Optimization of Cogeneration Power-Desalination Plants

Abstract

The design of new dual-purpose thermal desalination plants is a combinatory problem because the optimal process configuration strongly depends on the desired targets of electricity and freshwater. This paper proposes a mathematical model for selecting the optimal structure, the operating conditions, and sizes of all system components of dual-purpose thermal desalination plants. Electricity is supposed to be generated by a combined-cycle heat and power plant (CCHPP) with the following candidate structures: (a) one or two gas turbines; (b) one or two additional burners in the heat recovery steam generator; (c) the presence or missing a medium-pressure steam turbine; (d) steam generation and reheating at low pressure. Freshwater is supposed to be obtained from two candidate thermal processes: and (e) a multi-effect distillation (MED) or a multi-stage flash (MSF) system. The number of effects in MED and stages in MSF are also discrete decisions. Different case studies are presented to show the applicability of the model for same cost data. The proposed model is a powerful tool in optimizing new plants (or plants under modernization) and/or improving existing plants for desired electricity generation and freshwater production. No articles addressing the optimization involving the discrete decisions mentioned above are found in the literature.

Investigating the energy storage performance in optimal design of a solar hybrid multi‐generation system with distillatory

“…Hajabdollahi et al 15 have studied the technical and economic combination of multi‐generation system, desalination plant and hydrogen production in cold climates. Pietrasanta et al 16 investigated different plans of the cogeneration technology. Aljafari et al 17 have studied the use of solar energy for near‐zero energy systems.…”

The Role of Cogeneration in the Electrification Pathways towards Decarbonization

“…The urgent need for decarbonization and the transition to sustainable energy systems has become a critical global concern due to the growing threat of climate change [1]. As a result, the electricity sector is undergoing a major transformation, seeking innovative approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the increasing demands for energy and drinking water [2]. On the one hand, the penetration of renewable energy resources is becoming more and more attractive for small-and medium-scale energy systems, mainly characterized by electricity and low-temperature heat demands; on the other hand, the large-scale industrial sector still requires a relevant amount of medium-tohigh-temperature heat-typically in the form of steam-coupled with extensive electricity consumption [3].…”