Article
Thermodynamics
Hong-Qing Jin, Shantanu Shahane, Yuheng Zhang, Sophie Wang, Kashif Nawaz
Summary: A model was developed to predict the crystallization fouling process during seawater falling-film flow over a horizontal tube bundle, showing that the scaling layer thickness increases with increased in-tube steam pressure or decreased seawater flow rate, and the effect of tube material on scaling mainly depends on thermal conductivity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Luigi Augello, Ankit Naik, Matteo Morciano, Jan Brugard, Matteo Fasano
Summary: A novel acausal equation-based and object-oriented modeling (OOM) approach is used to model the seasonal performance of a residential heating system. A purpose-built library named College Thermal is developed, which can easily incorporate extensions/evolutions of the studied system. The developed OOM library shows great potential for optimizing system layouts and testing control strategies in various thermal engineering applications.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Furqan Tahir, Sami G. Al-Ghamdi
Summary: Multi-effect desalination systems offer improved heat transfer and lower energy consumption, with the potential for increased water production and distillation efficiency through the use of new technologies.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nabajit Deka, Susmita Dash
Summary: Small scale and passive solar-thermal desalination system can be used in decentralized and off-grid areas to address water scarcity. A compact multistage thermal desalination system based on interfacial evaporation and latent heat recovery is presented. Textured metallic evaporator substrate is developed to reduce thermal resistance and increase the evaporation rate. Patterned wettability-contrast surfaces are shown to enhance the rate of condensation. The system achieves a water collection rate of approximately 2.17 Lm(-2) h(-1) using a 5-stage system.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fadi Alnaimat, Mohammed Ziauddin, Bobby Mathew
Summary: This article reviews the recent advancements in solar thermal humidification and dehumidification desalination processes, highlighting their significance in addressing water scarcity, promoting sustainability, and reducing environmental impact.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cheng Pan, Yawei Yang, Mingze Xie, Qingyuan Deng, Xiang Cheng, Xianlei Wang, Shihan Zhao, Yumeng Wei, Wenxiu Que
Summary: By optimizing the condensation architecture, this study has successfully improved the overall efficiency of solar-driven interfacial evaporation seawater desalination system, which is expected to promote the practical application of this technology.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mustafa F. Kaddoura, Matthew Chosa, Prakash Bhalekar, Natasha C. Wright
Summary: This study presents a mathematical modeling of a novel convection-enhanced evaporation system designed for decentralized desalination plants and small-scale industries. The model accurately predicts evaporation rates and investigates the effect of various operating conditions on evaporation performance, showing that active control of liquid inlet temperature and air flow speed can significantly increase evaporation. Preheating the liquid is also found to be an effective strategy to counter the negative impact of high relative humidity.
Article
Thermodynamics
Behrad Asgari, Mohammadreza Bizhani, Ali Hakkaki-Fard, Siamak Kazemzadeh Hannani
Summary: This article introduces a solar humidification-dehumidification desalination system with a subsurface condenser, which is suitable for condensation irrigation in greenhouses. The study develops a computational model and verifies it through experiments, as well as evaluates the performance of different configurations.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lenan Zhang, Zhenyuan Xu, Lin Zhao, Bikram Bhatia, Yang Zhong, Shuai Gong, Evelyn N. Wang
Summary: Solar desalination technologies show great potential for addressing the water-energy nexus, but bridging the gap between laboratory scale innovations and commercial applications is crucial. Key factors such as water production, reliability, and cost balance need to be systematically addressed to enable high-performance solar desalination systems.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Luyuan Gong, Denghui Zhao, Yali Guo, Ke Chen, Shengqiang Shen
Summary: The study calculates the condensation process of mixed steam in the tube cooled by falling film evaporative seawater, finding that the inlet non-condensable gas mass fraction increases saturation temperature depression. The impact of steam mass flow rate and temperature difference on the total temperature depression of saturation temperature is more significant.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Thermodynamics
Zhengshu Dai, Yuheng Zhang, Sophie Wang, Kashif Nawaz, Anthony Jacobi
