Thermo-economic analysis of potential desalination processes utilized by no greenhouse gas emissions power plant

Abstract

Present paper discusses the simulation of three desalination plants when linked to a nuclear power plant. The study assesses the various desalination techniques that can be employed in low carbon emissions power plants from a thermo-economic standpoint. Moreover, it draws a comparison between five different desalination systems including RO, MED, MSF, MED + RO and MSF + RO that are connected to a nuclear power plant. Via simulation, it became clear that using RO technology to produce fresh water is economically more advantageous than thermal methods. In addition, it is found that the overall water cost of various hybrid desalination technologies of MED + RO is significantly lower than those of MSF + RO desalination plants by 0.36 $/m3. The results show that supplying the desalination plant with warm water is more efficient than the direct use of sea water. The process of using warm water saves 0.01 $/m3 in case of using MED + RO and 0.02 $/m3 in case of using MSF + RO. Furthermore, the results show a significant reduction in CO2 emissions by 0.771 kg/kWh when nuclear power plants are used in place of conventional power plants that use oil fuel.

Keywords

• Low carbon
• Power plants
• Hybrid desalination
• CO2 emissions
• COP 27