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Optimizing Solar Energy Harvesting through Integrated Organic Rankine Cycle–Reverse Osmosis Systems: A Techno–Economic Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Lina Wang

    (School of Marine Technology and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China)

  • Chunyu Zhou

    (Information Office, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China)

  • Hamid Reza Rahbari

    (AAU Energy, Aalborg University, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark)

Abstract

When it comes to seawater desalination in the small- to medium-electricity ranges, the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) powered by solar energy stands out as the most energy-efficient technology currently available. Various solar techniques have been developed to capture and absorb solar energy. Among them, the parabolic trough collector (PTC) has gained recognition as a low-cost solar thermal collector with a long operating life. This study investigates the thermodynamic performance and economic parameters of a PTC-powered ORC using Dowtherm A and toluene as working fluids for the solar cycle and ORC cycle, respectively. Thermo-economic multi-objective optimization and decision-making techniques are applied to assess the system’s performance. Four key parameters are analyzed for their impact on exergy efficiency and total hourly cost. Using TOPSIS decision-making, the best solution from the Pareto frontier is identified, featuring an ORC exergy efficiency of 30.39% and a total hourly cost of 39.38 US$/h. The system parameters include a mass flow rate of fresh water at 137.7 m 3 /h, a total output net power of 577.9 kJ/kg, and a district heating supply of 1074 kJ/kg. The cost analysis reveals that the solar collector represents approximately 68% of the total hourly cost at 26.77 US$/h, followed by the turbine, thermoelectric generator, and reverse osmosis (RO) unit.

Suggested Citation

  • Lina Wang & Chunyu Zhou & Hamid Reza Rahbari, 2023. "Optimizing Solar Energy Harvesting through Integrated Organic Rankine Cycle–Reverse Osmosis Systems: A Techno–Economic Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13602-:d:1237909
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    References listed on IDEAS

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