Multi-objective Optimization of a Membrane Distillation System for Desalination of Sea Water

Abstract

Water scarcity around the world has led to drinking water production from sea and brackish water. Production of drinking water by membrane processes is capital and energy efficient compared to other processes. Membrane distillation (MD) is a thermally driven process, where low-grade waste heat or renewable energy can be used to produce drinking water. The performance of MD module, although depends on the membrane transport properties, can be improved by better module and process design. In this study, design of a MD module and process is optimized for both high water production rate and lower energy consumption simultaneously. Multi-objective optimization is performed to explore the trade-off between these conflicting performance criteria. The obtained results provide optimal designs of the MD process for different water production rate and energy consumption. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.