Heat-Pipe Membrane Module for Internal Latent Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Membrane-based separation processes, such as membrane distillation, face low gained output ratio (GOR) due to inefficient heat recovery, leading to increased equipment costs and complexity with external heat exchangers, despite internal heat recovery mechanisms in some modules.
Innovation Solution
Integration of heat pipes within membrane modules, where vapor from membrane distillation acts as a heating medium to heat the evaporation end of the heat pipe, and a cooling liquid cools the condensation end, enhancing latent heat recovery through continuous evaporation and condensation within the heat pipe, offering higher thermal conductivity than traditional polymer films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If external heat exchangers are used to achieve heat recycle, then heat recovery is improved, but equipment cost increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat recovery function with the membrane module structure by integrating heat pipes directly into the module. The heat pipes are positioned to contact both the hot feed side and cold permeate side, enabling internal heat exchange within the same module housing, thus eliminating the need for separate external heat exchangers and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe acts as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the hot feed and cold permeate streams. Instead of direct thermal contact or complex heat exchanger assemblies, the heat pipe transfers latent heat from the condensing permeate vapor to the feed liquid, achieving efficient heat recovery through phase change material
2Loss of energy
If external heat exchangers are used to achieve heat recycle, then heat recovery is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat recovery function is combined with the membrane module structure, eliminating the need for separate external heat exchanger components. This integration reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly procedures, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining effective heat recovery performance
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe technology used in the module provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional heat exchangers. The heat pipe structure is relatively simple to manufacture and can be produced at lower cost compared to complex heat exchanger assemblies, making the overall system more economically viable
3Productivity
If internal heat recovery is realized by inserting heat recovery unit within MD module, then GOR increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the working fluid within the heat pipe (evaporation at hot end, condensation at cold end) to achieve efficient latent heat transfer. This phase change mechanism enables high GOR by effectively recovering the latent heat of condensation from permeate vapor and transferring it to the feed liquid, significantly improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe serves as an intermediary heat transfer device that mediates thermal energy exchange between the hot feed and cold permeate sides. By positioning the heat pipe to contact both sides and using phase change material, it achieves efficient internal heat recovery that increases GOR without requiring complex multi-component heat recovery systems
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
The heat-pipe membrane module achieves higher thermal efficiency and simplified structure, reducing manufacturing costs while improving mass transfer and thermal efficiency, suitable for various membrane types and sizes, with flexible assembly options.
Implementation Method 1
Heat pipe is a new heat exchanger with high efficiency... When one end of the tube is heated, which is called evaporation end, where the working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes. The resulting vapor flows to the other end, which is called cold end or condensation end, condenses and releases latent heat.
Implementation Method 2
the working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes. The resulting vapor flows to the other end... condenses and releases latent heat. The evaporation-condensation process is repeated inside the heat pipe
Implementation Method 3
The inner surface of the tube is covered by a wick with capillary structure... the working fluid flows back to the evaporation end in the wick by capillary force
Implementation Method 4
The mass transfer driving force in the MD process is the vapor pressure difference across the microporous membrane... the liquid with a low boiling point volatilizes and cross the porous hydrophobic membrane bulk
Data Source
AI summary
A heat-pipe membrane module belongs to a heat recycle device. The heat-pipe membrane module is composed of a membrane module and heat pipes. The whole heat pipe is placed in the membrane module where there is heat can be recycled; or one end of heat pipe is placed in the membrane module where there is heat can be recycled and the other end of heat pipe is outside the membrane module. Here, the heat pipe comprises a metal tube, wick and the working fluid, wherein, both ends of the metal tube have covers; the wick is evenly distributed in the inner surface of metal tube, which has a capillary effect; the working fluid fills the wick. The heat-pipe membrane module mentioned above is simple, cheap, and heat efficiency.