Frequency-modulated control circuit for an electrolysis unit used in water treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to a control circuit for a frequency-modulated electrolysis device, enabling advanced water purification without the addition of salts or chemicals. The device is equipped with platinum / ruthenium / iridium or copper / silver electrodes, providing oxidation, ionization, and mineral rebalancing functions. This system allows for effective and environmentally friendly disinfection of ponds, spas, and swimming pools by optimizing natural electrochemical reactions.

Description

Title of the invention: Circuit for managing an electrolysis device, frequency-modulatable for water treatment

[0001] Abstract: The following is intended to clarify certain innovations of the disclosed embodiments, but does not claim to be exhaustive. A thorough understanding may be obtained by reviewing the full description, claims, illustrations, and abstract.

[0002] One of the intentions of this invention is to provide an innovative system for cleaning and sanitizing pond water. The stated advantages and objectives, as well as others, are detailed below.

[0003] The invention relates to a water purification and sanitation device that addresses some of the previously identified problems and offers users an effective alternative. In one of its forms, the device is presented as an in-line system that purifies a portion of water, treats it, and then returns it to the pool. It consists of a frequency-modulated electrolytic cell capable of increasing the redox potential of the water, providing a restructuring power tending to defoam the water (alkalinity balance) and heating it with an average COP of 2. In addition, it uses technology without salt, chlorine or other additives to create chemical reactions.

[0004] Depending on the type of electrodes used, the purification method, which involves the same characteristics stated above, is enhanced by electrolytic ionization capable of producing ions with algicidal and bactericidal properties without the addition of chemicals. These electrodes, often made of copper or silver alloy, release ions with antimicrobial properties. These ions are then introduced into the pool water.

[0005] The control unit, the circuit, supplies the electrodes with a specific current, a suitable frequency, thus producing charged or restructured ions. The material of the electrodes influences their efficiency and durability. For example, platinum electrodes coated with iridium have a higher oxidation capacity than those made of copper and silver, but a lower ionizing capacity.

[0006] Technical field: The present invention relates to the field of water treatment, in particular an electrolysis apparatus capable of operating at variable frequencies in direct or alternating current at frequencies of up to 1 megahertz.

[0007] Glossary: ​​The device: indicates the electronic circuit, the electrodes, the power supply, the product as a whole. The circuit: indicates the electronic circuit and its software, the invention itself.

[0008] Background of the invention: Spas and swimming pools are commonly treated and disinfected using methods such as chlorination by electrolysis of salt water or the direct addition of chlorine. Chlorine, although effective, is not without its dangers. Its use can cause irritation, affect hair, bleach swimsuits, dry out the skin, and give off a persistent odor. Absorbed through the skin, it is associated with diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and premature aging. Furthermore, it is known to be harmful to the ozone layer. Naturally, chlorine is contained in harmless compounds.

[0009] Cited studies have examined the problems of chlorine: a. AggaZZotti et al. (1998) on biological indicators of exposure to trihalo-methanes. b. Lindstrom et al. (1997) on exposure to trihalo-methanes during swimming, c. Drobnic et al. (1996) on chlorine exposure in swimmers.

[0010] Salt electrolysis chlorination is popular. In this process, salt is dissolved and then electrolyzed, converting sodium chloride into hypochlorous acid (HOC1) - a powerful disinfectant. Although this process avoids handling chemicals, it is not perfect.

[0011] The inventors of this invention have developed an optimized disinfection system by modulating the frequency at the electrodes. This method avoids the use of additional chemicals or salts for disinfection.

