UPLB Department of Electrical Engineering

FEATURED DEE PUBLICATION

Title: Voltage Control Modeling in Membrane Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) for Desalination Applications

Authors:
- Bernard Raphael Altamira (DEE alumnus);
- Mark Joseph Javier (DEE alumnus);
- Lucky Angelico Nagpala (DEE faculty member);
- Rowena Carpio;
- Jenna Riscy Manio;
- Patricia Nadine Revilla
- Marx Lenin Laycano

ABSTRACT

This study presents a simulation-based adaptive voltage control system for membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) to improve desalination efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and extend electrode lifespan. Using COMSOL Multiphysics and MATLAB Simulink, the system dynamically adjusted voltage in response to ion concentration and was compared with constant-voltage operation (0.1-1.0 V). Results showed that while high constant voltages enabled rapid ion removal at higher energy and component cost, the adaptive approach applied high voltage only when needed and reduced it as concentration declined. This strategy achieved performance comparable to 1.0 V operation while improving energy efficiency and reducing electrode stress, highlighting the potential of intelligent voltage control to enhance the sustainability and scalability of MCDI desalination systems.

Keywords: MCDI Systems, Ion Concentration, Voltage Control, Simulation

DOI: 10.1109/SusTech67720.2026.11536308

Publicity material by: AA Balmeo, Jr.




This initiative supports CEAT ASCEND's commitment to Collaborative Research.

This activity contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
Learn more: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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REELE April 2026|UPLB Department of Electrical Engineering The University of the Philippines Los Baños is the top performing school in the April 2026 Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination (REELE) as it registered a 98.15% passing rate. For a school to be top performing, it needs to have 30 examinees or more and must have at least 85% passing...

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