Thermodynamic optimization of transcritical <scp> CO ₂ </scp> cooling and multi‐effect desalination systems: Energy efficiency and cost analyses

Abstract This article presents thermodynamic analyses on the integration of transcritical CO 2 cooling systems with multi‐effect desalination (MED) systems. The study reveals improvements in energy efficiency, water production capacity, and cost‐effectiveness achieved through this integration. The two‐module system achieved 55.38% lower energy consumption and 24.6% more freshwater production compared to the single‐module system. Annual operating costs were also reduced by 10%. These results were obtained through a combination of energy and exergy analyses, employing thermodynamic modeling to assess system interactions and performance enhancements. Waste heat from the CO 2 cycle was utilized for steam generation in the MED process, enhancing thermal synergy. These findings indicate that integrating transcritical CO 2 systems with MED is widely applicable in water‐scarce regions. Future studies should investigate performance under various climatic conditions, potential for large‐scale deployment, and integration with renewable energy sources. This work contributes to sustainable water and energy management through innovative system design and heat recovery mechanisms.