Effect of Asymmetric Feed Flow Rate and Temperature on Reverse Electrodialysis: A Response Surface Methodology Approach

Abstract

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) has the potential to generate sustainable energy by utilizing the salinity gradient potential between natural water sources with different salinities, such as river water and seawater. It is essential to comprehend the RED process's characteristics and optimize operational parameters to enhance its commercial viability. This study investigated the effects of varying inlet feed flow rates and temperatures on RED performance using Response Surface Methodology. Unlike conventional approaches, where inlet flow rates of seawater and river water solutions are typically kept equal, this research explores their diverse combinations. Key performance metrics of RED, including power density and open circuit voltage, were evaluated. Moreover, the impacts of different feed flow rates and temperatures on ohmic and non-ohmic resistances were thoroughly examined. The findings underscore significant interactions between feed flow rates, temperature, and RED performance outputs, providing insights essential for optimizing RED operations and enhancing its practical application in sustainable energy solutions.