From nature to engineering: Bio-inspired spacer solutions for membrane distillation

Biomimetic design principles, inspired by the structure of alligator osteoderms, are employed to provide innovative solutions for enhancing membrane distillation system performance. A novel spacer design for membrane distillation (MD) systems is introduced, incorporating the unique structural features of these natural formations. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to investigate nine new spacer configurations, with particular emphasis placed on enhancing mixing efficiency within the feed channel, which serves as the primary focus of this research. Results demonstrate that the novel spacer configurations exhibit superior performance, achieving up to a fivefold increase in mixing efficiency relative to the baseline of an empty channel. Furthermore, the new spacers are assessed and contrasted with two types of conventional spacers and the empty channel configuration with respect to pressure drop, thermal performance, and mass transfer properties. • New spacer designs are inspired by alligator osteoderms. • Mixing enhancement for membrane distillation. • New designs outperform conventional spacers in pressure drop, heat, and mass transfer.