Prediction of key performance indicators of multi-effect vacuum membrane distillation systems integrated with PVT and Organic Rankin Cycle

The study presented a numerical simulation conducted using MATLAB® to analyze the performance of a poly-generation system. This system comprises solar collectors, a Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) system, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), and a multi-effects vacuum membrane distillation (V-MEMD) system. The study investigates the impact of changes in operating conditions of the water stream on the performance of the V-MEMD system. The optimal performance values observed include a water flux of up to 13 kg/ m2·h, a GOR of 5.5, a SEEC of 49 kWh/ m3, and a STEC of 145 kWh/ m3, with each parameter reaching its optimum at different operational settings. The paper explores the impact of different working fluids in the ORC system on water and power generation. It also discusses recent research on combined PVT and ORC systems in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, considering the region's specific meteorological conditions. The findings reveal that the highest electricity generation occurs in June, with the ORC system producing 18,540 kWh when R123 is used and the PVT system generating 13,536 kWh. The cumulative electricity output for the year reaches 266,564 kWh. Moreover, the V-MEMD system produces 1333 m3 of water over the year, with the highest water yield of 178 m3 observed in June.