I'm no engineer, but I've always wondered why large-scale desalination isn't the obvious solution to fresh water shortages, especially on the coasts.
From an economic perspective, I'd want to know: How much does it cost to install and maintain? How difficult is it to get fresh water from the towers to where it's needed? How hard is it to find a viable space 11x11 km? (That is a really huge area to cover with anything...) And, of course, how does all this square against alternative desalination options?
-Jester
Afterthought: If they're all concentrated in one area, how do you stop the area around from becoming a barren salt waste? Not only will that be an ecological issue, but it will reduce the efficiency of the plants as the intake becomes increasingly saline. Or is the ocean so efficient at circulating water that this is not an issue?
From an economic perspective, I'd want to know: How much does it cost to install and maintain? How difficult is it to get fresh water from the towers to where it's needed? How hard is it to find a viable space 11x11 km? (That is a really huge area to cover with anything...) And, of course, how does all this square against alternative desalination options?
-Jester
Afterthought: If they're all concentrated in one area, how do you stop the area around from becoming a barren salt waste? Not only will that be an ecological issue, but it will reduce the efficiency of the plants as the intake becomes increasingly saline. Or is the ocean so efficient at circulating water that this is not an issue?