Membranes· 2026Q2· Review
A Review of Solar Photovoltaic–Thermal–Membrane Distillation Technology
- 0citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Solar photovoltaic–thermal–membrane distillation (PV/T-MD) systems efficiently co-produce electricity and freshwater, with recent innovations like multi-effect designs and advanced heat recovery significantly boosting thermal efficiency and water output.
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Key points
- PV/T-MD systems offer a combined solution for energy and freshwater production using solar energy.
- Theoretical models and experimental studies have advanced the understanding and validation of PV/T-MD performance.
- Innovations like multi-effect membrane distillation and advanced heat recovery enhance thermal efficiency and water output.
- Future directions include intelligent control, novel materials, and standardized techno-economic/life cycle assessments for commercial viability.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Photovoltaic–thermal–membrane distillation (PV/T-MD) systems have emerged as a promising solution to global energy and water scarcity by efficiently utilizing solar energy for the co-production of electricity and freshwater. This review summarizes recent theoretical and experimental advances in PV/T-MD systems. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping search was conducted in Web of Science through December 2025, and 37 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. Given the non-clinical, engineering nature of the included studies, a risk-of-bias assessment and meta-analysis were not performed, and the findings were synthesized narratively. Theoretical studies have developed detailed mathematical models to analyze photothermal and photovoltaic conversion processes, as well as heat and mass transfer mechanisms in membrane distillation, providing critical guidance for system optimization. Experimental research, ranging from laboratory-scale to large-scale field applications, has validated the performance, efficiency, and stability of various PV/T-MD configurations. Innovative designs, including multi-effect membrane distillation (MEMD), high- and low-concentration photovoltaic thermal (HCPV/T, LCPV/T) systems, and advanced heat recovery technologies, have significantly improved thermal efficiency, water production, and overall energy utilization. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in improving system efficiency under dynamic environmental conditions, scaling up modular designs, and integrating multifunctional components. This review outlines future directions, including intelligent control systems, novel material development, and standardized techno-economic assessment (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA). These assessments are needed to evaluate the scale-up potential and to further validate the commercial prospects and low-carbon benefits of PV/T-MD systems.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Membranes, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the EnvironmentEnergy