Thermodynamic and economic analysis of an integration system of multi-effect desalination (MED) with ice storage based on a heat pump

In this study, an innovative system that combined a heat pump, multi-effect desalination, and ice storage subsystem is proposed. The heat pump provides both thermal energy and cold energy for the system to achieve desalination and ice generation. The performance of the proposed system is compared with the conventional mechanical vapor compression and air conditioning systems. The thermodynamic, economic, and environmental analysis is also carried out of both proposed and conventional systems. Moreover, the impacts of the different refrigerants, the condensation temperature of the first effect, and the different areas are carried out to evaluate the effects of several vital parameters on the proposed system. Results showed that the specific energy consumption for the proposed and conventional systems is 4.71 kWh/t and 8.94 kWh/t, respectively. For the economic performance, the payback period of the proposed system is 3.85 years, while it is 5.90 years for the conventional system. For the environmental performance, the unit profit CO2 emission is 15.50 kg/$ of the proposed system, which is 7.68% lower than the conventional system (16.79 kg/$). Hence, the proposed system shows higher economic and environmental performance. •The proposed system has the function of seawater desalination and ice storage.•The specific energy consumption for the proposed desalination system is 4.71 kWh/t.•The unit profit CO2 emission is 15.50 kg/$ of the proposed system.•The payback period of the proposed system is 3.85 years.