Enhancing air gap membrane distillation performance through electromagnetic force integration

This research explores the influence of electromagnetic forces (EMF) on Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) performance through the integration of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling and experimental validation. Introducing EMF within the feed channel of AGMD systems promotes turbulence, thereby augmenting mass transport and enhancing evaporation efficiency. Quantitative assessments reveal a 16 % improvement in mass flux and a 4 % enhancement in evaporation efficiency at an electromagnetic intensity of 0.5 Tesla. The magnetic intensity effect is more significant within shorter module lengths that cover more feed channel area, enhancing 22.5 % mass flux. Moreover, the AGMD performance enhanced by EMF shows a reduction in specific thermal energy consumption to 69 kWh/m³ of produced water, a decrease from the 72 kWh/m³ noted in systems without EMF. This optimized AGMD framework not only exceeds traditional methodologies in energy efficiency but also lowers the cost of water production by approximately 14.1 %, thus improving its economic feasibility. These results support the viability of incorporating EMF into membrane distillation systems as a scalable strategy to boost desalination processes while reducing energy and cost requirements. This method represents a promising direction for future sustainable water purification technology developments.