Heat transfer innovations and their application in thermal desalination processes

The familiarity of mature thermal technologies for brine concentration and crystallization is likely to sustain their widespread deployment despite high capital operational (i.e., energy) costs relative emerging non-thermal alternatives. This critical review analysis evaluates the potential recent innovations in manufacturing devices improved heat mass transfer demonstrably reduce lifecycle these desalination technologies. We identify three promising innovation applications, including novel geometries enabled by additive manufacturing, surface engineering methods promote dropwise condensation, new polymer-/polymer-composite-based components. Based on estimated cost performance impacts material process modifications, we find that have largest unit water near term. Throughout review, also highlight remaining research gaps unmet technoeconomic targets would benefit from future investigation collaboration between communities. 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