Techno-economic optimization of desalination process powered by renewable energy: A case study for a coastal village of southern India

India is facing severe ground water crisis. India has a long coast line. This study explores an optimized desalination unit driven by renewable energy for the coastline villages of Tamil Nadu, a south eastern state of India. This area is suffering from acute water crisis. In this analysis, economy and environmental impacts are simultaneously optimized. Demand and supply are estimated by the optimization process followed by multi criteria decision making approach. Renewable PV-wind-battery supported by a small diesel generator with reverse osmosis desalination technique is the optimum solution. Methodology may be used by policy makers for other places also. A minimum cost of water ($4.57/m(3)) and per year carbon di-oxide productions (2887 kg) are assessed for an assured water supply throughout the year.

Automated summary

This study explores an optimized desalination unit driven by renewable energy for coastal villages in Tamil Nadu, India, in order to address the severe water crisis. The analysis optimizes economic and environmental impacts, leading to the conclusion that the best solution is to use renewable PV-wind-battery systems supported by a small diesel generator and reverse osmosis desalination technique.