Water treatment apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

This water treatment apparatus comprises: a housing; a plurality of electrode cells which are provided in the housing and include a plurality of first electrode cells connected in series; a power supply unit which supplies power to the plurality of electrode cells so that ions contained in water inside the housing are adsorbed onto the plurality of electrode cells; at least one variable resistor which is connected in parallel to at least one of the plurality of first electrode cells; and a control unit which controls the at least one variable resistor on the basis of voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells.

Description

Water treatment device and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a water treatment device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a water treatment device that removes ionic substances from water by adsorbing them using an electrode, and a control method thereof.

[0002] A water treatment process, for example, the capacitive deionization (CDI) process, is a process that generally applies a potential to two electrodes to remove ions from water flowing between the two electrodes by adsorbing them on the electrodes, and then desorbs the ions adsorbed on the electrodes from the electrodes by reversing the electrode voltage.

[0003] In CDI technology, a voltage is applied to two electrodes and ion-laden water flows between them. Positive ions are adsorbed at the cathode and negative ions at the anode, producing clean water. Once the electrodes have adsorbed enough ions, the water can no longer be purified, requiring regeneration. Applying a reverse voltage to a saturated electrode desorbs the ions, making the electrodes usable again. This produces contaminated water (drainage).

[0004] For commercial applications of CDI technology, such as in dishwashers, water softeners, water purifiers, and washing machines, lamination of single electrode pairs is required.

[0005] Conventionally, stacked electrodes are connected in series and placed between the inlet, where water flows in, and the outlet, where water flows out, along the water channel. As the water flows, the electrodes near the inlet first come into contact with the water. The electrodes near the outlet encounter lower hardness than the water treated near the inlet, resulting in lower ion removal performance and higher voltage requirements compared to the electrodes near the inlet. This problem leads to electrode deterioration and can lead to side effects such as clogging of the flow path, increased water pressure, bubble formation, and organic fouling.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a water treatment device and a control method thereof that can reduce ion removal performance degradation and side reactions by controlling the potential difference from an electrode near an inlet to an electrode near an outlet.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] A water treatment device according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include: a housing (10); a plurality of electrode cells (20) provided within the housing (10) and including a plurality of first electrode cells (21) connected in series; a power supply unit (40) for supplying power to the plurality of electrode cells (20) so that the plurality of electrode cells (20) adsorb ions contained in water within the housing; at least one variable resistor (50) connected in parallel to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells (21); and a control unit (80) for controlling the at least one variable resistor (50) based on a voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells (21).

[0009] A control method of a water treatment device according to one aspect of the disclosed invention comprises: a plurality of first electrode cells provided in a housing and connected in series; and at least one variable resistor connected in parallel to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells; and a control method of a water treatment device for supplying power to the plurality of first electrode cells so that the plurality of first electrode cells adsorb ions contained in water inside the housing; the control method may include controlling the at least one variable resistor based on a voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the deterioration of ion removal performance and side reactions can be reduced by controlling variable resistance connected to multiple electrode cells.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether a plurality of electrode cells are faulty.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, when a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells, the number of failed electrode cells among the plurality of electrode cells can be determined.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, when a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells, the location of the failed electrode cell or the location of the row to which the failed electrode cell belongs can be determined.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, when a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells, the remaining electrode cells can be protected from overcurrent.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, continuous integer operations can be performed.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic configuration of a capacitor-type desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates an electrode of a unit electrode cell of a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates the principle of adsorbing ions on an electrode in a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates the principle of desorbing ions adsorbed on an electrode in a capacitive deionization device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a control block of a capacitor-type desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 illustrates a power supply and variable resistor of a capacitor-type desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a capacitor-type desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of controlling the variable resistance of each row to match the potential difference between the first and second rows among the electrode cells arranged in two rows x three columns in a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining how to determine a failure of an electrode cell in a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates the relationship between the feedback voltage and the number of failed electrode cells in a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 11 illustrates the configuration of a capacitor-type desalination device according to another embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a capacitor-type deionization device according to another embodiment, in which a positive voltage is applied to a first electrode cell group and a reverse voltage is applied to a second electrode cell group.

