Algae treatment device using high voltage micro pulse discharge

Abstract

The algae treatment device of the present invention is installed on a ship or barge and discharges high-voltage micro pulses within a target body of water where green algae or red tide has occurred to destroy only the air sacs of the algae, thereby enabling the efficient resolution of green algae or red tides with little to no use of chemicals.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for treating algae in a target body of water, and more specifically, to a device capable of treating excessive algae in a target body of water using high-voltage micro-pulse discharge. Background Technology

[0002] Green tides and red tides refer to a phenomenon in which water turns a deep green or red color due to the excessive growth of algae (diatoms, green algae, cyanobacteria, etc.), which are components that supply energy to the aquatic ecosystem. Every year, when a heatwave begins, pollution caused by green or red tides occurs in water sources such as the Nakdong River and Geum River, or in nearby seas.

[0003] Areas affected by green or red tides experience ecosystem destruction that threatens aquatic life due to foul odors and reduced dissolved oxygen (DO). Furthermore, harmful algae such as Microcystis, Anabaena, Oscillatoria, and Aphanizomenon have adverse effects on liver cells and the nervous system if ingested by humans or animals.

[0004] To solve the problems of green algae or red tides, conventional methods such as spreading copper sulfide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, or loess into rivers or removing algae have been used; however, these methods require excessive manpower or pose a risk of secondary pollution. Furthermore, for the effective treatment of green algae or red tides, the pH of the water must be maintained at around 7 to 8 when spreading copper sulfide, aluminum oxide, or titanium dioxide into rivers; however, when green algae or red tides occur, the water becomes alkaline, causing the removal efficiency to drop sharply.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for new measures to treat green algae or red tides occurring in target water bodies such as streams, rivers, reservoirs, dams, water purification plants, or nearby seas. Prior art literature

[0006] Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0111753 Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0122925 Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0127206 The problem to be solved

[0007] One objective of the present invention is to provide a treatment device capable of actively resolving algal blooms or red tides in target water bodies such as streams, rivers, reservoirs, dams, water purification plants, and nearby seas by using high-voltage micro-pulse discharge without using or minimizing the use of chemicals.

[0008] Meanwhile, other unspecified objects of the present invention will be further considered to the extent that they can be easily inferred from the following detailed description and effects. means of solving the problem

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, an example of the present invention proposes an algae treatment device that is installed on a ship or barge and can treat algae within a target body of water by discharging high-voltage micro pulses. An algae treatment device according to an example of the present invention comprises: a pulse generating unit that generates high-voltage micro pulses; at least one tip connected to the pulse generating unit that discharges the generated high-voltage micro pulses within the target body of water; and a support frame on which a tip wire connecting the tip and the pulse generating unit is mounted, and which allows the tip to maintain a certain depth within the target body of water.

[0010] Alternatively, to achieve the above objectives, another example of the present invention utilizes a vessel or barge; a support frame equipped with a buoyancy body that moves on the water surface dependently on the movement of the vessel or barge; and a connecting member that connects the vessel or barge and the support frame. An algae treatment device for excessive algae in a target body according to another example of the present invention includes a pulse generating unit installed on the vessel or barge; and at least one tip installed on the support frame and connected to the pulse generating unit to discharge a generated high-voltage micro pulse within the target body. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to one example of the present invention, an algae treatment device for excessive algae growth in a target body has the following effects.

[0012] First, high-voltage micropulse discharges can be applied at a single location within the target body or while moving using vessels, barges, or buoyancy devices to selectively destroy and settle algal sacs. In other words, algae can be removed with minimal or no use of chemicals such as copper sulfide, aluminum oxide, or titanium dioxide. Furthermore, algae can be removed over a wide area of ​​the target body with minimal manpower while moving.

[0013] Second, by configuring the positive or negative electrode at the tip where high-voltage micro-pulses are discharged in a replaceable form, wear on the positive and negative electrodes caused by tens of thousands of micro-pulse discharges per day during the process of removing algae can be efficiently addressed.

[0014] Third, a separate tip lifting unit is provided on the support frame so that when replacing the positive or negative electrode of the tip, the tip is raised, allowing the operator to easily replace the positive or negative electrode.

