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DOE OSTI · 2568340

CFD Modeling of Concentration Polarization in High-Performance Flat-Sheet Modules

Pedrozo, Hector [Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)]·Dosso, Cheick [Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)]·Tran, Thien [NETL Site Support Contractor, National Energy Technology Laboratory]·Zhu, Lingxiang [NETL Site Support Contractor, National Energy Technology Laboratory]·Kusuma, Victor [NETL Site Support Contractor, National Energy Technology Laboratory]·Hopkinson, David [NETL] (ORCID:0009000974983736)·Biegler, Lorenz [Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)]·Panagakos, Grigorios [Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)]
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Abstract

Membrane-based gas separation is a promising, regeneration-free route for industrial CO₂ capture, but its performance is often limited by concentration polarization (CP). Classical 1-D models neglect CP and thus overpredict fluxes, especially for today’s high-permeance, high-selectivity membranes. Therefore, we built a 3-D CFD model that resolves local species transport, boundary-layer resistance, permeate-side effects, and pressure drop in flat-sheet modules. Using the Concentration Polarization Coefficient (CPC) and the overall Effective Membrane CP Index (EAC), the model quantifies how geometry and operating conditions shape CP intensity. Simulations show CP becomes pronounced for advanced membranes, with feed-channel height emerging as the dominant geometric lever: shrinking the gap mitigates CP but raises pressure drop, forcing a trade-off between mass-transfer enhancement and energy cost. These insights emphasize the need for CFD-level analysis in next-generation module design, where 1-D treatments can severely underestimate required membrane area and misguide scale-up.

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Pedrozo, Hector [Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)], Dosso, Cheick [Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)], Tran, Thien [NETL Site Support Contractor, National Energy Technology Laboratory], Zhu, Lingxiang [NETL Site Support Contractor, National Energy Technology Laboratory], Kusuma, Victor [NETL Site Support Contractor, National Energy Technology Laboratory], Hopkinson, David [NETL] (ORCID:0009000974983736), Biegler, Lorenz [Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)], Panagakos, Grigorios [Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)]. 2025-05-17. CFD Modeling of Concentration Polarization in High-Performance Flat-Sheet Modules. https://doi.org/10.2172/2568340

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