Wind power exploitation for assisting operation of reverse osmosis des
alination plants was investigated. Two problems have been analyzed: th
e design determining optimum plant size with respect to membrane and t
urbine type for different production capacity levels and various site
characteristics. Operational aspects of already installed wind-powered
desalination plants with respect to plant capacity and regional wind
field were studied. The methodology was applied for different types of
membranes, wind turbines and feed characteristics (brackish water and
seawater). Generalized design curves were produced for process struct
ural and operational variables, and the effect of secondary plant para
meters was also studied.