Membrane distillation module powered by low-temperature solar thermal systems: Modeling and transient performance analysis

This study explores the integration of a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) module into a solar thermal water distillation system powered by solar energy. The system includes flat-plate collectors (2–6 m2 ), a 300-liter hot water tank with an internal coil heat exchanger, an auxiliary heate...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Bousmaha , Mouad, Belmonte Toledo, Juan Francisco, Nehari , Driss, Villena Ruiz, Raquel, Honrubia Escribano, Andrés, Gómez Lázaro, Emilio
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Camilo José Cela (UCJC)
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/44344
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10578/44344
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD)
Low-temperature solar thermal systems
Membrane distillation (MD)
Seawater desalination
Solar membrane distillation (SMD)
TRNSYS
Descripción
Sumario:This study explores the integration of a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) module into a solar thermal water distillation system powered by solar energy. The system includes flat-plate collectors (2–6 m2 ), a 300-liter hot water tank with an internal coil heat exchanger, an auxiliary heater, and an economizer forenergy recovery. The integrated setup was simulated in TRNSYS, coupled with a validated MATLAB model of the DCMD module. An innovative dynamic co-simulation approach was developed, combining TRNSYS for the solar thermal subsystem and MATLAB for detailed DCMD calculations. The MATLAB model is basedon fundamental heat and mass transfer equations in both counter-current and co-current configurations. The system’s annual transient performance was analyzed under typical weather conditions in Ain Temouchent, Algeria. Results showed that the DCMD system can produce approximately 100 liters of distilled water perday, with performance highly dependent on solar collector area and feed water temperature (50–70? ). Key findings include an annual yield of 36 m3 with 5 h of daily operation, solar fraction up to 97% for 6 m2 of collectors, and membrane performance ratios between 1.78–1.93. These results highlight the system’s potentialto meet a significant portion of a household’s potable water needs.