Experimental characterization of the temperature gradient inside a membrane distillation module

Abstract

One of the solutions to the current fresh water challenge is desalination using low-grade heat (solar radiation or waste heat), such as Air-gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD). Based on evaporation, induced by a temperature gradient across a hydrophobic membrane, this process has an improved energy efficiency thanks to the inclusion of the air-gap by limiting the heat losses, while hindering the mass transfer at the same time. Understanding of the temperature distribution in the module is crucial for working towards improved efficiency and freshwater output.This work describes a setup and optical measurement method dedicated to analysis of energy and mass transfer resistances through temperature gradient measurement in the bulk and observation of boundary layer at the membrane. In particular data acquisition, processing and interpretation framework is presented, and compared to existing literature. Initial results indicate that the method is successful, although a number of improvements are proposed to address the identified shortcomings.