Modelling of a hybrid floating wind, energy storage and desalination unit

Abstract

With a continuously growing demand for fresh water, water resources are increasingly being stressed with currently over two thirds of the global population living in water-stressed and water-scarce countries. One way to address this is to augment the supply of potable water through desalination. However, several challenges arise pertaining to the development of desalination plants, including the substantial amounts of land resources and energy required. In fact, powering such plants using renewable energy sources, such as the wind, is being considered as a leading alternative. A novel system is being proposed comprising of an offshore wind-powered reverse osmosis desalination unit. A hydropneumatic energy storage system is also integrated within the system to smoothen out the pressure fluctuations and mitigate the supply-demand mismatch while providing a stabilising upthrust to the floating structure.