System analysis of dual purpose cycle for desalinated water and power production

Abstract

A comprehensive study of the characteristics of a solar powered dual purpose plant for simultaneous production of fresh water and electric power was carried out. The dual purpose (hybrid) cycle consisted of an open water cycle and a Freon-12 closed power cycle interlinked in the heater and condenser of the power cycle. The hybrid system operating conditions and criteria for adjusting the ratio of fresh water production to power generation was described and their effects on the total system were evaluated. The results indicated an increase of both desalinated water and output work with the increase of hot water pressure and temperature. The increase of maximum pressure in the power cycle decreases the amount of desalination and increases the output work up to a certain limit. The inlet water temperature has no effect on the rate of fresh water production, but its increase results in a decrease in the output work. The system study showed the advantages of the proposed cycle as compared to other single purpose plants for desalination or power generation.