A Feasibility Study for Power Generation from the Qattara Depression using a Hydro-Solar Scheme

TLDR: In this paper, the authors proposed an integrated system of solar ponds for base load in the Qattara depression, where the heat extracted from the solar ponds is used to operate thermal power plants that will follow a novel cycle of the Rankine type.

Abstract: Hydropower generation from the Qattara depression has been subject to thorough investigations during the last five decades. The general conclusion reached was that the project has rather low benefits in comparison with its cost. This was mainly attributed to the exorbitant cost of channeling sea water into the depression. In the latter juncture, it was found that using nuclear excavation would substantially reduce the expenses; however, such a solution was rejected on ecological grounds. The present approach to the project is aimed at escalating its benefits, by incorporating an integrated system of solar ponds for base load. In the present context, the heat extracted from the solar ponds is used to operate thermal power plants that will follow a novel cycle of the Rankine type. The new method arrived at will enable the simultaneous production of electricity and fresh water. Despite the fact that the combined hydro-solar arrangement leads to augmenting the benefits to cost ratio by at least 21%, ...