Modeling flow over profiled membranes

Modeling flow over profiled membranes

Reverse Electrodialysis produces electrical energy from the mixing of salt water and fresh water. Positive and negative ions are separated by using ion selective membranes. The transport of positive and negative ions is driven by the concentration difference between salt water (for example from the sea) and fresh water (for example from a river).

Salt water and fresh water flow in very thin channels along the membranes.

To keep the membranes separated, traditionally nylon spacers are used. Recently, a method was developed to create structured, profiled membranes which can act as membrane and spacer and replace the conventional spacers. This technique enables numerous designs to force the water flow over the membranes. An optimal design promotes water mixing perpendicular to the membrane with a minimum in wall friction. The very small dimensions of the flow channels (<1 mm) complicate experimental observations, but are more practical for numerical simulation (Re<100). Therefore a hydrodynamic model can be used to investigate the velocity profiles and shear stress distribution in several profile designs.

Preferable background: Process engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Physics (fluid dynamics)

Use of project: MSc-thesis or MSc-internship