Low temperature reject heat utilization for desalination; Economical and technical aspects

Abstract

The economics of medium and large sized (1'000…10'000 m 3/d) MSF/ME plants which utilize reject heat at temperatures between 50…90 °C is investigated. It is shown that for a cogeneration plant based on the Rankine cycle in combination with an evaporative desalination plant, there exists a steam condensation temperature (60…80 °C) below which the water production of the cogeneration plant is higher than the production of a power equivalent reverse osmosis plant. Power equivalent means, that the reverse osmosis plant would utilize the electricity otherwise lost when the same Rankine cycle is operated at higher condenser temperature. In spite of the higher investment costs for the evaporative plant, the specific water costs are lower than those for the power equivalent RO plant. Using a Rankine cycle for cogeneration, optimization of reject heat temperature levels is therefore crucial for obtaining economically favourable conditions. Further it is shown, that for todays and assumed future electricity rates and oil prices, the MSF/ME when powered by diesel reject heat produces cheaper water than RO or VC plants. It is necessary however, that the MSF/ME can cope with the inevitable load variations of the diesel power station. Our companys contribution in this field is briefly described.