Development of a novel power and freshwater cogeneration plant driven by hybrid geothermal and biomass energy

Abstract

The reliable supply of electricity and potable water has crucial importance on achieving higher level of human welfare, where the primary energy source to provide these requirements is fossil fuels at present. Since the combustion of fossil fuels has irreparable environmental impacts, thus utilization of clean and renewable energy resources is a promising alternative to overcome the energy-related environmental issues. In this regard, present research aims at development of an effective co-generation of electricity and freshwater plant driven by hybrid geothermal and biomass renewable energy sources. To make a comprehensive system assessment, thermodynamic, exergy, environmental and economic aspects are considered and appraised in detail and multi-objective optimization is used to detect the best performance of the plant. The results indicated feasibility of hybridization of biomass and geothermal resources for efficient co-production of potable water and electricity. Under optimized operation, the plant exergetic efficiency, unit product cost, exergo-environmental index, and CO2 emission are found to be 44.12 %, 66.97 $/MWh, 0.5114 and 0.7105 kg/kWh, respectively. The second law analysis revealed that, from 18302 kW of input exergy, a value of 9357 kW is destructed within the components, where the gasifier owns the largest portion with 3569 kW.