Design of an Integral Simulation Model for Solar-Powered Seawater Desalination in Coastal Communities: A Case Study in Manaure, La Guajira, Colombia

Ramón Fernando Colmenares-Quintero (), Natalia Rojas, Juan Carlos Colmenares-Quintero, Kim E. Stansfield, Salvador Segundo Villar-Villar and Sebastián Eduardo Albericci-Avendaño
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Ramón Fernando Colmenares-Quintero: Engineering Research Institute (In3), Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Cra. 73 #2a-80, Medellín 050012, Colombia
Natalia Rojas: Project Management Team, Aquatera Co., Ltd., Old Academy Business Centre, Stromness KW16 3AW, Orkney, UK
Juan Carlos Colmenares-Quintero: Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
Kim E. Stansfield: VoCATE Co., Ltd., 2 Fountain Place, Worcester WR1 3HW, Worcestershire, UK
Salvador Segundo Villar-Villar: Engineering Research Institute (In3), Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Cra. 73 #2a-80, Medellín 050012, Colombia
Sebastián Eduardo Albericci-Avendaño: Engineering Research Institute (In3), Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Cra. 73 #2a-80, Medellín 050012, Colombia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: The provision of potable water or water with physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics suitable for consumption is essential for human survival. However, numerous communities in the coastal areas of Colombia still lack access to clean and safe water sources. To address this challenge in many communities, desalination emerges as a promising solution. In this regard, this article focuses on the evaluation and proposal of an integrated simulation model for solar-powered water desalination in coastal communities, with particular attention to water quality aspects, as well as potential impacts on health and the environment. To carry out a comprehensive assessment, the intention is to design a simulation model using tools such as Homer Pro, IMSdesign, and MATLAB, leveraging data on living conditions and water quality in La Guajira, as well as publicly available information on the best desalination practices in coastal communities and following current Colombian regulations within the framework of health and environmental care. This model will allow for a detailed analysis of key factors and impacts in the implementation of solar-powered desalination systems, considering the conditions of the case study in Manaure, La Guajira, Colombia. Through this design, it facilitates the understanding of technical and operational aspects, as well as exploring efficient energy solutions through the integration of renewable sources, with the purpose of mitigating the challenges associated with high energy consumption and reducing both costs and the environmental and human health impact inherent in these desalination processes.

Keywords: coastal communities; desalination technologies; simulation model; renewable energies; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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