Energy system for evaluation of modification methods on energy transfer efficiency and optimization of membranes

Abstract

Saving energy is crucial for utilizing membrane technology, but there is no energy parameter for understanding the relationships among membrane performance and energy. Here, φ is defined as the energy transfer efficiency of the membrane, and its numerical expression of membrane performance is poor (e.g., in the range of 10−23). The method of modifying membranes is a crucial determinant for developing membrane science, but researchers using current parameters to evaluate modification methods might lead to erroneous conclusions. Hence, the newly established system θ is used to analyze the influence of different modification methods on energy consumption, which not only establish the relationship between different modification methods but also provide the research routes for future optimization methods. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The current modification methods influence on the energy transfer efficiency of the pristine membrane by about 0.4902–3.278 × 104 times; (2) Using scientific data certifies that the modified support layer of the membranes is a more effective method for reducing the energy consumption than the modified activity layer of the membranes; (3) The establishment of this system provides data support for analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of modification methods, and provides guidance for how to optimize the modification methods of membranes. Therefore, this study not only fills key knowledge gaps in membrane science, but also provides theoretical support for how to optimize membrane modification methods.