿时长

62 days

期刊介绍： The mission of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is to disseminate the most compelling and pertinent critical insights in renewable and sustainable energy, fostering collaboration among the research community, private sector, and policy and decision makers. The journal aims to exchange challenges, solutions, innovative concepts, and technologies, contributing to sustainable development, the transition to a low-carbon future, and the attainment of emissions targets outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews publishes a diverse range of content, including review papers, original research, case studies, and analyses of new technologies, all featuring a substantial review component such as critique, comparison, or analysis. Introducing a distinctive paper type, Expert Insights, the journal presents commissioned mini-reviews authored by field leaders, addressing topics of significant interest. Case studies undergo consideration only if they showcase the work's applicability to other regions or contribute valuable insights to the broader field of renewable and sustainable energy. Notably, a bibliographic or literature review lacking critical analysis is deemed unsuitable for publication.