Abstract
This study presents the development of a novel hybrid wind power generator–water distillation system with the objective of providing sustainable solutions for impoverished isolated communities facing limited resources. The advantage of the proposed system is its ability to operate day and night; therefore, it produces larger quantities of distilled water even on cloudy days with winds. The system comprises a Venturi tunnel integrated with a wind turbine, an attached impure water tank, and a condenser located at the end section. The accelerated airflow at the throat section serves two purposes: water evaporation from the tank and power generation through the wind turbine. The evaporated water is subsequently collected as the airflow decelerates and the pressure decreases along the diverging section. Theoretical and computational modelling is employed to design the system by examining air speed, area ratio, relative humidity, as well as air, and water temperatures. The system exhibits enhanced performance under warm and dry weather conditions, thereby optimizing its performance. Conversely, temperature and relative humidity do not affect power generation; it was increased by higher air speeds and larger area ratios. This data-driven approach ensures optimal design parameters are selected, aligning the system's capabilities with the specific freshwater demand.
HIGHLIGHTS
The study presents modelling a novel hybrid wind power generator–water distillation system that provides sustainable solutions for isolated communities.
The results demonstrate the interplay between various parameters and their impact on water evaporation rate, power generation, and the overall efficiency of the system.
Considering environmental conditions and system parameters is crucial to attaining optimal performance.
NOMENCLATURE
Symbols
Subscripts
INTRODUCTION
Desalination methods encompass a wide range of techniques, varying from simple and cost-effective approaches to more complex and expensive technologies that rely on heat, light, gravity, chemicals, filters, and/or oxidation (Xie et al. 2022). However, it is important to note that the cost of water will vary depending on the desalination technique employed, the level of water salinity, the energy source utilized, and the capabilities of the desalination plant (Shokri & Fard 2023). Simultaneously, there has been significant progress in the development and utilization of renewable and clean energy sources. Renewable resources such as solar power and wind energy have garnered widespread use, particularly as alternatives to oil-based energy, to meet the escalating global energy demands (Al-Nassar et al. 2019; Kabeyi & Olanrewaju 2022; Samargandi et al. 2023).
Renewable energy-driven desalination for simultaneous water production (Tufa et al. 2018).
Renewable energy-driven desalination for simultaneous water production (Tufa et al. 2018).
Solar energy is widely accessible and can be seamlessly integrated into desalination systems, particularly in sunny coastal and arid regions. However, the efficiency of solar-powered membrane-based desalination processes may be compromised, especially during cloudy or overcast conditions (Jafaripour et al. 2023). Additionally, the cost of implementing solar-powered desalination systems, particularly at larger scales, can be relatively high.
In a study by Ennasri et al. (2019), a reliable and low-cost solution for producing drinking water was proposed through desalination by RO utilizing solar energy. The study demonstrated the promising potential of this technique for addressing the water scarcity crisis and achieving sustainable development. Wang et al. (2019) documented a method called photovoltaic–membrane distillation that demonstrates the potential to simultaneously produce clean water and generate electrical power. Utilizing solar energy in membrane desalination offers significant advantages as it is a sustainable and renewable energy source, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and associated environmental repercussions. Assareh et al. (2021) crafted an integrated system of energy aiming to reduce the temperature of hot water and produce electricity from saline water. This system was built with a geothermal well, absorption chiller, parabolic trough collectors, steam Rankine cycle, and RO desalination unit. Thermoelectric generators were used and compared to the system with a condenser, showing reduced cost rates and improved exergy efficiency.