Summary: This paper provides a critical review of falling-film heat exchangers used in desalination systems, particularly multi-effect distillation (MED) systems, to assess the current state of the technology. The review covers falling-film evaporation mechanisms, system operation, and scaling issues, and identifies opportunities for further application and areas that require more research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yashuang Zhang, Zhenyu Zhao, Hong Li, Xingang Li, Xin Gao
Summary: This study optimized the geometry/operating parameters and flow pattern of the MFFE process to improve energy efficiency and heating uniformity. Experimental verification of the optimized results provides guidance for the design and optimization of novel MFFE devices.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiao Luo, Jincheng Shi, Changying Zhao, Zhouyang Luo, Xiaokun Gu, Hua Bao
Summary: By using a detailed heat and mass transfer model, researchers found that interfacial solar desalination has significant advantages over traditional evaporation methods, but it does not achieve the expected high efficiency in a solar still, indicating room for improvement in system design.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bartolome Ortega-Delgado, Patricia Palenzuela, Javier Bonilla, Manuel Berenguel, Lidia Roca, Diego-Cesar Alarcon-Padilla
Summary: This work presents the dynamic modeling of a vertical multi-effect evaporator plant designed for a commercial concentrating solar power (CSP) plant and investigates its dynamic response to external disturbances. The results show that simultaneous adjustment of the motive steam and feedwater mass flow rates can maintain the concentrate salinity within safe limits.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. Wang, Y. Niu, W. Mu, Z. Zhu, H. Sun, J. Li, W. Liang, A. Li
Summary: In this study, a composite aerogel was prepared using directional freezing and freeze-drying methods. The aerogel exhibited high evaporation rate and excellent salt resistance under solar irradiation, and it possessed a porous structure, strong mechanical properties, low thermal conductivity, and good thermal insulation.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Manuel Munoz, Juan D. Gil, Lidia Roca, Francisco Rodriguez, Manuel Berenguel
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alberto de la Calle, Alicia Bayon, John Pye
Article
Thermodynamics
Jose A. Carballo, Javier Bonilla, Lidia Roca, Alberto de la Calle, Patricia Palenzuela, Diego C. Alarcon-Padilla, Manuel Berenguel
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2020)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Alicia Bayon, Alberto de la Calle, Krishna Kamol Ghose, Alister Page, Robbie McNaughton
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2020)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Faisal Asfand, Patricia Palenzuela, Lidia Roca, Adele Caron, Charles-Andre Lemarie, Jon Gillard, Peter Turner, Kumar Patchigolla
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jeronimo Ramos-Teodoro, Juan D. Gil, Lidia Roca, Francisco Rodriguez, Manuel Berenguel
Summary: This paper analyzes the optimal management of a water grid in a pilot agro-industrial district, proposing an algorithm based on the energy hubs approach. By utilizing this algorithm, economic benefits, optimal utilization of desalination plants, and reduction in water consumption from the public grid were achieved in the pilot district.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alberto de la Calle, Ivan Ermanoski, Ellen B. B. Stechel
Summary: The efficiency of many processes depends on their thermodynamic reversibility, which means operating near equilibrium. In certain thermochemical cycles, approaching equilibrium is possible only at a specific temperature for the reaction step, and the temperature profile also depends on the gas and solid flow ratio.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alicia Bayon, Alberto de la Calle, Ellen B. Stechel, Christopher Muhich
Summary: Solar thermochemical hydrogen production is an efficient technology that stores intermittent solar energy in chemical bonds, requiring identification of redox-active metal oxides with high conversion efficiency. Thermodynamic properties play a critical role in material classification and future research on redox-active metal oxides.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Wen-Hui Cheng, Alberto de la Calle, Harry A. Atwater, Ellen B. Stechel, Chengxiang Xiang
Summary: This review compares the basic operating principles, efficiencies, device structures, etc. of photoelectrochemical and solar thermochemical water-splitting pathways, addressing common sources of confusion and misinterpretation in efficiency evaluations.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Javier Bonilla, Julian Blanco, Eduardo Zarza, Diego C. Alarcon-Padilla
Summary: This study proposes an AI-based approach to determine the optimal electricity mix for decarbonization in the electricity market. The case study of the Spanish electricity market demonstrates the effectiveness of this methodology in finding the optimal mix that fulfills demand coverage, minimizes costs, and curtailments. The results highlight the significant barriers to achieving a 100% renewable electricity mix.
