Clean Energy Capability Portfolio | Clean Fuels |
Coupling of Energy Systems ( Solar
or Hydrogen )
with Desalination
Technologies
Developing new materials and design tools to overcome the technical challenges that have previously limited membrane distillation technology , to reveal an innovative method for the co-production of water and electricity capable of handling transient solar and water quality inputs . |
Competitive Advantage • Broad expertise from membrane materials development through to CST plant optimisation
• Innovators in the design of modules and materials , such as hydrophobic coatings and 3D printed parts , with a skillset in determining how to best incorporate them into solar thermal systems
Impact • Remote locations in Australia , Middle East and North Africa are blessed with abundant solar resources and increasing levels of development . However , they are burdened by access to reliable drinking water and electricity generation facilities . Enabling the co-production of water and electricity will unearth significant possibilities for these regions . Prototype , multi-effect membrane distillation systems have achieved record low specific energy consumption in laboratory tests .
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Our Collaborators • Vast Energy
• Origin Water
More Information Professor Robert Taylor
School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
T : + 612 9385 5400
E : robert . taylor @ unsw . edu . au
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Successful Applications |
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• Production of prototype membrane distillation modules that can utilise the exhaust from thermal power plants |
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• Geo-techno-economic analysis of many configurations for the energy-water nexus |
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Capabilities and Facilities |
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• Experimental facilities to produce and test new modules and materials at laboratory and pilot scale |
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