Thermodynamic and economic evaluation of a novel concentrated solar power system integrated with absorption refrigeration and desalination cycles

Abstract

In this study, an innovative concentrated solar power plant integrated with desalination process and absorption refrigeration cycle aimed at supplying power, fresh water and refrigeration, was developed and exergetically assessed. The system comprised a concentrated solar thermal power plant with parabolic dish collectors and steam turbine, a multi-effect desalination process with parallel feed of seawater, and a single-stage ammonia-water absorption refrigeration system. Generally, the collectors provided 21,030 kW thermal power to the steam power plant and 4632 kW of which was converted to electrical power in steam power plant. The absorption refrigeration cycle produced 820.8 kW refrigeration and the desalination cycle provided fresh water at a rate of 22.79 kg/s. The integrated system was simulated in Aspen Hysys and all the components of the integrated system were individually scrutinized based on the second law of thermodynamics; as well, the exergy destruction rate and exergy efficiency of each component were obtained and discussed thoroughly. According to the results, about 86% of the total exergy destruction rate of the system belonged to the distillation column and heat exchangers. The overall exergy efficiency of the cycle was 66.05%, while, the net overall thermal efficiency of the integrated system was 80.70%. The results of the economic analysis showed that the proposed integrated structure had an investment return period of 5.738 years and a net annual profit of 6.828 million US$ per year. Moreover, the impact of various factors on the performance of the integrated system was investigated using sensitivity analysis.