Water production for irrigation and drinking needs in remote arid communities using closed-system greenhouse: A review

Water needs for agriculture, food production and drinking are considered one of the most critical challenges facing the world in the present days. This is due mainly to the scarcity and lack of fresh water resources, and the increasing ground water salinity. Most of these countries have a high solar energy potential. This potential can be best developed by solar desalination concepts and methods specifically suited for rural water supply, irrigation. In this paper, a humidification–dehumidification (HD) water desalination system with several technologies for irrigation and drinking needs in remote arid areas is introduced from technical and economic point of views. This study has investigated (1) detailed discussion of technical developments, economical and sustainable aspects; (2) benefits of the new design over traditional applications, desalination and other irrigation methods; (3) specific requirements and implementation challenges in remote and cold regions; (4) performance and reliability improvement possible techniques. Recommended researches and projects leading to high efficiency, economical and sustainable applications of some desalination devices driven by solar energy are highlighted.