The Water-Energetics Lab @ IITGN is focused on performing fundamental and applied research that improves water and energy systems. An overview of our current research is presented below:
Theoretical
Energy efficiency enhancement
We usually approach these problems in the form of a constrained optimization.
The objective function, to be minimized, is the entropy generation in the system.
In order to be practically useful, constraints of finite (non-zero) system size/productivity are imposed.
This area of research (some times referred to as finite-time thermodynamics) is quite established for traditional energy systems such as power plants.
Areas of application:
- Air-conditioning, space comfort
- Various desalination technologies:
- Electro-chemical processes
- Pressure-driven membrane processes
- Thermal (distillation) technologies
- Energy production technologies such fuel-cells, and microbial fuel cells for waste-energy conversion.
Interesting topics at exploratory stage
- Non-equilibrium thermodynamics theory for coupled/simultaneous transport phenomena
- Energetics of computation
Analysis
Climate change – Energy scenario
Our group is also participating in a large multi-disciplinary research project aimed towards developing strategic knowledge on the impact of change impact on the state of Gujarat. Our focus within this project is on the renewable energy and energy-efficiency aspects.
Experimental
Dyeing wastewater recycling
Goal: Reduce the energy cost associated with implementing zero-liquid-discharge in textile dyeing units (with particular focus on reactive dyeing of cotton fibres).
Technologies:
- Electrodialysis
- RO, NF, CFRO
Thermal distillation for desalination
Goal: Design and testing of thermal desalination technologies with improved energy recovery and reuse.