In this study, a polygeneration system incorporating concentrating solar power (CSP) integrated with a desalination plant is investigated. Parabolic trough collectors (PTC) and multi-effect distillation (MED) technologies are considered, and a transient system model has been simulated using the TRNSYS software. Two alternative desalination integration options and two potential locations in Venezuela and Chile with electricity and freshwater supply problems were selected and studied. Chile has also set a 20% target for non-conventional renewable energy production by 2025; therefore a polygeneration system coupled with desalinization plant is aligned with the needs of both countries. The results show that the CSP polygeneration plant can provide electricity and freshwater to more than 85,000 inhabitants at a reasonable cost; however the costs and feasibility depend principally on the irradiation, the location of plant with respect to the sea, and the specific conditions of each country
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