Besides solar energy as a renewable energy means, Gude (2022) has stressed the need for energy generation from saline water by adopting the desalination process. The study also emphasized employing solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear energy to increase the concentration of energy from renewable sources. Also, these sources can be optimally utilized via a desalinating process that may become promising sources of obtaining freshwater. Therefore, different desalination technologies can be integrated through geothermal sources in this regard. The efficiency of energy produced can be measured by comparing it with the amount of solar energy used in the process. For desalinating distilled water, the use of small- and medium-sized nuclear reactors is promising as deploying large-scale nuclear reactors is associated with macro- and macro-economic stability. Moreover, solar energy is stored by using solar collectors that work as the exchangers of heat that is extracted and transferred to the load system. As a more viable energy production system, Esmaeilion (2020) has contended the optimal usage of the RO technique to generate energy from distilled water and tap the potential of solar energy for hybrid systems. Geothermal is considered to have a steady performance at a certain depth, which provides optimal results and insights.
Water distillation is a widely used method for obtaining clean and potable water from impure sources. Modern distillation systems use solar energy to extract vapour from liquid water for eco-friendly and cost-effective freshwater production. The present obstacle in solar steam generation lies in the need to establish simple and scalable techniques that can efficiently convert solar irradiation into usable thermal energy. A 3D-printed evaporator was developed to harness solar energy for achieving high-efficiency steam generation (Li et al. 2017). Hydrogel evaporators incorporating hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties demonstrated an exceptional evaporation rate (Guo et al. 2020). This can be attributed to the augmented thickness of the water layer within the hydrophilic region and the relatively elongated contact lines in the hydrophobic region. As a result, water molecules rapidly dispersed, leading to significant water evaporation. Moreover, Sleiti et al. (2021) asserted in their study that using an integrated solar absorption cooling system integrated with a solar distillation system enabled heat recovery. The results revealed that this strategy maximized the productivity and efficiency of the system three-fold in comparison with the traditional system.
Remarkably, wind energy technologies have been advancing rapidly in the energy sector, with a particular emphasis on small-scale wind power applications (Bontempo et al. 2021). Using power generated from wind turbines was utilized to operate different desalination techniques. For instance, Carta et al. (2015) conducted a study where they implemented wind power in a seawater RO desalination unit, which exhibited variable energy consumption. The authors proposed that this operational approach could be employed in large-scale seawater RO desalination units. In a recent investigation (Carta & Cabrera 2021), they utilized a wind power-based RO process to optimize the sizing of a system consisting of a medium-scale modular seawater RO desalination plant, powered exclusively by off-grid wind energy. To account for interannual variations in wind energy, machine learning techniques were employed, and randomness was introduced into the daily freshwater demand profile. The control strategy aimed to ensure that the desalination modules' energy consumption remained in sync with wind generation over the system's lifespan, either by operating under constant pressure and flow conditions or by varying these parameters within an acceptable range.
The operational efficiency and economic viability of a wind-powered RO process are influenced by various factors. For example, the utilization of a wind energy converter for power distribution to the RO units may be economically feasible in scenarios with promising annual production rates or locations with suitable wind speeds (Rashidi et al. 2022). Another study compared different configurations of wind-powered RO desalination units employing the same wind turbines and discovered that modifying the design and configuration can lead to reduced water production costs (Rosales-Asensio et al. 2019). Therefore, examining atmospheric parameters and the density of the location where a wind farm is located is one of the pragmatic strategies to increase the amount of wind energy (Bingöl 2023).
Various studies were done to harness the waste heat produced by wind turbines for freshwater production. The study of Memon et al. (2022) proposed four configurations of multi-stage direct-contact membrane distillation systems that utilize waste heat from wind turbines for seawater desalination. The article has reported promising results in the integration of wind energy and membrane distillation for efficient and sustainable desalination. Similar researchers highlighted the potential of utilizing waste heat from wind turbines for desalination and emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of such systems (Khalilzadeh & Nezhad 2018; Al-hotmani et al. 2021; Kulganatov et al. 2023).
