The optimization and integration techniques we have been studying in class are among the most effective approaches to sustainable design of energy and water systems since they conserve natural resources and enhance their efficient usage. Another important strategy in sustainability is the substitution of fossil fuels with renewable forms of energy. The objective of the term project is to use the concepts we learned in energy-water nexus, integration, and optimization to enhance the performance of a water, energy, or water-energy system. Here are the subtasks of the project:

1. Survey the literature and select just one paper on heat integration, cogeneration, water integration, desalination, or a combined water-energy system.

2. Critique the paper (positives and negatives).

3. Propose an idea for improving the work you surveyed in the paper. This improvement should lead to enhancing sustainability (e.g., conserving natural resources, increasing efficiency, reducing cost, reducing pollution, improving societal impact, guiding regulations and policies, etc.)

4. Document your work in a ~ 5-page written report (executive summary, introduction, literature. survey, scope of report, critique of previous work, proposed idea (and if appropriate, calculations showing the magnitude of improvement), conclusions and recommendation for future work).