The SDAWES project: lessons learnt from an innovative project

The Seawater Desalination by an Autonomous Wind Energy System (SDAWES) project was developed to produce a natural scarce resource (fresh water) by the use of a natural, renewable resource (wind energy). The basic concept consists in the connection of three kinds of desalination systems: reverse osmosis, vacuum vapour compression and reversible electrodialysis to a stand-alone wind energy system to produce fresh water from seawater on a significant scale (total nominal water production: 440 m3/d). The main objectives of the project were to identify the best desalination system for connection to a stand-alone wind farm and to assess the influence of the variations of wind energy on the operation of the desalination plants and on the quality of the water produced. This is a project where several lessons were learnt after two years’ testing experience. This paper presents the main problems detected during that period and the experimented proposed solutions.

One of the most recommended tasks to do after a long-term project is to look back at all the work done and analyze what was good and bad. An assessment activity has shown us which parts of the project should be repeated, modified or removed, and which additions should be included for future experience. The ideas presented are a set of recommendations to be taken into account before designing seawater desalination systems by autonomous wind energy systems. Concerning coordination and organizational aspects, it is important to note that a multidisciplinary project like this requires a complete technical team with different specialists. Contributions from suppliers are also indispensable, and specific and continuous contacts should be established with them in order to develop specific technology and technical components for these kinds of systems.