Wind harvesting for wind turbines that use the Venturi effect showed promising results in enhancing the efficiency of wind turbines since the velocity of air passing through increased, leading to improved energy conversion (Monto 2020). Furthermore, the yielding capacity of power increased by 12% using the Venturi effect compared to conventional windmills (Kumar et al. 2022). Uthale et al. (2023) concentrated on conducting experiments and simulations for the development of industrial applications in recovering waste air and designing a turbine with the aid of a nozzle. The system generated electricity, even at lower air velocities or reduced wind speeds from the exhaust and ventilation system, maintaining a steady power output.
In most previous studies, wind energy has predominantly been employed as a power source for driving desalination systems. However, direct utilization of wind energy within the desalination process itself has not been explored. Coastal and offshore regions with high wind speeds present advantageous circumstances for harnessing wind energy, making them viable locations for implementing desalination systems. Nevertheless, membrane-based desalination systems reliant on wind energy may encounter efficiency challenges in areas characterized by low wind speeds. Furthermore, the intermittent nature of wind energy, which is influenced by weather conditions, poses a limitation as it can lead to fluctuations in the energy supply for the desalination process.
The objective of this article is to propose a sustainable system that combines wind power generation and water distillation by creating an efficient solution capable of collecting distilled water while simultaneously generating power. To accomplish this, the system employs the Venturi principle, and utilizing the accelerated wind presents at the end of the converging section. This wind energy is employed to facilitate two critical processes: water evaporation and power generation through the utilization of a wind power rotor. This dual functionality ensures the effective utilization of the available wind resources. Moreover, the converging section allows for the acceleration of the wind, optimizing its potential to evaporate water from a designated tank. To collect the evaporated water, a coil condenser is strategically placed at the diverging edge of the system. As the accelerated air stream decelerates, the increased pressure facilitates the condensation of the evaporated water, allowing it to be collected and utilized for various purposes. The performance of the system is studied extensively, considering various patterns and conditions. In today's era of advanced technology and data-driven decision-making, the integration of computational models, data analysis, and information systems is pivotal for optimizing and assessing the performance of such complex systems. To analyse and characterize the system's performance, different wind settings, water conditions, and Venturi geometric parameters are studied. These investigations provide valuable insights into the system's behaviour and performance, contributing to the development of more optimized designs and operation strategies for sustainable wind power generation and water distillation systems. This system exhibits a profound potential for significant reductions in carbon emissions, which aligns seamlessly with the global imperative to combat climate change. By harnessing wind power for both water desalination and electricity generation, the system minimizes reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
METHODOLOGY
Model concept
The Venturi tunnel plays a crucial role in the system by effectively manipulating the airflow. As the incoming air enters the tunnel, its velocity and pressure are controlled through a gradual decrease in the cross-sectional area, which accelerates the air. Conversely, a subsequent increase in the cross-sectional area leads to the deceleration of the air, resulting in a lower speed and higher pressure. This well-designed airflow control mechanism optimizes the system's efficiency.
At the throat section of the Venturi tunnel, where the air velocity is at its highest, a horizontal-axis wind turbine rotor is installed. This wind turbine efficiently harnesses the kinetic energy present in the wind and converts it into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is then further transformed into electrical energy through a generator connected to the turbine's shaft. This process enables the system to generate clean and renewable power.
The water tank is strategically positioned within the throat section of the tunnel, serving as the primary source of feed water for the system. The water within the tank can consist of several types, including seawater, ground water, or any water containing impurities. As the high-speed air flows over the water surface, it induces rapid evaporation, allowing for high rates of water evaporation. This evaporation process is particularly efficient due to the optimized airflow within the Venturi tunnel.
To collect the evaporated water and ensure its purity, a coil condenser is installed at the diverging end section of the system. As the air speed decreases and the pressure is restored to a normal level, the evaporated water condenses and is collected within the condenser. This ensures the extraction of clean and distilled water. It is important to note that the condenser's placement ensures the separation of the collected water from the exhaust air, which is subsequently released into the atmosphere.