Article
Thermodynamics
Patricia Palenzuela, Lidia Roca, Faisal Asfand, Kumar Patchigolla
Summary: The European Commission's new challenge is to limit water consumption in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants, with hybrid cooling systems seen as a potential solution. Experimental evaluation of a hybrid cooling pilot plant showed significant water savings of up to 67% at high ambient temperatures and 80% thermal load. Optimal operating strategies achieving a tradeoff between low water and electricity consumption were identified, with parallel configuration being the most efficient in most cases.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan D. Gil, Lidia Roca, Guillermo Zaragoza, Manuel Perez, Manuel Berenguel
Summary: The treatment of high salinity feeds using solar membrane distillation processes is gaining popularity. Batch operation is the most suitable method, but the variability of salinity in the feed water affects the optimal operating conditions. To address this, this study proposes two real-time optimization control approaches, which can save energy and improve the system's daily operation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Igor M. L. Pataro, Juan D. Gil, Marcus V. Americano da Costa, Lidia Roca, Jose L. Guzman, Manuel Berenguel
Summary: Improving temperature reference tracking is crucial for enhancing the performance of solar thermal plants. This study proposes two control strategies, lead-lag and nonlinear reference feedforwards, to achieve low rise time and no overshoot in temperature reference tracking. Simulation experiments and real-world testing in a solar plant validate the effectiveness of these strategies under different operating conditions.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Igor M. L. Pataro, Juan D. Gil, Marcus V. Americano da Costa, Lidia Roca, Jose L. Guzman, Manuel Berenguel
Summary: This study proposes a stochastic model predictive control (MPC) based on a chance-constraint formulation for controlling a real solar thermal plant. The controller, named CC practical nonlinear MPC (CC-PNMPC), is implemented in the AQUASOL-II facility to validate and demonstrate the advantages of the proposed control approach. The results show that the stochastic strategy can account for disturbance uncertainties and improve the control system's performance.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Arvin Sohrabi, Mousa Meratizaman, Shuli Liu
Summary: This paper simulates and discusses possible solutions to improve the economic and technical performances of a battery-less renewable energy-powered BWRO system under real climate conditions. The study finds that the photovoltaic-based system performs better in terms of specific energy consumption and unused energy ratio.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chunlan Pan, Xiaoyin Hu, Vishal Goyal, Theyab R. Alsenani, Salem Alkhalaf, Tamim Alkhalifah, Fahad Alturise, Hamad Almujibah, H. Elhosiny Ali
Summary: This paper introduces a novel waste heat recovery method using the hot flue gas from a ship's engine to produce liquefied hydrogen while meeting the ship's air-conditioning requirement. A comprehensive feasibility assessment is conducted and an artificial neural network with a multiobjective grey wolf optimization method is used for optimization. The findings indicate the highest mean sensitivity index of the flash temperature and the best optimization scenario for exergy efficiency, CO2 emission reduction, and liquefied hydrogen cost.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daniele Chinello, Jan Post, Louis C. P. M. de Smet
Summary: In this study, PVDF-based anion-exchange membranes were designed to selectively separate nitrate from chloride. Experimental data showed that increasing the concentration of PVDF enhanced nitrate transport but also increased the membrane electrical resistance. The selectivity of nitrate was found to be independent of the membrane thickness and mainly driven by the increased affinity between the anion and the membrane.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Umar Noor, Muhammad Fayyaz Farid, Ammara Sharif, Amna Saleem, Zubair Nabi, Muhammad Furqan Mughal, Kiran Abbas, Toheed Ahmed
Summary: Global water scarcity is increasing, and water desalination is an important solution. Multifunctional advanced materials, such as membrane materials and solar-driven desalination, play a crucial role in water desalination. Additionally, these materials can be used for water purification, wastewater treatment, and pollutant elimination.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Emrah Gumus
Summary: With growing global concerns about climate change and environmental impacts, the use of nuclear energy in naval vessels offers a cleaner and more efficient solution to reduce emissions and address water and energy supply challenges. This study explores a novel system that combines a nuclear-driven supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle with reverse osmosis cogeneration to meet the water and electricity demands in maritime operations, enhancing the sustainability, efficiency, and self-sufficiency of naval vessels. The results indicate that the system has the potential to be a viable and effective solution for naval operations.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dao Thi Thanh Huyen, Saikat Sinha Ray, Young -Nam Kwon
