Investigation of direct contact membrane distillation coupling with a concentrated photovoltaic solar system

The scarcity of fresh water amongst a growing population is an impending global issue, which must be addressed by utilizing renewable energy sources. A Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) and Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) hybrid system is a viable solution to address water shortage in arid and rural areas. The objective is to determine the feasibility of the combination of a DCMD and CPV system, demonstrate fresh water production utilizing the DCMD method and increase total CPV system efficiency. An experimental setup has been designed and built, and the results indicate a mass flux of 7.096 L/m2.h is achievable with a Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane area of 0.0491 m2, salinity concentration of 1±0.1 % and a membrane temperature difference of 18.82 °C.