Articles
Publication Date: 2026
Renewable Energy (0960-1481)256
This study presents the development of a mathematical model to accurately predict the dynamics of salt and water transport in a batch electrodialysis system used for either NaCl desalination or LiCl brine concentration. The primary aim of the model is to simulate the desalination of high-salinity water under specified current density conditions. The governing equations for the electrodialysis stack and associated tanks were formulated and solved using numerical methods. Model predictions were validated against experimental data, demonstrating high accuracy: the deviation between measured and predicted tank concentrations was within ±2 % for both NaCl and LiCl systems. In addition, the study investigated how initial salt concentration, current density, and flow rate influence system performance. The results show that system efficiency is significantly affected by the initial brine concentration. Increasing the salt concentration from 5 wt% to 10 wt% and 20 wt% reduced desalination efficiencies by approximately 67 % and 93 %, respectively. Moreover, salt flux improved with higher current density, with a 71 % increase in desalination observed when current density was raised from 100 A/m2 to 400 A/m2. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd
Publication Date: 2025
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (22133437)13(6)
In this study, we have developed a two-dimensional (2D), time-dependent mathematical model focusing on the desalination chamber (DC) of CPDCs. The model simulates ion transport mechanisms, including diffusion and migration, under laminar flow with recirculation between the DC and a well-mixed recirculation tank (RT). Governing equations for mass transfer were solved numerically in MATLAB, and the model was validated against lab-scale experimental data, demonstrating good agreement. The model enables detailed analysis of ion concentration profiles and salinity reduction within the DC, offering predictive insights into system optimization and scale-up. Key operational parameters, such as brackish water flow rate, cell height, intermembrane spacing, and electric potential difference (EPD), were systematically investigated through sensitivity analysis. The results highlight the nonlinear effects of design and operating conditions on desalination efficiency and help define optimal ranges for system configuration. Furthermore, by calculating ion-specific mass transfer coefficient, Sherwood–Reynolds (Sh–Re) correlations were derived for Na⁺ and Cl⁻. These correlations serve as engineering tools for scaling up CPDC modules and optimizing design without full-scale experimentation. In overall, this modeling framework serves as a foundation for future expansion to multi-chamber, fully coupled models that can capture bioelectrochemical dynamics and power generation, ultimately enabling integrated and scalable design of next-generation CPDC systems. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.
