Energy Consumption Minimization in Membrane Electrodialysis Desalination Using Dynamic Voltage Control

Abstract

Membrane electrodialysis desalination has emerged as an efficient technology for water desalination and ion separation, however, high energy consumption remains a major challenge limiting its large-scale industrial application. This study investigates energy consumption minimization in membrane electrodialysis desalination systems using dynamic voltage control strategies to improve operational efficiency and process sustainability. The proposed approach integrates real-time voltage regulation, ion transport analysis, and process optimization techniques to reduce electrical energy demand while maintaining effective desalination performance under varying feedwater conditions. A comprehensive experimental and numerical investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of voltage variation, feed concentration, flow rate, membrane resistance, and current density onion removal efficiency and system energy consumption. Dynamic voltage control algorithms were implemented to adaptively regulate electrical input according to instantaneous process conditions and desalination requirements. Results demonstrated that optimized voltage modulation significantly reduced specific energy consumption while sustaining high salt removal efficiency and stable membrane operation. The study further revealed that adaptive voltage control minimizes concentration polarization and reduces membrane fouling tendencies, thereby improving long-term operational reliability. Comparative analysis indicated superior energy efficiency and improved process stability compared to conventional constant-voltage electrodialysis systems. Additionally, the optimized control strategy contributed to enhanced membrane lifespan and reduced operational costs through efficient power utilization and minimized electrical losses.