Optimization Study of Small-Scale Solar Membrane Distillation Desalination Systems (s-SMDDS)

Hsuan Chang, Cheng-Liang Chang, Chen-Yu Hung, Tung-Wen Cheng and Chii-Dong Ho
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Hsuan Chang: Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
Cheng-Liang Chang: Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
Chen-Yu Hung: Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
Tung-Wen Cheng: Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
Chii-Dong Ho: Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2014, vol. 11, issue 11, 1-24

Abstract: Membrane distillation (MD), which can utilize low-grade thermal energy, has been extensively studied for desalination. By incorporating solar thermal energy, the solar membrane distillation desalination system (SMDDS) is a potential technology for resolving energy and water resource problems. Small-scale SMDDS (s-SMDDS) is an attractive and viable option for the production of fresh water for small communities in remote arid areas. The minimum cost design and operation of s-SMDDS are determined by a systematic method, which involves a pseudo-steady-state approach for equipment sizing and dynamic optimization using overall system mathematical models. Two s-SMDDS employing an air gap membrane distillation module with membrane areas of 11.5 m 2 and 23 m 2 are analyzed. The lowest water production costs are $5.92/m 3 and $5.16/m 3 for water production rates of 500 kg/day and 1000 kg/day, respectively. For these two optimal cases, the performance ratios are 0.85 and 0.91; the recovery ratios are 4.07% and 4.57%. The effect of membrane characteristics on the production cost is investigated. For the commercial membrane employed in this study, the increase of the membrane mass transfer coefficient up to two times is beneficial for cost reduction.

Keywords: solar energy; desalination; membrane distillation; optimization; dynamic modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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