Temperature and Velocity Effects on Mass and Momentum Transport in Spacer-Filled Channels for Reverse Electrodialysis: A Numerical Study

Zohreh Jalili, Jon G. Pharoah, Odne Stokke Burheim and Kristian Etienne Einarsrud
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Zohreh Jalili: Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Jon G. Pharoah: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Odne Stokke Burheim: Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Kristian Etienne Einarsrud: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 8, 1-24

Abstract: Concentration polarization is one of the main challenges of membrane-based processes such as power generation by reverse electrodialysis. Spacers in the compartments can enhance mass transfer by reducing concentration polarization. Active spacers increase the available membrane surface area, thus avoiding the shadow effect introduced by inactive spacers. Optimizing the spacer-filled channels is crucial for improving mass transfer while maintaining reasonable pressure losses. The main objective of this work was to develop a numerical model based upon the Navier–Stokes and Nernst–Planck equations in OpenFOAM, for detailed investigation of mass transfer efficiency and pressure drop. The model is utilized in different spacer-filled geometries for varying Reynolds numbers, spacer conductivity and fluid temperature. Triangular corrugations are found to be the optimum geometry, particularly at low flow velocities. Cylindrical corrugations are better at high flow velocities due to lower pressure drop. Enhanced mass transfer and lower pressure drop by elevating temperature is demonstrated.

Keywords: reverse electrodialysis; spacer-filled channel; mass transfer; computational fluid dynamics modelling; temperature effect (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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