This book provides a detailed examination of how two key concerns in many communities across the globe- power and water- can be simultaneously addressed through the coupling of Concentrating Solar Power and Desalination (CSP+D) plants. It undertakes a technological and economic evaluation of the integration of Multi-effect Distillation Plants into CSP plants based on Parabolic Trough solar collectors (PT-CSP+MED), as compared to independent water and power production through Reverse Osmosis unit connection to a CSP plant (CSP+RO). Through this compare and contrast method of analysis, the author establishes guidelines to assist readers in identifying cases wherein PT-CSP+MED systems provide greater benefits from a thermodynamic and economic point of view. The text outlines efficiencies and challenges derived from the combination of PT-CSP power generation with four different desalination plant scenarios, beginning with a description of the equations used in the modeling and validation of a pilot MED plant and followed by detailed thermodynamic analysis of several currently operating CSP+D systems. Comparative thermodynamic assessments are based on a sensitivity analysis from which the overall efficiency of the cogeneration system is determined. The author outlines all the equations used for the modeling of each component and includes 97 comparative tables obtained from the sensitivity analysis, showing the variation of the overall thermal efficiency of the CSP+D as a function of fundamental parameters of the cogeneration cycle, such as the specific electric consumption of the desalination plants, and the turbine outlet temperature of the power cycle. These findings are then placed in practical context through a complete thermo-economic analysis, which is carried out for two specific locations in the Middle East and Europe in order to identify the most practically and economically viable CSP+D system in each region as informed by actual operating conditions, meteorological data and real cost figures for each location.

·         The first available thermo-economic analyses of Concentrating Solar Power and Desalination (CSP+D) Plants, using real figures from operating plants

·         Includes all the equations used in the modeling of each component, creating an invaluable template for implementing similar models

·         Demonstrates modeling and validation of a Multi-effect Distillation (MED) Plant with increased energy recovery and enhanced thermal efficiency

·      Extended parametric analysis helps readers decide when integrating a Thermal Desalination Plant will yield better results than connecting a Reverse Osmosis Plant. 

This ground-breaking book demonstrates how two key concerns in many communities across the globe- power and water- can be simultaneously addressed through the coupling of Concentrating Solar Power and Desalination (CSP+D) plants.

 The book provides a detailed evaluation of the integration of Multi-effect Distillation Plants into CSP plants based on Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors (PT-CSP+MED), as compared to independent water and power production through Reverse Osmosis unit connection to a CSP plant (CSP+RO). Through this compare and contrast method of analysis, the author establish guidelines to assist in identifying cases wherein PT-CSP+MED systems provide superior economic and thermodynamic benefits. 

The text describes the efficiencies and challenges of PT-CSP power generation in four different desalination plant scenarios, including detailed comparative thermodynamic efficiency analyses of several currently operating CSP+D systems. These findings are then placed in practical context through a complete thermo-economic analysis of two diverse potential sites, ascertaining the most viable CSP+D system in each region, as informed by actual operating conditions, meteorological data and real cost figures for each location.