A review of wind and geothermal energy applications of the water desalination in Iran and the world

Renewable energy is a suitable replacement for fossil fuels and has many applications. One of its noticeable applications is desalination which is vital regarding the current water crisis. Accordingly, renewable sources are used in the desalination of alternative to fossil fuels. Wind and geothermal power are two high-potential renewable energies combined with desalination units. However, due to some challenges, they have not developed sufficiently. Iran is one of the wealthiest countries in this type of energy and has much potential for using these technologies, which have not been applied yet. The research aims to consider the achievements of the combination of wind and geothermal energy with desalination. Also, environmental challenges and proper solutions are analyzed. In addition, offshore wind power plants, micro wind turbines, bladeless turbines, triboelectric nanogenerators, and submarine geothermal resources are concluded. In addition, nanotechnology has a significant role in enhancing these systems. Nanocomposites lead to wear reduction of the blades. Nanofluids increase the amount of absorbed heat in geothermal power plants and also reduce the earthquake risk. Graphene and the combination of zeolite and alumina increase the amount of separated salt in reverse osmosis-based desalination.