Advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound-enhanced modelling: Case studies and insights for commercial applications
Freeze desalination is a promising alternative to conventional methods, offering energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for freshwater production. This study presents theoretical modeling of a crystallizer to investigate the dynamics of continuous freeze desalination enhanced by ult...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Case Studies in Thermal Engineering |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25007786 |
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| author | Symeon Savvopoulos Anas AL-Aghbari Khadije El Kadi Denys Dutykh Isam Janajreh |
| author_facet | Symeon Savvopoulos Anas AL-Aghbari Khadije El Kadi Denys Dutykh Isam Janajreh |
| author_sort | Symeon Savvopoulos |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Freeze desalination is a promising alternative to conventional methods, offering energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for freshwater production. This study presents theoretical modeling of a crystallizer to investigate the dynamics of continuous freeze desalination enhanced by ultrasound vibrations. A mathematical framework combining Navier-Stokes perturbation analysis with crystallization kinetics analyzes the interplay between fluid flow, heat transfer, and crystal growth under varying conditions. The model provides rapid, reliable predictions to support commercial scalability. Results show that increasing vibration velocity amplitudes and extending residence time improve both crystal growth and desalination efficiency. For example, at a vibration velocity amplitude of 12 m/s and a residence time of 135 s, desalination efficiency approaches 50 %, highlighting ultrasound's role in enhancing salt exclusion and crystallization rates. Temperature profiles along the crystallizer indicate that longer residence times allow greater cooling and impurity rejection, with freezing temperatures near the mushy zone approaching the eutectic point. The framework supports the design of scalable systems and fast control strategies to mitigate disturbances, maintain stability, and respond to variable freshwater demands. By linking theoretical modeling with experimental insights, this study advances the development of efficient, commercially viable freeze desalination technologies, offering a sustainable approach to addressing global water scarcity. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-338b3a0abb5f4d66825cd3fe77a4f68a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2214-157X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-09-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Case Studies in Thermal Engineering |
| spelling | doaj-art-338b3a0abb5f4d66825cd3fe77a4f68a2025-08-20T03:47:19ZengElsevierCase Studies in Thermal Engineering2214-157X2025-09-017310651810.1016/j.csite.2025.106518Advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound-enhanced modelling: Case studies and insights for commercial applicationsSymeon Savvopoulos0Anas AL-Aghbari1Khadije El Kadi2Denys Dutykh3Isam Janajreh4Center for Membrane and Advanced Water Technology, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesCenter for Membrane and Advanced Water Technology, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesCenter for Membrane and Advanced Water Technology, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesMathematics Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, PO Box, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesCenter for Membrane and Advanced Water Technology, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Corresponding author.Freeze desalination is a promising alternative to conventional methods, offering energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for freshwater production. This study presents theoretical modeling of a crystallizer to investigate the dynamics of continuous freeze desalination enhanced by ultrasound vibrations. A mathematical framework combining Navier-Stokes perturbation analysis with crystallization kinetics analyzes the interplay between fluid flow, heat transfer, and crystal growth under varying conditions. The model provides rapid, reliable predictions to support commercial scalability. Results show that increasing vibration velocity amplitudes and extending residence time improve both crystal growth and desalination efficiency. For example, at a vibration velocity amplitude of 12 m/s and a residence time of 135 s, desalination efficiency approaches 50 %, highlighting ultrasound's role in enhancing salt exclusion and crystallization rates. Temperature profiles along the crystallizer indicate that longer residence times allow greater cooling and impurity rejection, with freezing temperatures near the mushy zone approaching the eutectic point. The framework supports the design of scalable systems and fast control strategies to mitigate disturbances, maintain stability, and respond to variable freshwater demands. By linking theoretical modeling with experimental insights, this study advances the development of efficient, commercially viable freeze desalination technologies, offering a sustainable approach to addressing global water scarcity.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25007786 |
| spellingShingle | Symeon Savvopoulos Anas AL-Aghbari Khadije El Kadi Denys Dutykh Isam Janajreh Advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound-enhanced modelling: Case studies and insights for commercial applications Case Studies in Thermal Engineering |
| title | Advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound-enhanced modelling: Case studies and insights for commercial applications |
| title_full | Advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound-enhanced modelling: Case studies and insights for commercial applications |
| title_fullStr | Advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound-enhanced modelling: Case studies and insights for commercial applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound-enhanced modelling: Case studies and insights for commercial applications |
| title_short | Advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound-enhanced modelling: Case studies and insights for commercial applications |
| title_sort | advancing freeze desalination through ultrasound enhanced modelling case studies and insights for commercial applications |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25007786 |
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