Energy and cost analysis of a multiple channel direct contact membrane distillation module: Case study

Abstract

This paper presents a novel numerical investigation model for the Multiple Channels Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (MCDCMD) process. The Multiple-Channel direct contact membrane distillation (MCDCMD) configuration involves introducing two feed channels with their respective membranes and a permeate channel between them. An innovative module's thermal and economic analysis is compared to that of a conventional module, considering various operating conditions. To validate the numerical model, experimental results of permeate flux are used. The findings indicate that the new MCDCMD module significantly enhances the permeate flow rate by 350% and 290% at all temperature and velocity conditions, respectively, compared to the conventional DCMD lab module setup. Overall, the proposed MCDCMD module demonstrates a substantial reduction in energy consumption by about 27% and 44% at velocity and temperature conditions, respectively, compared to the conventional module. The economic results indicate that water production cost per m3 is significantly reduced by about 75% and 72% under temperature and velocity conditions, respectively. These promising results suggest that the proposed module can facilitate the development of an energy-efficient DCMD process on an industrial scale. Such a process would produce cost-effective, high-quality water with enhanced productivity.