Solar chimney power plant combined with membrane distillation (SCPPMD), Part II: techno-economic characteristics

Abstract

In this paper, the techno-economic characteristics of the solar chimney power plant combined with membrane distillation (SCPPMD) under typical operating conditions are further evaluated, based on the mathematical model of heat and mass transfer and performance analysis established in Part I and the economic evaluation model based on cash flow calculations. The sensitivity of some economic parameters and the effect of operating parameters and air gap spacing on system economy are discussed. The results show that the net present value is always positive during the service period. The total net income and total net present value are 16.79 and 2.72 million yuan respectively. The system economy is sensitive to inflation rate, loan interest rate, water price and electricity price, but not to operation and maintenance costs and personal income tax rates. The decrease of inlet seawater temperature and the increase of seawater thickness both lead to an increase in total water yield and a decrease in power generation. The increase in water yield compensates for the economic loss caused by the reduction in power generation, so the system profitability is improved. The reduction of air gap spacing causes a significant increase in total water yield and power generation. But too small an air gap has high requirements for membrane components in large-size system, inconvenient for construction, operation and maintenance.