[0012] Any reference to a prior publication does not in any way prejudge its recognition as being common knowledge, whether in France or elsewhere.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention: The invention proposes an electronic circuit for managing an in-line electrolysis cell, composed of two groups of electrodes capable of inducing a series of chemical reactions depending on the chosen frequency, the type of current, the polarity modulation and the power of the current. The circuit manages a low-voltage power supply with a current that can be modulated up to 25 Amps. One of the essential characteristics is the ability of this device to efficiently oxidize water molecules without requiring the addition of salts. In addition, it integrates restructuring functions tending to defoam the water by heating it with a positive COP (The coefficient of performance or COP is the ratio "thermal energy returned / electrical energy consumed". With a COP of 3, a consumption of 1 kWh of electricity produces 3 kWh of heating).With electrodes such as Copper / Silver, the device also ensures an ionization function with effective bactericidal and algicidal properties.

[0014] Thanks to its advanced connectivity, (Modbus, Wifi, Bluetooth and / or control screen) the device is controllable via different digital interfaces, offering flexibility and adaptability for various applications. Although particularly suitable for hot tubs (Spas), the device can be adjusted for larger pools, such as swimming pools.

[0015] Detailed description: The device comprises either an electrolysis cell with platinum electrodes coated with iridium with high oxidizing power and a long lifespan, but limiting its ionization capacities, or Copper / Silver electrodes with high ionizing power, of the sacrificial type (short lifespan), offering a more efficient bactericidal and algicidal power. The water passes through a chamber equipped with a pump and comes into contact with the electrode cell. This cell adapts its frequency, its polarity, and its current according to the readings provided by integrated probes and / or the user's instructions. The on-board software coordinates these parameters to ensure optimal water treatment.

[0016] It includes advanced ionization features, utilizing the power of copper and silver ions. These ions have a long history of use as natural disinfectants. By introducing these ions into pool or spa water, the need for added chemicals can be significantly reduced.

[0017] To delve deeper into the associated chemical reactions: a. Electrolysis of water: Electrolysis of water is a chemical reaction that occurs when an electrical voltage is applied between two electrodes immersed in water, causing the dissociation of water (H2O) into its constituents: hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2).i. 2H2O(1) -> 2H2(g) + O2(g) - b. Formation of acid hypochlorite: When the natural mineral salts in tap water are electrolyzed at a defined frequency, they decompose to produce chlorine gas (Cl2). In water, chlorine gas reacts rapidly to form acid hypochlorite (HOC1), which is a powerful disinfectant agent, just like the formula with added salts, the strong current allows the extraction of the small amount of salts present in natural water, i. NaCl(aq) + H2O(1) -> HOCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) + H2(g) - c. Ionization: When water passes through an ionization cell, it is exposed to copper and silver electrodes.These electrodes slowly release copper and silver ions into the water. These ions are toxic to bacteria and algae, thus providing a disinfection method, i. Cu(s) -> Cu2 (aq) + 2e (copper electrode) - ii. Ag(s) -> Ag (aq) + e (silver electrode).

[0018] These reactions are optimized by the device thanks to its ability to modulate the frequency, adjust the polarity and control the current, thus ensuring efficient and precise water treatment.

[0019] In summary, this invention uses chemistry and electrolysis to provide an effective and environmentally friendly solution to the treatment of swimming pool and spa water, eliminating the hazards associated with the use of traditional chemicals.

Claims

Claims

1. Apparatus for treating water by electrolysis, comprising an electrolytic cell, an electronic management circuit, a low-voltage power supply with a modulated current up to 25A, in which the type of current, its frequency and its power are modulated to effectively decompose the mineral salts naturally present in the water to form molecular chlorine (Cl2) and hypochlorous acid (H0C1) without requiring the addition of salts.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, using iridium-coated platinum electrodes.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, using copper / silver electrodes.

4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, provided with digital interfaces of the Modbus, Wifi, Bluetooth and / or control screen type.

5. A method of treating water, using an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the formation by electrolysis of acid hypochlorite (H0C1), and not comprising the addition of salt to the water to be treated.

6. A method of treating water according to claim 5, wherein the water is defoamed by reheating, preferably while maintaining a positive coefficient of performance COP.

7. A method of treating water according to one of claims 5 or 6, in which copper and / or silver ions are released into the water to obtain a bactericidal and algicidal action.

Images