[0015] Meanwhile, it should be added that even if an effect is not explicitly mentioned here, the effects described in the following specification and the provisional effects expected by the technical features of the present invention are treated as described in the specification of the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an algae treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing it installed on a barge. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an algae treatment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing it installed on a ship. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an algae treatment device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the installation of a buoyancy body and its movement using a ship. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water purification system with an algae treatment device installed according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a photograph of a water purification system with an algae treatment device installed according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram schematically showing the configuration of the algae treatment device of the present invention. Figure 7 is a graph schematically showing the waveform of a high-voltage micropulse generated by the algae treatment device of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the tip of the algae treatment device of the present invention. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view along I-I' of Figure 8. FIG. 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the anode shaft, anode chuck, and anode at the tip of the algae treatment device of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the negative electrode at the tip of the algae treatment device of the present invention. Figure 12 shows the pressure generated according to distance when a high-voltage micro pulse is discharged underwater using the algae treatment device of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a photograph of the leading edge of the algae treatment device of the present invention arranged in two staggered rows. Figure 14 shows the experimental results of treating water containing algae with high-voltage micropulse discharge using the algae treatment device of the present invention. Figure 15 is an SEM image of algae cells before and after high-voltage micropulse discharge treatment of water containing algae using the algae treatment device of the present invention. Figure 16 is a TEM image of algal cells before and after high-voltage micropulse discharge treatment of water containing algae using the algae treatment device of the present invention. ※ It should be noted that the attached drawings are provided as examples for reference to help understand the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited by them. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, we will examine the configuration of the present invention as guided by various embodiments thereof and the effects derived therefrom. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known functions are omitted if they are deemed obvious to a person skilled in the art and could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention.

[0018] The present invention relates to a treatment device capable of actively resolving algal blooms or red tides in target water bodies such as streams, rivers, reservoirs, dams, water purification plants, and nearby seas by using high-voltage micro-pulse discharge without using or minimizing the use of chemicals.

[0019] Hereinafter, the configuration, operation, and effects of the algae treatment device of the present invention will be examined with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an algae treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing it installed on a barge, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an algae treatment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing it installed on a ship.

[0021] The algae treatment device of the present invention is composed of a pulse generating unit (100), a tip (200), and a support frame (300), and is intended to treat algae in a target water body by discharging high-voltage micro pulses. In addition, it may be equipped with a generator for generating power, a compressor, and a temperature control device. The generator serves to generate power supplied to the algae treatment device, and the temperature control device prevents overloading of the algae treatment device. The compressor serves to supply compressed air when the switch of the algae treatment device of the present invention is operated by pneumatic pressure. However, if the switches operate in a different manner, the compressor may be omitted.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates the algae treatment device of the present invention installed on a barge (1), and FIG. 2 illustrates the algae treatment device of the present invention installed on a ship (2).

[0023] The present invention installs an algae treatment device on a barge (1) or a vessel (2), and discharges a high-voltage micro pulse while moving through a target body of water or after moving to a location in the target body of water and anchoring.

[0024] A pulse generating unit (100) that generates high-voltage micro pulses is installed on a barge (1) or a vessel (2), and the pulse generating unit (100) is connected to at least one tip (200). The tip (200) is installed so that at least one end is submerged within the target water area. The pulse generating unit (100) and the tip (200) will be examined in detail later.

[0025] The tip (200) is fixed to the support frame (300). The support frame (300) is installed on a barge (1) or a ship (2), and it is preferable that one side of the support frame (300) extends to have a protrusion that protrudes outward from the barge (1) or the ship (2). A cable connecting the pulse generating unit (100) and the tip (200) is mounted on the protrusion of the support frame (300), and the tip (200) is positioned at the bottom of the protrusion. The cable is fixed to the support frame (300) using a separate fixing member.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an algae treatment device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the installation of a buoyancy body and its movement using a ship.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows that, unlike the first or second embodiment, a buoyancy body (301) is installed on the support frame (300).

[0028] The pulse generating unit (100) is installed on a barge (1) or a vessel (2) in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment. A support frame (300) with a buoyancy body (301) installed is connected to the rear of the barge (1) or the vessel (2) by a connecting member (3). When the barge (1) or the vessel (2) moves, the support frame (300) is pulled along by the connecting member (3). When using the support frame (300), it is possible to radiate high-voltage micro pulses over a wider area compared to using only the barge (1) or the vessel (2), and there is an advantage that it is possible to expand not only left and right but also forward and backward.

[0029] Unlike what was described above, the algae treatment device of the present invention can be installed and used in a water purification plant of a water supply system.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water purification system with an algae treatment device installed according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a photograph of a water purification system with an algae treatment device installed according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Water treatment plants use coagulants (such as aluminum oxide) to remove algae, and their usage increases sharply when algal blooms occur. While the increased use of chemicals like coagulants is problematic, another issue arises: the optimal pH for coagulation (referred to as 'coagulation pH') is approximately 7–8. However, when algal blooms occur, the water's pH shifts from neutral to alkaline, causing the coagulation reaction to be ineffective even with the addition of large amounts of coagulants. Consequently, to lower the water's pH, the dosage of pH regulators (such as carbon dioxide) must be increased alongside the coagulants. After removing algae with coagulants, any remaining algae is removed by chlorine treatment; consequently, the amount of chlorine injected also increases when algal blooms occur. Furthermore, management and maintenance costs for the sand layers (filter sand) and activated carbon used in filtration systems to remove residual algae also rise.

[0032] To solve these problems, the algae treatment device of the present invention can be installed and used in a water purification system.

[0033] In a water purification system, the sedimentation of algae by high-voltage micro-pulse discharge is carried out in a first treatment space, and the coagulation reaction of algae by the injection of a coagulant is carried out in a second treatment space. Preferably, the first treatment space may be a grit chamber and the second treatment space may be a sedimentation tank. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first treatment space and the second treatment space may be any spaces within the water purification system that are functionally separated from one another.

[0034] The water purification system of the present invention includes a water intake facility (10), a sedimentation tank (20), a sedimentation tank (30), a filtration tank (40), and a disinfection facility (50).

[0035] The water intake facility (10) is a facility that draws raw water from a river or reservoir and sends it to a water purification plant for tap water supply, and may be composed of a water intake tower, a water intake gate, a water intake pipe, etc. The water drawn into the water intake facility flows into a sedimentation basin (20).

[0036] Raw water drawn from rivers, reservoirs, streams, etc. contains sediment mixed in, and the sedimentation tank (20) is a space for removing sediment from raw water by sedimentation. In order to respond to the algal bloom phenomenon, the algae treatment device of the present invention is provided in the sedimentation tank (20), and the algae contained in the incoming raw water are settled using high-voltage micropulse discharge, and then the supernatant water is discharged.

[0037] When raw water flows into the sedimentation tank (20), the algae treatment device destroys the sacs of algae contained in the raw water to settle the algae, and then discharges the supernatant water. This supernatant water flows into the sedimentation tank (30) along with the residual algae.

[0038] The sedimentation tank (30) is a space for settling residual algae and suspended matter contained in the supernatant by introducing a coagulant. Although the coagulant may be introduced directly into the sedimentation tank (30), it is preferable to introduce the coagulant before the supernatant flows into the sedimentation tank (30) and induce a sedimentation reaction in the sedimentation tank (30). For example, the coagulant is a preparation in which aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) is combined with silicon (Si), and it operates on the principle that aluminum reacts with algae in water and settles. In addition, any previously disclosed coagulant may be used.

[0039] Generally, the coagulation pH at which the coagulation reaction by a coagulant occurs well is about 7-8, but when algae proliferate, the alkalinity of the raw water increases, so the coagulation reaction does not occur well. However, in the case of the present invention, since algae are primarily removed in the sedimentation tank, the alkalinity of the raw water is lowered, thereby promoting the coagulation reaction. In addition, the amount of pH regulators (such as carbon dioxide) required to lower the pH of the raw water can be reduced.

[0040] Algae introduced into the sedimentation tank (30) have a lowered zeta potential while exposed to high-voltage micropulse discharge in the sedimentation tank (20). The reason algae do not settle in water but remain suspended is due to the repulsive action of positive and negative ions possessed by the algae particles; this repulsive force is called the zeta potential. In water purification, the zeta potential is a key indicator that determines whether the coagulation phenomenon proceeds properly. The high-voltage micropulse discharge of the present invention lowers the zeta potential of the algae, thereby promoting the coagulation reaction by the coagulant. Therefore, the algae remaining in the sedimentation tank (30) easily undergo a coagulation reaction even when a small amount of coagulant is added.

[0041] The raw water that has passed through the sedimentation tank (30) flows into the filtration tank (40). The filtration tank (40) is a space that removes fine suspended matter that has not settled in the sedimentation tank (30) by passing it through a filtration membrane such as a sand layer or activated carbon.

[0042] The raw water that has passed through the filter (40) flows into the disinfection plant (50), and generally, chlorine disinfection is performed to sterilize various bacteria. When chlorine chemicals are injected, contaminants such as trihalomethanes (THM) or microcystin are generated in some algae, but when the algae treatment device of the present invention is used, such contaminants are not generated. In other words, secondary contamination is prevented.

[0043] The algae treatment device of the present invention used in FIGS. 1 to 4 utilizes a high-voltage micro pulse generated by a pulse generating unit (100). In particular, the high-voltage micro pulse generated by the pulse generating unit (100) of the algae treatment device of the present invention preferably has a voltage of 5 to 30 kV and a pulse width of 6 to 300 μs as shown in FIG. 7.

[0044] In addition, in a fixed system that actually treats algae in a target water area using high-voltage micro pulses, thousands to tens of thousands of high-voltage micro pulses are required per day. Therefore, the pulse generating unit (100) needs to stably discharge high-voltage micro pulses.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram schematically showing the configuration of the algae treatment device of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, the pulse generation unit (100) includes a power supply unit (110) and a plurality of pulse application units (105) connected in parallel to the power supply unit (110) to generate a high-voltage micropulse discharge. The power supply unit (110) can provide a DC voltage, and, for example, one end may be grounded and the other end may provide a power supply voltage. A charging resistor unit (112) for controlling the magnitude of the charging current is installed between the power supply unit (110) and the pulse application unit (105).

[0047] Each pulse application unit (105) includes a charging switch (118), a charging diode section (114), a charging section (120), a dump resistor section (116), a freewheeling diode section (122), and a discharge switch (124). A high-voltage micro pulse generated from the pulse application unit (105) is discharged through the discharge gap of the tip (200).

[0048] The charging unit (120) stores a charging voltage using power input from the power supply unit (110) and may be composed of at least one capacitor. A charging switch (118) and a charging diode unit (114) for blocking surge current are installed between the power supply unit (110) and the charging unit (120). A freewheeling diode unit (122) connected in parallel with the charging unit (120) acts as a charging switch when the charging unit (120) is charged and serves to prevent damage to the charging unit (120) when the charging unit (120) is discharged. The discharge gap of the tip (200) connected in parallel with the charging unit (120) applies a high-voltage micropulse in the water of the target body when the charging unit (120) is discharged. A dump resistor (116) connected in parallel with a charging unit (120) forms a discharge path to discharge the charge remaining in the charging unit (120) before and after the operation of the charging unit (120) for safety. A discharge switch (124) installed between the discharge gap of the tip (200) and the charging unit (120) controls the discharge.

[0049] The charging switch (118) and the discharging switch (124) can be alternately turned on and off within one cycle (T). For example, assuming the cycle of the high-voltage micropulse discharge is 2 seconds, the charging switch (118) is in the ON state and the discharging switch (124) is in the OFF state, and the voltage is charged to the charging part (120) for about 1.5 seconds. Then, the charging switch (118) is switched to the OFF state and the discharging switch (124) is switched to the ON state, and the high-voltage micropulse discharge is applied through the discharge gap of the tip (200) for about 0.5 seconds.

[0050] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the charging diode section (114) or the freewheeling diode section (122) is described as an example in which it is composed of a single diode; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the charging diode section (114) or the freewheeling diode section (122) can be designed to perform substantially the same function by being composed of a plurality of circuit elements. Similarly, the charging resistor section (112) or the dump resistor section (116) is described as an example in which it is composed of a single resistor; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the charging resistor section (112) or the dump resistor section (116) can be designed to perform substantially the same function by being composed of a plurality of circuit elements.

[0051] With the configuration of the pulse generation unit (100) of the algae treatment device as described above, the high-voltage micro pulse generated has a voltage of 5 to 30 kV and a pulse width of 6 to 300 μs, and can stably perform more than hundreds of thousands of discharges at the same time.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the tip of the algae treatment device of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view along I-I' of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the anode shaft, anode chuck, and positive electrode of the tip of the algae treatment device of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the negative electrode of the tip of the algae treatment device of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the tip (200) of the algae treatment device of the present invention will be described.

[0054] The tip (200) is configured to include a positive electrode unit (210) and a negative electrode unit (220).

[0055] The positive electrode unit (210) is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the pulse generating unit (100). More precisely, the positive electrode (215) is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the pulse generating unit (100). The positive electrode unit (210) comprises a positive tip shaft (211) installed in a long direction, a positive chuck (214) installed so as to be detachably installed in front of the positive tip shaft, a positive electrode (215) fixed by the positive chuck (214), and a positive insulator (213) that electrically insulates the positive electrode by wrapping it with one end of the positive electrode exposed. At this time, the positive electrode (215) may be fixed to the positive chuck (214) by welding.

[0056] The positive electrode unit (210) of the tip (200) of the present invention has the advantage that the positive electrode (215) can be easily replaced using the positive electrode chuck (214). As described above, when processing algae with the algae treatment device of the present invention, thousands to tens of thousands of high-voltage micro-pulse discharges occur per day. Although stable operation is achieved through the circuit configuration of the pulse generation unit (100) of the algae treatment device of the present invention, it is difficult to completely prevent the electrode from wearing out due to the many discharges. Accordingly, the present invention adds ease of maintenance by easily replacing the worn positive electrode using the positive electrode chuck (214).

[0057] The negative electrode unit (220) is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the pulse generating unit (100). More precisely, the negative electrode (225) is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the pulse generating unit (100). The negative electrode unit (220) is spaced apart from the positive electrode unit (210) by a certain distance. That is, the negative electrode unit (220) is provided with a negative electrode jig (221) that is spaced apart from the positive electrode unit, and a negative electrode (225) that is fixed by the negative electrode jig (221) so as to be replaceable at a position corresponding to the positive electrode (215). The negative electrode (225) is spaced apart from the positive electrode (215) by a certain distance, and a path for current conduction by plasma is formed through the fluid between the positive electrode (215) and the negative electrode (225). That is, the space between the positive electrode (215) and the negative electrode (225) becomes the discharge gap described above.

[0058] The negative electrode jig (221) has a body in which a negative electrode (225) is installed and a plurality of legs connected to a return unit (232) described later. As shown in FIG. 8, the legs branch out into multiple branches centered on the body, and it is important to ensure that the angle between the legs is constant. For example, the angle between the legs can be 120 degrees or 90 degrees as shown in FIG. 8. That is, the angle between all legs can be 360 ​​degrees / N (where N is the number of legs). The negative electrode (225) is inserted into the rear of the body of the negative electrode jig (221), and one end of the inserted negative electrode (225) is exposed to the outside of the body. One end of the negative electrode (225) and one end of the positive electrode (215) are located on an axis on the same line as each other. The negative electrode (225) is fixed inside the body of the negative electrode jig (221) by a pressure member (224). The distance between the negative electrode (225) and the positive electrode (215) is a very important factor in the discharge of high-voltage micro-pulses. Therefore, to adjust the distance between the negative electrode (225) and the positive electrode (215), a height adjustment member (223) may be fitted before the negative electrode (225) is inserted into the body. The height adjustment member (223) can adjust the height at which the negative electrode (225) protrudes outside the body by adjusting the number of multiple height adjustment members (223) generated at a unit height, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Additionally, a negative electrode protection member (222) may be installed around the part where the negative electrode (225) protrudes. The negative electrode protection member (222) may be made of SUS. There was a problem where the negative electrode unit (220) was damaged by the shock when an overvoltage micro pulse was discharged between the positive electrode (215) and the negative electrode (225), and in the present invention, a negative electrode protection member (222) made of SUS material was placed around the protruding negative electrode (225) to minimize damage to the negative electrode unit (220).In addition, when processing algae with the algae treatment device of the present invention, thousands to tens of thousands of high-voltage micro-pulse discharges occur per day, and due to the many discharges, wear occurs not only on the positive electrode (215) but also on the negative electrode (225). In the present invention, the negative electrode (225) is configured to be replaceable using a negative electrode jig (221), thereby making it easy to replace the worn negative electrode and increasing ease of maintenance.

[0059] The negative electrode (225) is connected to a return section (232) that branches off from the negative electrode through a negative electrode jig (221) and extends to form a current return path. In order to release energy evenly in all directions when emitting a high-voltage micro pulse, the returning current must flow evenly through each of the multiple return sections (232). Accordingly, the tip (200) of the present invention has an angle between all legs of the negative electrode jig (221) of 360 degrees / N (where N is the number of legs), so that the current flowing to the negative electrode (225) is evenly distributed to the multiple return sections (232) and recovered to the pulse generating unit (100). The return section (232) is insulated by being wrapped by a return section insulator (240).

[0060] Various configurations may be employed to electrically connect the positive electrode and the negative electrode formed by the above configuration to a cable (not shown) connected to the pulse generating unit (100). In this embodiment, the connector (233), connection socket (250), and second connection terminal (251) adopted as examples thereof will be described. The connector (233) is made of a hollow conductor and a plurality of return parts (232) are connected to it. Screw threads are formed on the upper inner surface of the connector (233). The connector (233) is electrically insulated by being wrapped together with an insulator (240). The connection socket (250) is intended to electrically connect the negative electrode unit (230) to a cable (not shown) connected to the pulse generating unit (100) through coupling with the connector (233). In this embodiment, the connection socket (250) is formed as a cylindrical conductor and has screw threads formed on the outer surface of the lower end so that it is electrically connected by screwing it into the connector (233). A wire (252) connected to the pulse generating unit (100) is arranged inside the connection socket (250), and a second connection terminal (251) is provided at the lower end of the wire (252) and connected to the first connection terminal (212). That is, in this embodiment, the positive electrode (215) is connected to the pulse generating unit (100) through the positive electrode shaft (211), the first connection terminal (212), the second connection terminal (251), the wire (252), and the cable. The negative electrode unit (230) is connected to the pulse generating unit (100) through the connector (233), the connection socket (250), and the cable. In this embodiment, a coaxial cable is used for the cable connected to the pulse power system. The coaxial cable is composed of a hollow outer conductor and an inner conductor inside the outer conductor as known components, and the connecting socket (250) is connected to the outer conductor and the wire (252) is connected to the inner conductor.

[0061] Meanwhile, a separate tip lifting unit is provided on the support frame so that when replacing the positive or negative electrode of the tip, the tip is raised, allowing the operator to easily replace the positive or negative electrode.

[0062] Figure 12 shows the pressure generated according to distance when a high-voltage micro pulse is discharged underwater using the algae treatment device of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 12 measures the pressure generated during a high-voltage micro-pulse discharge while moving the pressure sensor horizontally from the discharge gap of the tip (200). The distance of the discharge gap was 3.4 mm, and the voltage was 20 kV.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 12, it was confirmed that the pressure generated decreases significantly when the horizontal distance exceeds 100 cm. For efficient algae removal, it is desirable to maintain the distance between the tips (200) within 50 cm when arranging them in a line.

[0065] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the tips (200) are arranged in two or more rows on the support frame (300), and a high-voltage micro pulse is discharged by one tip (200) into a spherical area having a radius of about 100 cm, preferably a spherical area having a radius of about 50 cm, so it is preferable to install the tips (200) of adjacent rows staggered from each other. In the case of two rows, the tips (200) are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0066] Figure 14 shows the experimental results of treating water containing algae with high-voltage micropulse discharge using the algae treatment device of the present invention.

[0067] In this experiment, a high-voltage micropulse with a voltage of 18 kV and a pulse width of 25 µs was applied at a repetition rate of 0.1 pps (pulse per second). The control group represents the case where the number of discharges is 0, the first experimental group (5 shots) represents the case where the number of discharges is 5, the second experimental group (10 shots) represents the case where the number of discharges is 10, and the third experimental group (20 shots) represents the case where the number of discharges is 20. As shown in FIG. 14, it can be seen that algae exposed to the high-voltage micropulse discharge of the present invention settle to the bottom of the water within a predetermined time without the use of a coagulant. Meanwhile, although not shown here, when a coagulant is added, the algae settle much faster compared to when the high-voltage micropulse is not discharged.

