Power and water production in cogeneration systems

Abstract

This paper presents a technical research and development study to examine and discuss the existing and projected state of development and application of a number of topping cycles of cogeneration systems for the simultaneous production of electricity and steam for the operation of water desalination plant using the well known multi-stage flash evaporator cycle. The impact of expected future fuel prices on the design of the cogeneration systems under consideration, analyses of the design parameters and factors which would further improve the thermal efficiency of both power and desalination plants would be discussed. The effect of cogeneration systems on reducing the cost of kwh generated and water Produced as compared to single purpose plants shall be examined. The relations between the cogeneration index of each cogeneration system, desalination plant performance ratio and power to water ratio shall be investigated. Steam turbines, gas turbines and diesel engines would be the power cycles under consideration for this paper. A series of cogeneration studies and applications in USA, Canada, West Germany and Middle East dual purpose plants have been considered in the preparation of this paper.