A hybrid wind/solar photovoltaic system for Malta : a case study for supplying power to a reverse osmosis desalination plant

Abstract

The paper describes the solar and wind potential at Marfa near a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant. An analysis is made to evaluate the possibility of installing a hybrid wind/photovoltaic power plant to offset a large part of the demand of this energy intensive process. The results have shown a marked level of compatibility between the monthly solar and wind trends although the diurnal trends call for a more careful analysis of any hybrid installation, since both renewable energy sources peak during the daylight hours. Both technologies have the potential of independently supplying the required power for water desalination with solar photovoltaics exhibiting better tracking of the RO electric consumption profile. However, wind energy systems showed the capability of producing excess power in the winter months that would help to offset any critical demands on the grid during the colder season.