Energetic, economic and environmental (3E) study of combined concentrating solar power plant and desalination small scale capacity for arid areas

Abstract

Water scarcity is a growing global problem affecting millions of people and ecosystems. It is the result of a number of factors, including population growth and climate change. Sustainable water management practices, efficient use of resources, and innovative technologies are essential to address this challenge. By implementing these strategies, we can work towards ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations and mitigating the impact of water scarcity on communities and the environment. This study proposes and investigates a promising solar brackish water desalination system based on reverse osmosis technology powered by a solar organic Rankine cycle. This paper aims to perform a technical and economic study of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) powered by concentrating solar Fresnel field combined with desalination units in an isolated region of Algeria (region of Hassi Khebi), taking into account the power fluctuation of the solar plant ensuring an acceptable quality of produced water. In particular, the prediction of the performances of the different components (the power plant and the desalination unit) is achieved through the modeling of the reverse osmosis unit and the simulation of concentrating solar power (CSP). The nominal capacity of the concentrating solar power plant is 1.2 MW based on linear solar Fresnel concentrators, the results have shown that the capacity of the desalination unit under nominal conditions reaches 15000 m3/day; this value represents a capacity factor of 24% according to the solar power availability, while the capacity factor of the solar power plant is around 20% with a solar electric efficiency of 15%. The economic analysis shows that the levelized cost of the water produced is estimated at 0.92 ($/m3), as is the cost of the electricity generated, which is 0.25 $/kWh. Finally, there is the cost amortization period, which is 9.66 years. The established carbon balance shows the importance of this type of system compared to conventional systems.