Innovative Rainwater Harvesting for Energy and Water Supply in the Sahel Region
Key Ideas
  • European researchers proposed a system harvesting rainwater from PV panels in the Sahel to meet both energy and water needs, with surplus covering up to half of daily water demand.
  • The system utilizes fixed-tilt PV arrays with primary gutters collecting water runoff, directed to filtration and storage facilities, potentially increasing water security in the region.
  • Analysis showed the system could contribute up to 7% of household water demand and supply both electricity and rainwater for hydrogen production, with surplus covering over 100% of water needs in certain regions.
  • The study highlights the potential of integrating water and energy harvesting systems to address sustainability challenges in arid regions like the Sahel, presenting a viable solution for improving water access and supporting hydrogen production.
A European team of researchers has developed a system that harvests rainwater running off PV panels for household use or hydrogen production in the Sahel region. By integrating water and energy harvesting, the system aims to enhance water security by making more water available for domestic use or crop irrigation. The researchers analyzed the system's potential in the Sahel region, calculating its ability to contribute to household water demand and supply both electricity and rainwater for hydrogen production. The study found that the system can meet up to 7% of household water demand and potentially exceed 100% coverage in regions south of the Sahel. The innovative approach utilizes fixed-tilt PV arrays with efficient water collection mechanisms, addressing sustainability challenges and offering a practical solution for increasing water access and supporting hydrogen production. The research, presented in 'Rainwater harvesting potential from photovoltaic energy systems in the Sahel,' involves contributions from researchers in the Netherlands and Spain, emphasizing the significance of such integrated systems in arid regions to promote water and energy sustainability.
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