Multi-objective study and optimization of a solar-boosted geothermal flash cycle integrated into an innovative combined power and desalinated water production process: Application of a case study

Abstract

Zero-emission hybrid renewable energy resources have been introduced as a viable solution for international programs aimed at eliminating greenhouse gases. Consequently, this research is motivated to propose a novel solar-boosted integrated geothermal flash cycle-driven combined system for the simultaneous production of electricity, heating load, and desalinated water. The system comprises the integration of a geothermal flash cycle, a solar power tower, a dual-loop organic flash cycle, a humidification-dehumidification desalination cycle, and a multi-effect desalination unit. The proposed model is evaluated from three perspectives: energetic, exergetic, and economic. A seasonal case study is conducted for Jiangsu, China. The results demonstrate a generated desalinated water rate of 28.46 kg/s, a total exergy destruction of 4517 kW, an exergetic efficiency of 21.9%, and a payback period of 4.74 years. Furthermore, a combined MOPSO and LINMAP method is employed to optimize the proposed model in three scenarios. In the first scenario, the objectives are defined as the exergetic efficiency and the exergy destruction rate of the system, which yield optimal values of 22.39% and 4310.21 kW, respectively. The second scenario focuses on the rate of generated desalinated water and the rate of exergy destruction of the system, resulting in objective function values of 27.94 kg/s and 4451.34 kW, respectively. In the third scenario, NPV and exergy destruction rate are the objective values with obtained values of 1.983 $M and 4420 kW, respectively.