Flowing Salt Solution Thin Film Vaporization and Heat Transfer Mechanisms: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Geothermal energy offers a sustainable way, through heating a salt solution, to generate electricity and extract salt, minimizing environmental impact while supporting clean energy needs. The thermal behavior and vaporization mechanisms of flowing salt solution thin films are investigated in this study using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The research focuses on the evaporation dynamics of NaCl solutions at various temperatures (450 K and 550 K) and under different flow conditions, providing insights into the microstructural evolution and the role of ionic interactions. The simulations reveal critical aspects of evaporation, such as the formation and behavior of ion clusters, the impact of temperature on evaporation rates, and the effects of flow on heat transfer efficiency. Key findings include the observation that higher temperatures accelerate the evaporation process and promote ion clustering, while flow conditions enhance heat and mass transfer, leading to more efficient vaporization. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the thermal dynamics in saline solutions, with implications for industrial processes such as desalination, crystallization, and thermal management.