Feasibility Study of a Combined Gas Turbine and a Multi-effect Distillation Unit

Abstract

Researchers and engineers are creating pertinent solutions to deal with water stress and rising energy demand.A very effective method is the cogeneration of thermal and electrical energy from a single primary source. The integration of gas turbines with a multieffect distillation (MED) desalination unit is described in this article. This synergy dramatically increases overall fuel efficiency to approximately 67%, lowers specific greenhouse gas emissions per unit of water and power produced, and lowers operating costs by using the high temperature exhaust from a gas turbine in a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) to produce steam for thermal desalination. This study presents a technological scenario, analyzes the energy of each component, and looks at the benefits and drawbacks from an economic and environmental perspective. This article shows that combining a MED with a gas turbine presents a viable and sustainable alternative for the joint production of energy and drinking water. This work further emphasizes the applicability of integrated GT–MED cogeneration systems in arid coastal regions, where water scarcity and growing energy demand coexist. By improving fuel utilization and reducing specific emissions, this configuration provides a reliable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable solution for the simultaneous production of electricity and potable water.