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a capacitor-type deionization device according to another embodiment, wherein a reverse voltage is applied to a first electrode cell group and a positive voltage is applied to a second electrode cell group.

[0029] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0030] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0031] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] In this document, each of the phrases “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0033] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0034] Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0035] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0036] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0037] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0038] When we say that a component is “on” another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0039] The water treatment device according to the disclosed invention may be a device that performs water treatment using any one or a combination of a capacitive deionization (CDI) process, a membrane CDI (MCDI) process, an electrodialysis (ED) process, and an electrodeionization (EDI) process.

[0040] Below, the water treatment device is described as a capacitor-type desalination device.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic configuration of a water treatment device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 illustrates an electrode of a unit electrode cell of the water treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the water treatment device may include a housing (10). The housing (10) may be provided in a space through which a fluid flows.

[0043] The housing (10) is formed with an inlet (11) and an outlet (12, 13). The inlet (11) may be provided to supply water, which is a fluid that has flowed into the housing (10). The outlets (12, 13) may be provided to discharge water inside the housing (10) to the outside.

[0044] For example, the inlet (11) may be formed on the upper side of the housing (10), the first outlet (12) may be formed on the lower left side, and the second outlet (13) may be formed on the lower right side.

[0045] The first discharge port (12) may be a water discharge port for discharging purified water generated within the housing (10). The second discharge port (13) may be a wastewater discharge port for discharging wastewater (sewage) generated within the housing (10).

[0046] A plurality of electrode cells (20) are provided inside the housing (10).

[0047] The plurality of electrode cells (20) may include a plurality of first electrode cells (21) connected in series.

[0048] Meanwhile, the plurality of electrode cells (20) may include a plurality of first electrode cells (21) and a plurality of second electrode cells (22). The plurality of second electrode cells (22) may be connected in parallel with the plurality of first electrode cells (21) and may be connected in series with each other. There may be multiple second electrode cells (22).

[0049] A plurality of first electrode cells (21) and a plurality of second electrode cells (22) can be arranged in the direction in which water flowing into the housing (10) flows. Since the direction of water flow in Fig. 1 is vertical, the plurality of first electrode cells (21) and the plurality of second electrode cells (22) can be arranged in the vertical direction. In addition, when the direction of water flow is left-right, the plurality of first electrode cells (21) and the plurality of second electrode cells (22) can be arranged in the left-right direction. Meanwhile, when the direction of water flow is in an inclined direction, the plurality of first electrode cells (21) and the plurality of second electrode cells (22) can be arranged in an inclined direction.

[0050] Depending on the voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20), ions contained in water can be adsorbed to the electrodes or ions adsorbed to the electrodes can be desorbed.

[0051] A unit electrode cell may be a stacked form of electrodes. A form in which multiple electrodes are stacked in series is called a cell, and for convenience, it is called an electrode cell.

[0052] Below, a unit electrode cell is described based on one of the plurality of first electrode cells (21).

[0053] Each unit electrode cell (21) may include a plurality of electrodes.

[0054] For example, the unit electrode cell (21) may be in the form of a series of stacked single electrode pairs (21A, 21B). Each of the stacked single electrode pairs (21A, 21B) may include a first electrode (21A) and a second electrode (21B). In addition, the unit electrode cell (20) may include an electrode active material, an ion exchange resin, an ion exchange membrane, and / or a spacer.

[0055] The electrodes may be rectangular or square in shape. The electrodes may be arranged parallel to each other or perpendicular to the direction of water flow. Water may flow between the electrodes.

[0056] Additionally, a plurality of first electrode cells (21) connected to unit electrode cells may also be stacked in a multilayer structure. A plurality of second electrode cells (22) may also be stacked in a multilayer structure.

