Utilization of waste heat of a high-capacity wind turbine in multi effect distillation desalination: Energy, exergy and thermoeconomic analysis

An integrated system in which the required steam of multi effect distillation (MED) desalination, used for producing potable water, is provided by using the waste heat of a high-capacity wind turbine (WT). This system is used in the areas with shortage of potable water supplies and high wind energy potential. In addition, energy, exergy and thermoeconomic analysis are performed. The results revealed that in the areas with average wind speed of 11 m/s, the waste heat in a 7580 kW WT is 231 kW at 140 °C. The produced steam at 100 °C and 101.3 kPa is enough to produce 45.069 m3/day potable water, which is sufficient for the daily use of 4507 people if each person consumes 10 L. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the maximum exergy destruction and exergy destruction cost are related to the second effect of MED desalination. Also, the cost of potable water is estimated as 16.676 $/m3. Using the waste heat of the WT increases the exergy efficiency of the integrated system 7.34%. Considering the cost of potable water, average rate of return and payback period are estimated as 6.76% and 6.33 years, respectively.