Briefly describe a desalination process.
What can make desalination expensive?
Name 2 renewable energy sources that can be used in desalination.
Help me please and thankyou =)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desalination
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/09/renewables-based-desalination-a-solution-to-menas-water-crisis
Desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals from seawater or brackish water to make it suitable for drinking or other purposes. There are several methods of desalination, but one commonly used process is called reverse osmosis.
In reverse osmosis, pressure is applied to force seawater through a semi-permeable membrane, which allows the water molecules to pass through while leaving behind salts, minerals, and other impurities. The purified water that passes through the membrane is collected, while the concentrated saline solution (brine) is discarded.
Desalination can be expensive due to a few factors:
1. High energy requirements: The desalination process, particularly reverse osmosis, requires a significant amount of energy to apply pressure and force the water through the membrane. This energy is typically supplied by fossil fuels, which can be costly.
2. Maintenance and operation costs: Desalination plants require specialized equipment and infrastructure to carry out the process. These components need regular maintenance and monitoring, which adds to the overall cost.
Two renewable energy sources that can be used in desalination are:
1. Solar energy: Solar energy can be harnessed through technologies like photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar thermal collectors to generate electricity or heat. This renewable energy source can power desalination plants, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
2. Wind energy: Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. This electricity can be used to power desalination processes, making it a sustainable and renewable energy source for this purpose.
Using renewable energy sources in desalination not only reduces operational costs but also helps mitigate the environmental impacts associated with traditional fossil fuel-based energy generation.
I hope this explanation helps! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.