KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) is developing solar-powered seawater desalination technologies, including the MEDAD cycle which combines adsorption desalination (AD) and multi-effect distillation (MED). The MEDAD cycle, developed by Professor Kim Choon Ng, doubles water production at the same temperature, reducing costs to $0.48/m3 compared to $1.201/m3 for multi-stage flash distillation. A 100 m3/day commercial-scale MEDAD project was commissioned in Riyadh in 2017 in collaboration with KACST, and a larger 2,000 m3/day project is planned for Yanbu. Why it matters: This highlights Saudi Arabia's move towards sustainable energy and the role of research institutions like KAUST in developing cost-effective desalination technologies suitable for the region.
KAUST researchers are developing new solar desalination methods to increase efficiency and minimize heat losses, building on techniques dating back to Arab alchemists. KAUST Associate Professor Peng Wang and his team at the Water Desalination and Reuse Center are developing an innovative system that more efficiently vaporizes water using interfacial heating. The design uses a photothermal material to capture the entire spectrum of sunlight and convert it into heat with nearly 100% efficiency. Why it matters: This research could provide more sustainable and efficient methods for producing fresh water in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST researchers have developed a new solar distillation device that prevents salt accumulation by using a centimeter-scale plastic cube containing glass fiber membranes and carbon nanotubes. The design incorporates vertically oriented membranes with hydrophilic microchannels to transport seawater to the top solar layer for distillation. This elevated design doubles the freshwater production rate compared to existing salt-rejection solar stills. Why it matters: This innovation improves the efficiency and longevity of solar-powered desalination, offering a sustainable solution for water purification in emergency situations and remote areas.
A hybrid desalination pilot plant combining adsorption and multi-effect distillation cycles is under construction at KAUST. The integration aims to improve water production yields by up to three times using the same heat resource. The project is funded by a 2013 OCRF grant and builds upon previous research with a solar-powered adsorption pilot plant. Why it matters: This initiative advances sustainable desalination technologies, crucial for water security in arid regions like Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Professor Kim Choon Ng and his team, including Drs. Muhammad Shahzad, Muhammad Burhan, and Doskhan Ybyraiymkul, received a best paper award at the International Desalination Association World Congress in Dubai. Their winning paper focused on solar-powered cyclone-enhanced seawater desalination. The innovation improves energy efficiency, achieving 22% of the thermodynamic limit compared to less than 13% in conventional methods. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to sustainable water solutions and innovations in desalination technology, crucial for water-scarce regions.