Hybrid molten carbonate fuel cell power plant and multiple-effect desalination system

Abstract

In this work, an integrated system of simultaneous power generation, refrigeration and desalination cycle using a molten carbonate fuel cell, is developed and investigated. The process is simulated by HYSYS and MATLAB softwares. Molten carbonate fuel cell subsystem is the main power generation source, which produces 72000 kW power. Absorption refrigeration cycle with ammonia-water mixture as the working fluid is utilized for providing the required refrigeration. The required heat duty is supplied by exhaust heat from the power plant. This absorption refrigeration cycle can provide 32090 kW refrigeration with coefficient of performance of 0.4915. Four stage multiple-effect desalination subsystem produces 118944 kg/h fresh water. The proposed process is assessed by conventional exergy analysis method in order to evaluate performance of the process. Results of the energy analysis illustrate that overall thermal efficiency based on higher heating value (HHV) and lower heating value (LHV) are 54.37% and 60.32%, respectively. Results of the exergy analysis show that molten carbonate fuel cell with 91062 kW has the most exergy destruction rate. Also, generator has the most exergy efficiency (98.67%) and overall exergy efficiency of the process is 88.95%. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is applied on the major operating parameters of the system to demonstrate their effects on the performance of the process.