Performance optimization of an integrated solar combined cycle power plant equipped with a brine circulation MSF desalination unit. (15th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shaaban, S.
• Is Part Of: Energy conversion and management. Volume 198(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-15
• Subjects: Desalination -- MSF -- ISCC -- Compressor intercooling -- Optimization; Direct energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy transfer -- Periodicals; Énergie -- Conversion directe -- Périodiques; Direct energy conversion; Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2019.111794
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8904

Abstract

Highlights: Solar integrated combined cycle was equipped with a MSF desalination unit. The net output power was improved by up to 18.5%. One module of the proposed cycle produces about 16, 364.2 m 3 /day of freshwater. The proposed cycle is feasible for use either at the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea. Abstract: Population growth and the limited water resources make water desalination the first-priority choice to overcome the freshwater deficit in Egypt. However, desalinating large quantities of seawater requires huge electrical power generation. Therefore, the present work introduces and optimizes an integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) that is designed to drive a MSF desalination unit with brine circulation. A two-stage intercooled compressor is proposed for the gas turbine unit in lieu of a single stage compressor. The thermal energy recovered from the compressor intercooling is used for desalinating the seawater using a MSF desalination unit. Multi-objective optimization was implemented in order to achieve the best cycle performance for operation in two different locations of Egypt. The present results show that the proposed cycle improves the ISCC net power produced by up to 18.5% at a top brine temperature of To = 105 °C and without thermal energy from the solar field ( Q ̇ s o l a r = 0). A single module of the proposed cycle is able to produce 16, 364.2 m 3 /day of fresh water and 126.2 MW of power at To = 105 °C and Q ̇ s o l a r = 0. A detailed cost analysis of the generated power and produced fresh water is recommended for future work.