By employing this renewable hybrid system, the generation of sustainable power and the collection of clean distilled water are effectively integrated. The design of the components, such as the Venturi tunnel, wind turbine rotor, water tank, and condenser, is carefully optimized to maximize efficiency and performance. This comprehensive system offers a promising solution for addressing the growing demands for renewable energy generation and water purification.
Mathematical modelling
Venturi tunnel
Wind turbine rotor
The Cp values range from 0.3 to 0.5. However, this study considers the power coefficient value of 0.4 as an average value.
Water tank

Hence, Equation (8) is used to calculate the partial pressure of water vapour at water temperature (pw) and air temperature (pa3).
Condenser
Before exhausting air into the atmosphere, a strategically positioned coil condenser is mounted at the diverging end section of the system. This condenser serves as a vital component for ensuring efficient water collection. It is essential to note that the system assumes ideal conditions, where no losses occur during the process, and that air entering the condenser (point 4) has the same ambient conditions as the air exiting the surface of the water (point 3). Therefore, the coil condenser is designed to capture and condense all the water vapour that has evaporated, facilitating its collection for further use. This careful arrangement guarantees maximum efficiency in water recovery, minimizing wastage, and maximizing the overall performance of the renewable hybrid system.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Rate of evaporation as a function of inlet speed for different area ratios (Ta = 20 °C, Tw = 15 °C, and = 30%).
Rate of evaporation as a function of inlet speed for different area ratios (Ta = 20 °C, Tw = 15 °C, and = 30%).
Power generation variation with inlet speed for different area ratios (Ta = 20 °C, Tw = 15 °C, and = 30%).
Power generation variation with inlet speed for different area ratios (Ta = 20 °C, Tw = 15 °C, and = 30%).
Rate of evaporation as a function of inlet air speed for different hot water temperatures (Ta = 20 °C, A1/A2 = 4, and = 30%).
Rate of evaporation as a function of inlet air speed for different hot water temperatures (Ta = 20 °C, A1/A2 = 4, and = 30%).
Rate of evaporation variation (kg/m2·h) with inlet air speed for different water temperatures (Ta= 20 °C, A1/A2= 4, and = 30%)
v1 (m/s) . | Water temperature (Tw) . | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 °C . | 30 °C . | 20 °C . | 40 °C . | 25 °C . | 50 °C . | 30 °C . | 60 °C . | |
5 | 1.244 | 4.373 | 2.025 | 8.254 | 3.05 | 14.50 | 4.373 | 24.32 |
10 | 2.021 | 7.103 | 3.290 | 13.41 | 4.95 | 23.55 | 7.103 | 39.51 |
15 | 2.684 | 9.435 | 4.370 | 17.81 | 6.58 | 31.29 | 9.435 | 52.48 |
20 | 3.283 | 11.53 | 5.345 | 21.78 | 8.04 | 38.27 | 11.54 | 64.19 |
25 | 3.838 | 13.49 | 6.249 | 25.46 | 9.40 | 44.74 | 13.49 | 75.04 |
30 | 4.360 | 15.33 | 7.099 | 28.93 | 10.68 | 50.83 | 15.33 | 85.26 |
35 | 4.857 | 17.07 | 7.908 | 32.23 | 11.90 | 56.62 | 17.07 | 94.98 |
v1 (m/s) . | Water temperature (Tw) . | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 °C . | 30 °C . | 20 °C . | 40 °C . | 25 °C . | 50 °C . | 30 °C . | 60 °C . | |
5 | 1.244 | 4.373 | 2.025 | 8.254 | 3.05 | 14.50 | 4.373 | 24.32 |
10 | 2.021 | 7.103 | 3.290 | 13.41 | 4.95 | 23.55 | 7.103 | 39.51 |
15 | 2.684 | 9.435 | 4.370 | 17.81 | 6.58 | 31.29 | 9.435 | 52.48 |
20 | 3.283 | 11.53 | 5.345 | 21.78 | 8.04 | 38.27 | 11.54 | 64.19 |
25 | 3.838 | 13.49 | 6.249 | 25.46 | 9.40 | 44.74 | 13.49 | 75.04 |
30 | 4.360 | 15.33 | 7.099 | 28.93 | 10.68 | 50.83 | 15.33 | 85.26 |
35 | 4.857 | 17.07 | 7.908 | 32.23 | 11.90 | 56.62 | 17.07 | 94.98 |
The modified renewable hybrid system integrating a HE and a solar panel.
