Optimization of Photovoltaic-Powered Autonomous Membrane Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) System for Multi-Contaminant Water Treatment

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are known as a reliable source of renewable energy suitable for powering energy efficient technologies such as capacitive deionization (CDI). The present work focuses on the integration of a modular automatic water treatment system with solar cells for off-grid applications in remote regions. To determine the efficiency of solar panels and their adaptation to regional peculiarities, a preliminary study of insolation in Almaty city was conducted. To evaluate the power consumption of the water treatment system with respect to different pollutants, membrane CDI (m-CDI) cells was tested at various concentrations of saline solutions and heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd). Based on the obtained data, a computational model was built and validated using a 50 L/day laboratory plant based on m-CDI cells, equipped with a UV water disinfection system and powered by solar energy. The results of the study showed that water treatment using m-CDI powered by photovoltaic energy is a competitive technology for specific tasks and applications.