Batch reverse osmosis (BRO)-adsorption desalination (AD) hybrid system for multipurpose desalination and minimal liquid discharge

Abstract

Brine disposal and energy consumption are the two most important challenges for desalination. In this study, a new hybrid desalination process integrating batch reverse osmosis (BRO) and adsorption desalination (AD) is proposed for high recovery and energy efficiency. Hybrid BRO-AD produces distilled water and drinking water simultaneously. It also provides cooling. Simulation results reveal high recovery of 96.0 % and 64.8 %, low specific electrical energy consumption of 0.536 and 2.089 kWh/m3, specific thermal energy consumption of 182.3 and 312.2 kWh/m3, with cooling power generation of 302.5 and 139.5 kW achieved in brackish water and seawater desalination, respectively. The thermal energy consumption can be supplied by low-grade waste heat. The effects of feed concentrations in the ranges of 1–8 g/L (for brackish water) and 30–44 g/L (for seawater) and feed temperature of 25–35 °C are also investigated. The performance of the BRO-AD is compared against non-hybrid BRO and AD systems. The study shows that the BRO-AD hybrid achieves higher recovery than BRO, while reducing the large amounts of adsorbent material needed by AD. With its versatile characteristics, the BRO-AD hybrid system can be considered a breakthrough step in minimal/zero liquid discharge.