Rate of evaporation variation with inlet air speed for different water temperatures (Ta = 20 °C, A1/A2 = 4, and = 30%).
Rate of evaporation variation with inlet air speed for different water temperatures (Ta = 20 °C, A1/A2 = 4, and = 30%).
Rate of evaporation variation with area ratio for different water temperatures (Ta = 20 °C, v1 = 5 m/s, and = 30%).
Rate of evaporation variation with area ratio for different water temperatures (Ta = 20 °C, v1 = 5 m/s, and = 30%).

Rate of evaporation variation with inlet air speed for different air temperatures (A1/A2 = 4 and = 30%) (a) Tw = 15 °C and (b) Tw = 25 °C.
Rate of evaporation variation with inlet air speed for different air temperatures (A1/A2 = 4 and = 30%) (a) Tw = 15 °C and (b) Tw = 25 °C.
Rate of evaporation variation with air temperature for different v2 (Tw = 15 °C and = 30%): (a) Tw = 15 °C and (b) Tw = 25 °C.
Rate of evaporation variation with air temperature for different v2 (Tw = 15 °C and = 30%): (a) Tw = 15 °C and (b) Tw = 25 °C.
Figure 11 confirms these findings, further emphasizing the close relationship between the evaporation rate and both water and air temperatures. Additionally, it states that, while holding the air temperature constant, the water evaporation rate experiences an upward trend with increasing inlet air velocity. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that at lower water temperatures, the rate of increase diminishes as the air temperature drops, highlighting the intricate interplay between these influential factors. By examining these figures in detail, valuable insights can be gained to optimize the system design and operating conditions, especially when considering specific air and water temperature scenarios.
Rate of evaporation variation with inlet air speed at a different relative humidity (Ta = 20 °C, Tw = 15 °C, and A1/A2 = 4).
Rate of evaporation variation with inlet air speed at a different relative humidity (Ta = 20 °C, Tw = 15 °C, and A1/A2 = 4).
Power generated as a function of area ratio with constant A1 and different v2 (Ta = 20 °C, Tw = 15 °C, and = 30%).
Power generated as a function of area ratio with constant A1 and different v2 (Ta = 20 °C, Tw = 15 °C, and = 30%).
Implications
The proposed system combines a wind turbine with a water distillation system to generate electricity that will increase the efficiency of the system which is to perform two functions: distillation of water and power generation. Moreover, using a Venture tunnel is one way of cost-effectiveness as the water distillation system can reduce the cost of producing freshwater. The system occupies great relevance and significance in the wake of greater realization to mitigate gradual reliance on fossil fuels to meet growing energy means and desalination of water. Furthermore, this system is coupled with various environmental benefits and can be a source of producing water in areas that have no freshwater resources. The study produces valuable insights into the design and performance of a hybrid wind power generator-water distillation system that will be a baseline work for future research for further development in this area.
