Title: An evaluation of multi-effect desalination with a thermal vapour compression system in terms of thermo-economics

Authors: Mehmet Tontu; Besir Sahin; Mehmet Bilgili

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Ceyhan Engineering Faculty, Cukurova University, 01950, Adana, Turkey

Abstract: In this study, a multi-effect distillation system (MED-TVC) that is presently in use in a thermal power plant was analysed. The operating data of an existing MED-TVC (2,000 m³/day) desalination process were used for thepresent analysis. The analysis of the considered system was performed based on the energy, exergy and thermoeconomic approach. Also, the effect of operating plant load, seawater temperatures and upper brine temperatures on the performance of the desalination plant was investigated. The gain output ratio and exergy efficiency increased with increasing production load and seawater temperature. When the production load and seawater temperatures were 100% and 33°C, respectively, the gain output ratio and exergy efficiency obtained was 7.73 and 2% respectively. The results showed that the steam ejector was responsible for about 45% of the total exergy destruction. The unit product cost of the distilled water at the full load was calculated by 1.7 $/m³.

Keywords: brine temperature; desalination; energy; exergy destruction; exergy efficiency; gain output ratio; multi-effect; sea water temperature; thermo economic analysis; thermal power plant; thermal vapour compression.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2019.102173

International Journal of Exergy, 2019 Vol.30 No.2, pp.126 - 138

Received: 24 Nov 2018
Accepted: 12 Apr 2019
Published online: 09 Sep 2019 *

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