[0057] A plurality of electrode cells (20) can be arranged in M ​​rows and N columns (M and N are natural numbers). The plurality of electrode cells (20) can be connected in series between rows and in parallel between columns. That is, the plurality of electrode cells (20) can be arranged in the form of an M×N matrix in which unit electrode cells are arranged. M rows can be connected in parallel and N columns can be connected in series.

[0058] By arranging a plurality of electrode cells (20) in an M×N matrix form within a housing (201), a capacitive deionization device can be miniaturized while improving its performance. Accordingly, the overall size of a product to which a capacitive deionization device is applied can be reduced, and the ease of installation at home can be improved.

[0059] The components of a capacitive desalination device are not limited to those illustrated. A water treatment device may include various structural elements in addition to the illustrated components.

[0060] A plurality of electrode cells (20) may be arranged along the direction of the water channel on the water channel through which water flows into the housing (10). The electrodes installed inside the housing may be arranged along the direction in which the water channel passes. This channel may be a path through which water flows in the direction in which water flowing into the capacitive desalination device is discharged to the discharge port. The plurality of electrode cells (20) may be elongated along this channel. Accordingly, water flowing into the inlet (11) may pass through the plurality of electrode cells (20) and then be discharged to the first discharge port (12) or the second discharge port (13). Either the first discharge port (12) or the second discharge port (13) may be selectively opened or closed by a valve.

[0061] When a first voltage is applied to a plurality of electrode cells (20), the plurality of electrode cells (20) can adsorb ions in water to produce purified water. When a first voltage is applied to a plurality of electrode cells (20), the ions in water can be adsorbed to the electrode surfaces, thereby purifying the water.

[0062] Meanwhile, when a second voltage is applied to a plurality of electrode cells (20), the plurality of electrode cells (20) can desorb the adsorbed ions and generate wastewater. When a second voltage is applied to a plurality of electrode cells (20), the electrodes are regenerated as the ions adsorbed on the electrode surfaces are desorbed, and the water can be contaminated.

[0063] In this way, the capacitive desalination device can generate purified water from which ions have been removed by adsorbing ions in the water introduced during the purification operation onto the electrode surface. During the regeneration operation, the ions adsorbed on the electrode surface can be desorbed to regenerate the electrode and generate waste water containing the desorbed ions in the water. The purified water can be discharged to the outside through the first outlet (12). The waste water can be discharged to the outside through the second outlet (13).

[0064] Figure 3 illustrates the principle of adsorbing ions on an electrode in a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, a first voltage may be applied to a first electrode (21A) and a second electrode (21B). The first voltage may be referred to as an adsorption voltage. The first voltage may be a positive voltage. For example, due to the application of the first voltage, the first electrode (21A) may become an anode and the second electrode (21B) may become a cathode. In this case, while water moves between the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B), which are spaced apart from each other, ionic substances contained in the water may move to the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B) by electrostatic attraction. An ionic substance having a negative charge may be adsorbed on the first electrode (21A), and an ionic substance having a positive charge may be adsorbed on the second electrode (21B). Therefore, water passing through the electrodes may not contain an ionic substance or may contain a very small amount of an ionic substance.

[0066] However, as the purification operation is continuously performed and ionic substances continue to accumulate on the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B), the electric field formed between the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B) may weaken. When the electric field weakens, ionic substances are not easily adsorbed on the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B), and thus the adsorption performance of the electrodes deteriorates. In order to restore the adsorption performance of the electrodes, the electrodes must be regenerated.

[0067] Figure 4 illustrates the principle of desorbing ions adsorbed on an electrode in a capacitive deionization device according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, in order to restore the adsorption performance of the electrodes, a second voltage having an opposite polarity to the first voltage may be applied to the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B). The second voltage may be referred to as a regeneration voltage. The second voltage may be a reverse voltage. Due to the application of the second voltage, the first electrode (21A) may become a cathode, and the second electrode (21B) may become an anode. As the second voltage having an opposite polarity is applied to the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B), ionic substances attached to the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B) may be detached from the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B).

