Electrodialysis Manifold Flow Directors for Bypass Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cross-flow electrochemical separation devices suffer from inefficiencies due to current bypass through inlet and outlet manifolds, leading to reduced current efficiency and increased energy consumption, which affects the overall cost and effectiveness of desalination processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modular electrochemical separation system with flow directing features within the manifolds, such as conduits and baffles, to alter fluid flow paths and reduce bypass currents, combined with a multi-pass flow configuration to enhance current efficiency and flow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional manifold design is used in electrochemical separation devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but current bypass through manifolds reduces current efficiency and increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple electrochemical separation modular units, each with its own cell stack and frame assembly. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module's manifold system while reducing overall energy loss through modular current paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow distributors with passages are introduced as intermediary components between the manifold system and the compartments. These flow distributors act as mediators that redirect fluid flow to prevent bypass currents while maintaining manifold functionality, thereby reducing energy consumption without requiring complete manifold redesign.
2Reliability
If flow directing features are added to manifolds to reduce bypass currents, then current efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distributors serve multiple functions: they distribute fluid flow to compartments, act as spacers to maintain manifold positioning, and guide flow paths to prevent bypass currents. This multi-functionality allows a single component to achieve multiple objectives, reducing the need for additional specialized parts and lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage cross-sectional areas within flow distributors are specifically designed to create desired flow patterns. By optimizing the parameters of the passages (size, shape, distribution), the system achieves improved current efficiency through controlled fluid dynamics rather than complex structural modifications.
3Ease of operation
If modular unit design is implemented, then system assembly and maintenance become easier, but device complexity increases due to multiple modular units
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical separation device is divided into multiple identical or similar modular units, each containing a complete set of components (cell stack, frame, manifold, flow distributors). This segmentation enables standardized assembly procedures and simplifies installation, as each module can be assembled and tested independently before integration into the complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple modular units are combined in series or parallel configurations to create the complete electrochemical separation system. This merging approach allows the system to achieve the required scale and performance while maintaining the operational simplicity of individual modules, as each unit follows the same design and operational principles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves significant improvements in current efficiency, with potential efficiencies of up to 85%, reducing energy consumption and manufacturing costs, and enhancing the competitiveness of electrochemical separation technologies compared to reverse osmosis for desalination.
Implementation Method 1
a flow distributor for electrochemical separation may comprise a plurality of first passages oriented in a first direction and configured to deliver feed to at least one compartment of an electrochemical separation device, and a plurality of second passages oriented in a second direction, the plurality of second passages in fluid communication with the plurality of first passages and with an inlet manifold associated with the electrochemical separation device
Implementation Method 2
An applied electric field imposed via electrodes causes dissolved ions, attracted to their respective counter-electrodes, to migrate through the anion and cation exchange membranes. This generally results in the liquid of the diluting compartment being depleted of ions, and the liquid in the concentrating compartment being enriched with the transferred ions.
Implementation Method 3
An applied electric field imposed via electrodes causes dissolved ions, attracted to their respective counter-electrodes, to migrate through the anion and cation exchange membranes
Implementation Method 4
mounting a first electrochemical separation modular unit having a first cell stack surrounded by a first frame in a vessel between a first electrode and a second electrode, and mounting a second electrochemical separation modular unit having a second cell stack surrounded by a second frame in the vessel between the first electrochemical separation modular unit and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical separation device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a cell stack including alternating depleting compartments and concentrating compartments disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, an inlet manifold configured to introduce a fluid to one of the depleting compartments or the concentrating compartments an outlet manifold, and one or more of a fluid flow director disposed within the inlet manifold and having a surface configured to alter a flow path of the fluid introduced into the inlet manifold and direct the fluid into the one of the depleting compartments or the concentrating compartments, and a second fluid flow director disposed within the outlet manifold and having a surface configured to alter a flow path of the fluid introduced into the outlet manifold via one of the depleting compartments or the concentrating compartments.