Techno-economic feasibility study of a solar-powered distributed cogeneration system producing power and distillate water: Sensitivity and exergy analysis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 10-24-2019

Abstract

To satisfy the increasing demand for energy and potable water, large-scale cogeneration is widely integrated. However, in remote locations, the lack of power system infrastructure limits the integration of large-scale systems. Consequently, a large portion of inhabitants has no access to electricity and the pressure on groundwater resources increases drastically. To address this power and water scarcity, we considered a distributed cogeneration system consisting of a solar powered micro Gas Turbine and desalination system  is considered. Since the integration of solar energy in distributed cogeneration systems is uncertain, we performed a feasibility study. This paper covers the modelling, sensitivity and exergy analysis and 3 desalination systems designs, each making a trade-o between smaller plant size and higher performance. Introducing solar energy in the micro gas turbine results in an increase in electrical efficiency by 3:2% absolute. The proposed designs achieve a levelized cost of water between 1:78 $=(m3=d) and 1:92 $=(m3=d), which is comparable with conventional solar-powered desali

nation plants. Therefore, these designs demonstrate the feasibility of integrating solar energy in distributed cogeneration systems and provide a promising solution towards cost-efficient, renewable-based power and water cogeneration in remote locations. The future work will enhance the economic analysis by including an intermittent solar energy supply.

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