A novel cogeneration system is proposed for power generation and seawater desalination. It combines the CRGT (chemically recuperated gas turbine) with the MED-TVC (multi-effect thermal vapor compression desalination) system. The CRGT contains a MSR (methane-steam reformer). The produced syngas includes plenty of steam and hydrogen, so the working medium flow increases and NOx emissions can achieve 1 ppm low. However, the water consumption is large, similar to 23 t/d water per MW power output To solve this problem and produce water for sale, MED-TVC is introduced, driven by exhaust heat. Such a dual-purpose plant was analyzed to investigate its performance and parameter selection, and compared with four conventional cogeneration systems with the same methane input. Some main results are following: In the base case of the CRGT with a TIT of 1308 degrees C and a compression ratio of 15, the MED-TVC with 9 effects, the specific work output, performance ratio and CRGT-consumed water ratio are 491.5 kJ/kg, 11.3 and 18.2%, respectively. Compared with the backpressure ST (steam turbine)/CC (combined cycle) plus MED/MSF (multistage flash), the CRGT + MED has better thermal performance, lower product cost and shorter payback period, which indicates the CRGT + MED dual-purpose system is a feasible and attractive choice for power and water cogeneration. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.