Geothermal-solar integrated Multistage Flash Distillation Cogeneration system: A cleaner and sustainable solution

Abstract

The geothermal water is at shallow depth at most of the places in Gujarat. The objective of this paper is to develop a green desalination system which can provide potable fresh drinking water. In this study, a Multi-Stage Flash Distillation system (MSF system) is designed for desalination of geothermal water where the energy source for the system is solar. Based on the temperature requirement of the MSF system solar Evacuated Tubes (ETC) are used for increasing the water temperature in the system. Python programming and Coolprop properties was used for the design and thermodynamic analysis of the whole system of both ETC and MSF desalination system. Simulations were performed to produce heat from ETC with the geothermal MSF system for generation of steam and salt. The details of material selection and corrosion protection techniques are also reviewed in the paper. The results of the simulation were satisfactory, and the salt concentration of the water was reduced up to the standards of freshwater i.e., it was reduced from up to 194 PPM. Cost estimation of the system was also performed in the form of CAPEX and OPEX expenditures. The price of water per cubic meter was estimated to be 0.1034 USD.