Multi-objective optimization of a modified integrated solar combined cycle for cogeneration of electricity and desalinated water

S. Shaaban

Renewable Energy, 2026, vol. 256, issue PI

Abstract: Water scarcity and inefficient part-load operation of solar-integrated power plants are critical issues facing sun-rich regions such as Egypt. This research proposes an optimized modified Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) coupled with a Multi-Stage Flash Desalination Unit (MSFDU) for cogeneration of electricity and desalinated water. The system's novel architecture features a two-stage brine heating process. The MSFDU includes a brine heater and a brine after-heater. The brine heater recovers the heat released from the ISCC condenser. A fraction (SF) of the collected solar energy is directed to the ISCC, and the remaining fraction (1-SF) is supplied to the brine after-heater. A key feature of the proposed cycle is its flexible operation. The MSFDU can operate either fully integrated with the ISCC (bundled mode) or completely detached from the ISCC (standalone mode). The performance of the proposed ISCC-MSFDU cycle was analyzed and optimized using a multiobjective genetic algorithm. Results under typical Egyptian operating conditions demonstrate that optimizing the solar energy split enhances the cycle overall and cogeneration efficiencies. The optimized cycle produces up to 43000 m3/day and 15500 m3/day of desalinated water in bundled and standalone modes, respectively. It achieves a significant fuel saving of 55 %–95 % for seawater desalination.

Keywords: ISCC; Solar share; MSF desalination; Optimization; Cogeneration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pi:s0960148125022670

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124603

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