Solares Entsalzungssystem vom MIT benötigt keinen Netzanschluss oder Batterie-Backup

MIT researchers have developed a solar-powered desalination system that adapts to changes in sunlight, eliminating the need for grid connections or battery backup. The system uses electro-dialysis to desalinate brackish groundwater and is designed to directly match its energy consumption to available solar power, ramping up or down as sunlight varies. Field tests on a prototype in New Mexico demonstrated its capability to produce up to 5,000 liters of clean water daily, using over 94% of the solar energy generated.

Unlike traditional desalination methods that require steady power and battery storage, this system continuously adjusts to the sun’s natural fluctuations in real-time, making it efficient and responsive. The technology is especially suited for inland communities that rely on brackish groundwater, offering a low-cost, renewable solution for areas with limited access to seawater or power grids. By focusing on brackish groundwater, which is more prevalent than fresh groundwater, the researchers aim to tap into a vast, underutilized source of drinking water.

The development could have significant implications for regions facing water scarcity due to climate change and desertification. With groundwater becoming increasingly saline, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, this innovation from MIT has the potential to provide sustainable, clean water to remote and low-income regions, possibly reducing the need for climate migration. The team plans to scale up the technology to serve larger populations and eventually bring their desalination system to market.