Optimization of a multi-generation power, desalination, refrigeration and heating system

The optimization of a multi-generation system which represents the integrated dual-purpose desalination plant and low-scale absorption refrigeration is addressed. A nonlinear mathematical programming model that integrates natural gas combined-cycle, multi-effect distillation plant, series flow double-effect water-lithium bromide system, water heater, developed based on first-principle models. implemented in General Algebraic Modelling System generalized gradient-based algorithm used. Given design specifications for electricity generation (around 37 MW), freshwater production (100 kg/s), capacity (2 thermal load heating 0.7 MW hot water), optimized by minimizing two objective functions single-objective optimization: total heat transfer area annual cost. As result, minimum values 39148 m 2 , 36002 35161 are obtained when 4, 5, 6 effects were considered respectively. Also, cost around 24 MM$/yr. 5 effects. influence number subsystem optimal solutions analyzed. Cost-effective studied system. • power, freshwater, cooling, heating. NLP simultaneous proposed method (THTA) entire process minimized. (TAC) TAC 23.9 found five-effect MED unit