SETWATER · Surface Engineering for Thermal Water Separation

We propose to alter the surface topography and morphology of titanium substrates for phase change heat transfer enhancements using the electrochemical techniques developed in an ERC consolidator grant. The alteration efforts will result in enhanced heat transfer efficiency. The modified titanium substrate will be used to fabricate a thermally enhanced heat exchange device, which will then be used to construct a novel thermal water separation system based on a multi-effect ‘hybrid’ distillation concept for fresh water recovery from seawater or industrial wastewater feed. This system is applicable for desalination and wastewater treatment. The goal of the project is to provide technology demonstrators for such a system, which is expected to have a disruptive high efficiency compared to existing systems.