Abstract

This study evaluates the recent investigations and economic assessments on using the solar-driven organic Rankine cycle (ORC) as a power source for membrane-based desalination systems, specifically reverse osmosis (RO) systems. Several numerical and experimental studies from the last decade on the design and performance of RO-ORC desalination systems have comprehensively been reviewed. This intensive study aims to critically review RO-ORC systems and update on the recent advancements in systems performance, design, and characteristics. It also focuses on the main challenges, limitations, improvements, and techno-economic factors affecting RO-ORC performance. Four categories were used to group the investigations: the RO desalination process, the Organic Rankine cycle (ORC), the solar ORC-powered RO desalination, and economic assessment criteria. RO-ORC performance is affected by the system design parameters, RO unit characteristics, feed water qualities, climatic conditions, and the ORC process’s working fluid. The assessment focuses on recovery ratios, water quality, system efficiency, system, and plant design and the SEC as performance evaluation measures. The literature review declared that improved membrane materials and module designs have reduced energy usage because of the continual process improvements and cost savings. These advances cut membrane costs per unit of water produced in half. In addition, many modern technology combinations have been studied and used to boost efficiency and reduce energy needs in reverse osmosis plants. Using solar-driven ORC-RO has shown promising results in places with ample solar resources or low-grade thermal energy. Many conclusions and expected remaining challenges are highlighted in the study.