Advancing residential energy and water solutions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cogeneration system with dynamic load management for optimized electricity and water production

This paper introduces a novel cogeneration power plant system coupled with Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD), specifically designed to meet the energy and water needs of residential complexes that include 18 apartments. Integrating solar collectors, a turbine, a condenser, a mixing chamber, a process heater, and a control valve, the proposed system optimizes energy distribution and load management. It is designed to utilize excess steam for DCMD processes when electrical production exceeds residential demand and harnesses waste heat from the process heater to enhance brackish water distillation efficiency. This innovative approach results in the production of 25,140 m³ /year from DCMD, demonstrating a highly efficient method of converting waste heat into a valuable resource for desalination. Capable of supplying 409 MW annually, this system covers 36 % of the total energy demand for residential complexes. Thus, it addresses a significant share of energy and water needs for 18 apartments and offers a scalable, efficient approach to meld sustainable energy production with residential living requirements, marking a significant stride in sustainable water and energy production for residential buildings.