Improving the osmotic energy conversion efficiency of multiple nanopores by a cross flow
Journal
Journal of Membrane Science
Journal Volume
644
Date Issued
2022
Author(s)
Abstract
Osmotic energy conversion through charged nanopores is promising for next generation renewable energy. Towards practical use, applying a large-scale multi-pore system is necessary and almost inevitable. Unfortunately, due to the presence of a significant ionic concentration polarization (ICP) at a high pore density, the power generated per pore is usually much less than that generated from a single pore. To alleviate this problem, we propose applying a cross flow parallel to the pore openings. This lowers the degree of ICP, thereby improving its osmotic power generation performance. Several ways of applying the cross flow are examined, and the results of numerical simulation reveal that applying it on the lower salt concentration side only can yield the best performance. In this case, the osmotic power generated increases with the increased cross flow velocity. In addition to assessing the performance under various conditions, the mechanisms associated with the system under consideration are discussed. ? 2021 Elsevier B.V.
Subjects
Cross flow
Ionic concentration polarization
Maximum power
Multiple nanopores
Osmotic energy conversion
Conversion efficiency
Desalination
Flow velocity
Nanopores
Parallel flow
Concentration polarization
Cross flows
Energy conversion efficiency
Ionic concentrations
Multiple nanopore
Osmotic power
Performance
Polarization
SDGs
Type
journal article