Techno‐economic analysis of a hybrid solar‐geothermal power plant integrated with a desalination system

Abstract

This paper proposes the use of a hybrid 5 MW power generation system combining concentrated solar thermal and solar photovoltaic technology where the efficiency of the power block is increased by taking advantage of hot water from a low-temperature geothermal source. Aiming at a case study for Winton in Queensland the pertinent meteorological data are used for our simulations.In addition, the paper analyzes the feasibility of including a thermal desalination technology that uses the waste heat from the power block for producing clean water from wastewater. Our design replaces the traditional dry cooling system with a water-cooled heat exchanger to remove the waste heat from the power block. Finally, this work explores the ratio of concentrated solar thermal and photovoltaic electricity production that optimizes the levelized cost of electricity and water production. the results indicate that the incorporation of the desalination system does not produce a significant increase in this value, and the optimal ratio of electricity production is obtained when the photovoltaic system contributes to 27.5% of the total electricity generation. Our water production cost can be as low as 40 ₵/m 3 while for the combined system our minimum levelized cost of electricity figures out at 12.4 ₵/kWh to generate the base load with thermal storage.

Fuzzy TOPSIS and Fuzzy AHP-based MCDA for selecting the Optimal Location for a Solar PV-powered RO Desalination Unit in Visakhapatnam, India

“…Solar-powered desalination plants are of great importance in terms of sustainability and are a cost-effective alternative for freshwater production [11][12][13][14][15][16]. Solar-powered desalination has the potential to reduce water cost and alleviate Visakhapatnam's freshwater problems, thereby increasing the sustainability and resilience of the city's water supply [17][18][19][20].…”

Process simulation and analysis of high‐pressure reverse osmosis (HPRO) in the treatment and utilization of desalination brine (saline wastewater)

“…At present, many disposal methods are applied to the management of brine, such as deep-well injection, surface water discharge, sewer discharge, evaporation ponds, and so on. 8,9 These discharge techniques, however, present serious environmental constraints and risks (ie, marine environment and groundwater pollution). 1,[10][11][12][13] For example, the injection of brine into underground geological formations may contaminate the groundwater table.…”

“…In addition, the circular economy concept, stricter legislative directives, and increased demand for more freshwater have led to the need for a different approach. 9,16 Furthermore, a circular economy action plan was adopted by the European Commission in 2020 as a component of the European Green Deal. To meet the European Union goals, wastewater recycling and valorizing is a promising alternatives.…”

“…Brine, also known as “reject” or “retentate,” is co‐produced by several industrial activities such as desalination, oil and gas production, and so on (Table 1). At present, many disposal methods are applied to the management of brine, such as deep‐well injection, surface water discharge, sewer discharge, evaporation ponds, and so on 8,9 . These discharge techniques, however, present serious environmental constraints and risks (ie, marine environment and groundwater pollution) 1,10‐13 .…”

“…Another technique for the disposal of brine, such as the evaporation pond, has high costs while at the same time reducing the visual appearance of the area. In addition, the circular economy concept, stricter legislative directives, and increased demand for more freshwater have led to the need for a different approach 9,16 …”