Potable water resources are scarce in the Arava Valley and reverse osmosis (RO) systems purify available water. Photovoltaics(PV) can be used to provide power for small-scale RO systems. PV panels operate more efficiently at lower temperatures; RO is more energy efficient with preheated feedwater. The system under investigation combines these two effects through a thermal transfer system mounted to a PV panel. Experiments were completed on the existing system and component analysis was completed and energy efficiency improvements were proposed.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Pepin, Aaron J.
• Friedman, Jonathan S.
• Golemo, Tyler R.
• Bliss, Elizabeth A.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032217-095247

Advisor

• Bar-On, Isa
• Emanuel, Alexander E.

Year

• 2017

Sponsor

• Arava Institute

Date created

• 2017-03-22

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical & Computer Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright