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Updated: Jun 4, 2025

Ion-Exchange Membranes for the Fabrication of Reverse Electrodialysis Device
Published on: July 20, 2021
Autonomous online optimization of a closed-circuit reverse osmosis system
Dhrubajit Chowdhury1, Aurora Kuras2,3, Tani Cath2
1Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA.
This study introduces extremum seeking control for optimizing closed-circuit reverse osmosis (CCRO) systems. The automated technique balances energy efficiency and brine disposal costs for water reuse, crucial amid freshwater scarcity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Process Control
Background:
- Freshwater scarcity drives industrial and municipal water reuse.
- Closed-circuit reverse osmosis (CCRO) is a promising premise-scale water treatment technology.
- CCRO enables higher brine salinity operation through recycle flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally evaluate an automatic technique for continuous online optimization of CCRO systems.
- To adapt extremum seeking control for the sequential batch operation of CCRO.
- To optimize the trade-off between brine disposal costs and energy efficiency in CCRO.
Main Methods:
- Experimental evaluation of extremum seeking control (ESC).
- Modification of ESC for sequential batch processes.
- Online optimization of maximum membrane surface salinity.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using extremum seeking control for CCRO optimization.
- Identified advantages and drawbacks of ESC in CCRO applications.
- Showcased the adaptability of ESC to changing feed water composition and electricity prices.
Conclusions:
- Extremum seeking control is a viable, automated method for optimizing CCRO systems.
- ESC can dynamically adjust CCRO operation for cost and energy efficiency.
- Further research can enhance ESC's application in the water industry.
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