Thermohydraulic study of a seawater desalination unit

Abstract

Over the past few decades, desalination has gained significant traction as a viable solution, and at times a necessity, to address water scarcity in various regions worldwide. Multiple thermal and physical separation technologies have become well-established for large-scale production, catering to domestic and industrial needs. Among these technologies, membrane distillation is a promising thermally-driven process that exhibits adaptability and efficacy in water desalination and industrial water treatment applications. This method offers the potential for lower energy consumption and simplicity compared to conventional approaches. The study addresses manufacturing limitations related to membrane production and investigates various factors, including membrane properties, module design, optimization strategies, and the influence of operating parameters. The research highlights the importance of understanding desalination processes and distinguishes MD as a competitive alternative to conventional methods. Efforts are made to optimize membrane properties, improve heat transfer, and minimize temperature polarization effects to enhance MD efficiency. Operating parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and salt concentration significantly impact the total cross-membrane flux. Optimization techniques, including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), are employed to improve flux values and maximize pure water productivity. Using computational methods and open-source simulators aids in designing and scaling up MD systems for industrial applications. The thesis concludes by emphasizing the contributions of this research to advancing membrane technology and achieving sustainable and efficient desalination processes. Overall, this thesis provides valuable insights into the design, optimization, and operation of membrane distillation systems for seawater desalination, addressing manufacturing limitations and offering recommendations for future developments