Theoretical and experimental investigations of concentration polarization/electrochemical diffusion phenomena in membranes and modules for RED, PRO and FO
WP3 will provide 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and membrane/module design strategies based on our models26 developed using the public domain software OpenFoam. Dedicated computational resources will be established at the DTU High Performance Cluster facility. In addition, experimental bench-scale model validations of RED and PRO membranes developed in WP1&2 will be carried out using set-ups to be established at DTU Environment. WP3 will focus on how to:
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use CFD to optimize PRO and FO biomimetic aquaporin membrane internal geometry (e.g. aquaporin protein and vesicle loading and porosity and tortuosity of the support material).
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use CFD to assist WP2 in identifying strategies for minimizing CP effects (optimizing power density) in PRO modules working with hypersaline gradients.
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optimize mass transfer coefficients in modules for FO and PRO (e.g. by analyzing different spacer geometries);
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extend our current CFD model to include the combined effects of electrochemical diffusion and concentration polarization on RED stack resistance – in particular optimizing RED performance (by lowering stack resistance) via understanding of the interplay between the lateral hydrodynamic transport though the spacer filled compartments and the transmembrane osmotic, co-, and counter ion transport.