A new design of a cost effective membrane desalination plant powered by a wind turbine

Abstract

Wind is a plentiful source of energy. Wind turbines used to generate electricity come in a variety of sizes. Large wind turbines, which are usually installed in clusters are called wind farms, and can generate large amounts of electricity. Large wind turbines may even produce several hundreds of megawatts (MW) of electricity – enough to power hundreds of homes. Small wind turbines, which are generally defined as producing no more than 100 kW of electricity, are designed to be installed at homes, farms and in small businesses, either as a source of backup electricity, or to offset use of utility power and reduce electricity bills. Very small wind turbines (20 – 50 Watt units) are used to charge batteries for sailboats and other recreational uses – wind turbines in the range of 1 kW to 7.5 kW are usually used to charge special designed battery power banks – delivering power as needed to for example a membrane water desalination system – and even for treating brackish water or any other polluted water source unfit for consumption.