Work

A Novel High Vacuum MSF/MED Hybrid Desalination System for Simultaneous Production of Water, Cooling and Electrical Power, Using Two Barometric Ejector Condensers

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This work presents an innovative tri-generation system for the simultaneous production of desalinated water, electrical energy, and cooling, aimed at addressing the growing challenges of water scarcity and climate change. The system integrates an 8-stage MSF process and a 6-effect MED process, along with an expander-generator that improves cycle efficiency by utilizing and reintroducing steam within the desalination stages. A parametric study was conducted using ASPEN PLUS to evaluate the system’s performance. The analysis showed that the system operates over a broader pressure and temperature range than conventional MED systems, from 28.3 to 0.8 kPa and from 68 to 4°C, thanks to a dual ejector-condensation process. In cogeneration mode, the system achieves a PR of 12.06 and an RR of 54%0.54, producing 67,219.2 L/day of desalinated water and reducing electrical consumption by 12.03%. In tri-generation mode, it achieves a PR of 17.81 and an RR of 0.80%, with a cooling capacity of 1225 kW (COP of 3.278), producing 99,273.6 L/day of desalinated water while reducing electrical consumption by 3.69%. This system offers an efficient solution to meet the growing water and energy needs of coastal communities, combining water desalination, energy production, and cooling in a single integrated process.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr12122927