ABSTRACT
The next section, “supplying arid zones with fresh water,” analyzes the possibility of erecting solar desalination plants, mainly solar dis tillation or solar-driven, in small communities and settlements in arid regions, including the economic advantages and disadvantages of the procedures. This is followed by “desalination methods for arid zones,” which gives an overview of suitable desalination methods for arid zones and a short description of irradiance availability. Suitable methods are then described for conversion of solar energy into a usable form (i.e., electricity or thermal). Special attention is given to solar ponds as a thermal source. This may be an inexpensive solution for arid zones
though they are not extensively studied for this purpose. The following section describes the proven desalination methods tha t are connected to solar energy transformation and their application to water production. Each method is analyzed, according to specific site characteristics and the local availability of material, for their suitability in water produc tion for agriculture, domestic, community and/or in special cases, for small industrial use. Solar-driven desalination and solar distillation plants are analyzed as most suitable for small communities in arid zones. A short description is also given of methods tha t produce fresh water from air humidification, or from condensing the humidity out of the desert air in connection to greenhouse utilization of freshwater for crop production.
