Thermoeconomic optimization of the SOL-14 plant (plataforma solar de Almer?a, Spain)

The Sol-14 plant is a solar multi-effect distillation system installed at the Plataforma Solar de Almer?a, a solar research centre located in southeastern Spain, near Almer?a. In July 1988 the first start-up of the plant took place, which was connected to the previous existing solar facilities. In the second phase of the project, a double-effect absorption heat pump (DEAHP) was coupled to the MED plant that was already installed. Results of the thermoeconomic analysis performed show direct steam generation (DSG) parabolic troughs exhibit great potential for improving the Sol-14 plant. Replacing the oil-based technology by DSG presents many advantages from the point of view of thermodynamics, environmental hazards of oils, land use, use of materials or lifetime of the solar collectors.