Title: Life cycle assessment and exergetic analysis of a hybrid solar-geothermal co-generation system for simultaneous production of electricity and desalinated water

Authors: Mohammad Lotfalipour; Mojtaba Babaelahi

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Qom, Qom, Iran ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

Abstract: This study presents a novel solar-geothermal hybrid co-generation system for electricity and desalinated water production. The system couples a parabolic trough solar collector with a multi-effect desalination unit integrated with geothermal energy. Thermodynamic analysis was conducted to evaluate the energy and exergy efficiencies. Exergy destruction is quantified to identify inefficiencies. Life cycle assessment incorporated to determine environmental impacts. The parabolic trough collector exhibited the lowest exergy efficiency of 34%, contributing to 48% of total exergy destruction. The analysis provides insights into the system's performance and sustainability. Findings emphasise enhancing collector efficiency and optimisation for efficiency improvements and reduced environmental impacts.

Keywords: solar; geothermal; energy; exergy; inefficiency.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2023.135513

International Journal of Exergy, 2023 Vol.42 No.3, pp.247 - 262

Received: 26 May 2023
Accepted: 27 Aug 2023
Published online: 15 Dec 2023 *

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