Techno-economic Evaluation of an Innovative Integrated System for Water and Power Supply in Sudan under Variable Climatic Conditions

This research investigates the potential of integrating a combined cycle power plant with a hybrid MSF-RO desalination system in Port Sudan. The proposed system utilizes waste heat from the power plant's heat recovery steam generator to drive the MSF desalination process. By leveraging waste heat from the power plant's flue gas, the aim is to enhance sustainability and address water scarcity. A detailed simulation of the plant is performed using Aspen HYSYS 10, assessing the monthly variations in power and water production due to changes in ambient air temperature, seawater temperature, and salinity in Port Sudan. The MSF unit contributes at least 7,574 m³/day of freshwater in September to the 12,600 m³/day produced by the RO unit. The highest freshwater productivity of the MSF unit occurs in February, reaching 8,025 m³/day. Maximum freshwater generation coincides with peak net power production and combined cycle efficiency. In September, adverse weather conditions negatively impact both the combined power cycle and the evaporation range of the MSF unit, resulting in minimal freshwater production. The highest fuel costs, amounting to $256,818 per month, and the penalty costs for NOx emissions, reaching $101,655 per month, occur in January, February, and December. The shortest payback period is 4.075 years, occurring in February. Revenue is lowest in July when net power production is at its minimum.