Strengths, limitations, and future research
The proposed system accelerates the potential of using renewable energy by optimizing wind energy and using it in a water distillation system and to generate electricity from a renewable energy source. The prospects of such systems are higher as they produce green energy which has no degrading impact on the environment. This study makes an original contribution by utilizing a Venturi tunnel, which is one of the practicably efficient methods for distilling saline water into freshwater and simultaneously generating electricity. The findings of this study offer valuable and novel insights for the researcher, students, and the government with the aspect of ensuring the availability of freshwater in water-scarce areas that can improve both energy and water security eventually. Furthermore, the findings will assist in devising sustainable systems by combining water distillation techniques and power generation systems from the available potential of renewable sources such as wind energy. However, the model comprises the limitation of wind availability which is an intermittent energy source and can affect the system's capability to generate electricity and produce freshwater uninterruptedly. Moreover, this system is only feasible to be installed in windy places. To mitigate this limitation, several strategies and technologies can be implemented such as energy storage systems, advanced wind forecasting to predict wind patterns, demand-side management, microgrids, energy trading agreements, and energy management systems.
Computational models form the backbone of system design and evaluation. These models simulate the behaviour of the system under various conditions, helping engineers predict how different parameters will affect performance. In the context of this renewable hybrid system, computational fluid dynamics models can be employed to analyse airflow within the Venturi tunnel, optimizing its design for maximum water evaporation and power generation. These models allow for virtual experimentation, reducing the need for costly physical prototypes. Furthermore, the results of this study can be adapted and extended to include different converging-diverging sections that can be optimized for varying wind conditions, various feed water supplies, and wind power rotors that allow for tailoring the system to specific site conditions. This tailoring of the system to specific conditions can enhance its economic viability. Therefore, further research and development are necessary for modelling this design as a hybrid system coupled with the feature of freshwater production and renewable energy sources. It is worth mentioning that experimentation would be required to support the theoretical findings derived from theoretical and computational modelling and to determine the performance of the system in practical applications.
CONCLUSIONS
The objective of this article is to propose a sustainable system that combines wind power generation and water distillation by creating an efficient solution capable of collecting distilled water while simultaneously generating power. A novel renewable hybrid system was developed that combines the Venturi principle and a wind power rotor to achieve water evaporation, power generation, and collection of condensed distilled water. The comprehensive analysis conducted through the examination of the system has provided valuable insights into the performance characteristics of the proposed renewable hybrid system.
The obtained results demonstrate the interplay between various parameters and their impact on water evaporation rate, power generation, and the overall efficiency of the system. It was observed that increasing the inlet air speed and area ratio positively influenced the evaporation rate, leading to a higher yield of condensed distilled water. This finding highlights the importance of optimizing these parameters to achieve the desired water production rate while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the results indicated that increasing water temperature and optimizing the design of the Venturi tunnel can significantly enhance the evaporation rate and power generation.
These findings provide valuable guidance for system design and operation to maximize performance. Additionally, it was evident that lower air temperatures and relative humidity levels resulted in higher evaporation rates, while higher inlet velocities led to increased power generation. These findings underscore the importance of considering environmental conditions and system parameters to achieve optimal performance in various operating scenarios. Overall, the collective findings provide valuable insights into the design and operation of the proposed renewable hybrid system.
The understanding gained from this study can serve as a foundation for further research and development in the field of renewable energy systems, with the ultimate goal of advancing sustainable and efficient water distillation and power generation technologies. The incorporation of hydroinformatic tools, including computational models, data analysis, and information systems, is indispensable in the design and operation of the proposed renewable hybrid system. These tools enable engineers to optimize performance, maximize efficiency, and ensure the system adapts to varying environmental conditions, ultimately contributing to its sustainability and effectiveness. Researchers and engineers can apply the principles and findings of this study to design systems of various sizes, from small-scale community solutions to large-scale industrial applications.
Furthermore, the proposed system's emphasis on water conservation is paramount in the context of escalating global water scarcity. By efficiently coupling water evaporation with power generation, it maximizes the utilization of a precious resource, positioning this system as a sustainable solution capable of addressing both the pressing issues of climate change and water scarcity, thus emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Jordan University of Science and Technology for providing them with the research grant (Grant Number: 20220312) to support this study. The authors are also very thankful to all the associated personnel in any reference who contributed in/for this research.
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
All relevant data are included in the paper or its Supplementary Information.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare there is no conflict.