Summary: This study focuses on the modification of a commercially available polyamide thin-film composite membrane with a zwitterionic material to enhance its fouling resistance. The modified membrane shows improved salt rejection and reduced permeability compared to the pristine membrane. Fouling tests demonstrate that the modified membrane has a lower fouling ratio and higher recovery ratio. The enhanced antifouling characteristics are attributed to the improved hydrophilicity resulting from the zwitterionic brushes and the salting-in effect.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Niklas Koeller, Lukas Mankertz, Selina Finger, Christian J. Linnartz, Matthias Wessling
Summary: This study presents a methodology to scale up Flow-electrode Capacitive Deionization (FCDI) technology from lab-scale to pilot-scale systems. By increasing membrane area and using a stacking approach, the FCDI modules were successfully scaled up and achieved a salt transfer rate comparable to lab-scale systems. This provides a foundation for future assessments of energy demand and economics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mona Gulied, Sifani Zavahir, Tasneem Elmakki, Hyunwoong Park, Guillermo Hijos Gago, Ho Kyong Shon, Dong Suk Han
Summary: This study introduces a novel hybrid system that combines direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) to facilitate seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brine enrichment and selective lithium recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhiqiang Zhang, Ruifeng Deng, Jiao Zhang, Lu She, Guangfeng Wei, Renyong Jia, Pengyu Xiang, Siqing Xia
Summary: A transmembrane electro-chemisorption system with authigenic acid and base was developed for enhancing ammonia recovery from strong ammonia wastewater. The system efficiently transformed ammonium into free ammonia, which was then adsorbed and recovered through transmembrane chemisorption. This system yielded pure (NH4)2SO4 product and produced valuable byproducts of pure hydrogen and oxygen. Higher applied voltage resulted in better ammonia recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alena Popova, Sandrine Boivin, Takuji Shintani, Takahiro Fujioka
Summary: This study aimed to produce a high-integrity RO membrane by forming a polyamide skin layer on a TE support layer, in order to enhance the integrity of the membrane and improve the microbiological safety of potable water reuse.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sanjana Yagnambhatt, Saber Khanmohammadi, Jonathan Maisonneuve
Summary: This study investigates the concept of using heat to enhance reverse osmosis (RO) desalination. The effect of temperature on water permeate flux, specific energy, permeate quality, and applied operating pressures is evaluated using an analytical model. The results suggest that under specific conditions, the tradeoff between savings in mechanical pump work and thermal energy input in thermally-enhanced RO can be favorable, leading to overall energy savings.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiangju Si, Chenrui Xue, Shun Li, Linchao Yang, Weiwei Li, Jie Yang, Jihong Lan, Ningbo Sun
Summary: To meet the huge demand for lithium resources, there is an urgent need to develop a new efficient technology for lithium recovery from salt-lake brines. In this study, a selective membrane capacitive deionization system is reported, which achieves high lithium recovery capacity and rate through the use of materials with efficient intercalated pseudo-capacitance and a high specific area porous carbon. The use of a modified thin-coated membrane allows for selective Li+ recovery, and adjusting the concentrations of Li+ and Mg2+ in the feed solution enables higher Li+/Mg2+ selectivity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohamed R. Salem, R. Y. Sakr, Ghazy M. R. Assassa, Omar A. Aly
Summary: This research proposes a new method of using wasted thermal energies as an additional heating source for solar still distillation units (SSDUs) to increase productivity and reduce pollution and global warming. By testing two SSDUs, the study shows that heating airflow can raise temperatures, enhance freshwater production, and improve system thermal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qimeng Sun, Miao Sun, Linyan Yang, Yuan Gao, Xinghai Zhou, Lihua Lyu, Chunyan Wei
Summary: This study presents an innovative design and fabrication of a fabric-based conical roll (FCR) evaporator, which enables low-temperature evaporation and achieves high evaporation efficiency with excellent thermal management ability. The evaporator has demonstrated advanced light-harvesting capability and can produce freshwater that meets drinking water standards, showing great potential for applications in desalination and sewage treatment.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yidong Zhang, Wangfang Deng, Meiyan Wu, Chao Liu, Guang Yu, Qiu Cui, Pedram Fatehi, Chunlin Xu, Bin Li
Summary: In this study, a novel polydopamine-functionalized lignin-containing pulp foam evaporator with high-efficiency desalination and multi-contaminant adsorption capabilities was designed. The foam evaporator showed excellent light absorption, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and chelation abilities, allowing for solar evaporation and contaminant adsorption synergistically. It also exhibited potential applications in metal ion concentration and contaminated seawater treatments, and demonstrated superior biodegradability compared to poly-styrene foam. This foam material holds promise for developing multifunctional photo-thermal systems for solar-driven water purification.