[0068] Figure 15 is an SEM image (magnified 5,000 times) of algal cells before and after high-voltage micropulse discharge treatment of water containing algae using the algae treatment device of the present invention, and Figure 16 is a TEM image (magnified 15,000 times) of algal cells before and after high-voltage micropulse discharge treatment of water containing algae using the algae treatment device of the present invention. As can be seen in Figures 15 and 16, when a high-voltage micropulse discharge is applied to algal cells, it can be confirmed that the cell walls remain intact even if the air sacs of the algae are destroyed.

[0069] The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the description and expression of the embodiments explicitly described above. Furthermore, it is added once again that the scope of protection of the present invention cannot be limited by obvious changes or substitutions in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

Claim 1 An algae treatment device installed on a ship or barge, capable of destroying algae air sacs within a target body of water by discharging high-voltage micro pulses, comprising: a pulse generating unit for generating high-voltage micro pulses; at least one tip connected to the pulse generating unit for discharging the generated high-voltage micro pulses within the target body of water; and a support frame on which a tip wire connecting the tip and the pulse generating unit is mounted, and which allows the tip to maintain a certain depth within the target body of water; wherein the tip comprises: a positive tip shaft installed elongated in one direction; a positive chuck detachably installed in front of the positive tip shaft; a positive electrode electrically connected to the positive terminal of the pulse generating unit and fixed by the positive chuck; and a positive insulator that surrounds the positive electrode with one end of the positive electrode exposed to electrically insulate the positive electrode. An algae treatment device comprising: a negative electrode unit having a negative electrode jig positioned spaced apart from the positive electrode unit, and a negative electrode fixed to a position corresponding to the positive electrode by the negative electrode jig so as to be replaceable, and electrically connected to the negative terminal of the pulse generating unit to form a current conduction path by plasma between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and a return unit extending from the negative electrode in at least one branch and forming a current return path. Claim 2 A vessel or barge; a support frame equipped with a buoyancy body that moves on the water surface of a target body in dependence on the movement of the vessel or barge; and a connecting member connecting the vessel or barge and the support frame; comprising: a pulse generating unit installed on the vessel or barge; and at least one tip installed on the support frame and connected to the pulse generating unit to discharge a high-voltage micro pulse generated within the target body; wherein the tip comprises: an anode tip shaft installed elongated in one direction; an anode chuck detachably installed in front of the anode tip shaft; a positive electrode electrically connected to the positive terminal of the pulse generating unit and fixed by the anode chuck; and a positive electrode insulator that surrounds the positive electrode with one end of the positive electrode exposed to electrically insulate the positive electrode. An algae treatment device comprising: a negative electrode unit having a negative electrode jig positioned spaced apart from the positive electrode unit, and a negative electrode fixed to a position corresponding to the positive electrode by the negative electrode jig so as to be replaceable, and electrically connected to the negative terminal of the pulse generating unit to form a current conduction path by plasma between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and a return unit extending from the negative electrode in at least one branch and forming a current return path. Claim 3 An algae treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pulse generating unit comprises: a charging unit that receives power from a power supply unit and stores a charging voltage; and a freewheeling diode unit connected in parallel with the charging unit, which operates as a charging switch when the charging unit is charged and prevents damage to the charging unit when the charging unit is discharged; and the tip comprises a discharge gap connected in parallel with the charging unit and discharging a high-voltage micro pulse within a target water body when the charging unit is discharged, and a discharge switch for controlling the discharge of the high-voltage micro pulse is installed between the discharge gap and the charging unit. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, a charging diode unit for blocking surge current is installed between the charging unit and the power supply unit, and the charging diode unit and the discharge switch are alternately turned on and off within one cycle. Claim 5 An algae treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the high-voltage micropulse generated by the pulse generating unit has a voltage of 5 to 30 kV and a pulse width of 6 to 300 μs. Claim 6 An algae treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the aforementioned tips are installed lengthwise in one direction on the support frame, or installed in two or more rows in one direction on the support frame, with the tips of adjacent rows installed staggered from each other. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 An algae treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a tip lifting unit installed on the support frame and capable of adjusting the height of the tip.

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