[0069] In addition, even when no voltage is applied to the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B), the ionic substances can be desorbed from the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B). Since the electrostatic attraction affecting the ionic substances disappears when the electric field disappears, the ionic substances can be desorbed from the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B). The ionic substances desorbed from the first electrode (21A) and the second electrode (21B) can be discharged to the outside together with water. Through this, the adsorption performance of the electrodes can be restored. Other electrode pairs can operate on the same principle.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a control block of a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 illustrates a power source and a variable resistor of a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the capacitor type desalination device may include a user interface (30), a power supply unit (40), a variable resistor (50), a water supply valve (60), a drain valve (70), and a control unit (80).

[0072] The components of a capacitive desalination device are not limited to those illustrated. Some of the illustrated components may be omitted, or other components may be added. For example, a capacitive desalination device may further include a communication device for communicating with external devices.

[0073] The user interface (30) may include a display that displays information regarding the status and / or operation of the capacitive desalination device or a product to which the capacitive desalination device is applied. The user interface (30) may include an input interface for acquiring user input. In addition, the user interface (30) may also include a speaker for outputting sound.

[0074] The display may be provided as a user interface (30) using an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), or a micro LED panel. The display device may also be provided as a touch display.

[0075] The input interface may include various buttons for receiving user commands. For example, the input interface may include a water purification button, a water purification stop button, and / or a water purification amount adjustment button. A water purification operation start or restart command may be input through the water purification button. A water purification operation stop command may be input through the water purification stop button. The input interface may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the user input to the control unit (80).

[0076] The power supply unit (40) is connected to an external power source and can provide power required for the operation of the capacitive desalination device. The power supply unit (40) can provide power to electronic components included in the capacitive desalination device. The power supply unit (40) can include a power circuit and a switching circuit and can be electrically connected to a control unit (80). The control unit (80) can provide power required for components of the capacitive desalination device through the power supply unit (40).

[0077] The power supply unit (40) can supply a first voltage or a second voltage to the plurality of electrode cells (20). When the first voltage is applied to the plurality of electrode cells (20), the plurality of electrode cells (20) can adsorb ions in water to produce purified water. On the other hand, when the second voltage is applied to the plurality of electrode cells (20), the plurality of electrode cells (20) can desorb the adsorbed ions to produce waste water. The power supply unit (40) can provide the first voltage or the second voltage to the plurality of electrode cells (20) by the control unit (80).

[0078] The power supply unit (40) may include a switching mode power supply (SMPS). The SMPS can convert AC power into DC power and supply DC power. The SMPS can provide two power sources with switching pulses that operate in opposite directions. The first power source may be a power source that flows from forward to reverse, and the second power source may be a power source that flows from reverse to forward. By performing high-frequency switching using the SMPS power source, the voltage can be maintained while the current is reduced, thereby reducing the overall power without degrading performance.

[0079] The variable resistor (50) can adjust the resistance value. The variable resistor (50) can increase or decrease the resistance value by the control unit (80). The control unit (80) can adjust the resistance value of the variable resistor (50) as needed.

[0080] A variable resistor (50) may be connected in parallel to at least one electrode cell among a plurality of electrode cells (20). The control unit (80) may recognize a voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20). The voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20) may be a voltage distributed to each of the electrode cells connected in series from a power supply voltage. The voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20) may include the potential of each electrode cell or the voltage across each electrode cell. For example, the control unit (80) may recognize a voltage applied to an electrode cell to which the variable resistor (50) is connected in parallel by reading the voltage across each of the variable resistor (50). The control unit (80) may detect a voltage applied to an electrode cell through the variable resistor (50).

[0081] When the plurality of electrode cells (20) are a plurality of first electrode cells (21), the variable resistor (50) can be connected in parallel to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells (21). The control unit (80) can recognize the voltage applied to the first electrode cell to which the variable resistor (50) is connected.

[0082] When a plurality of electrode cells (20) are arranged in an M×N matrix form and are connected in series between rows and in parallel between columns, a variable resistor (50) may be connected in parallel to at least one row among the plurality of electrode cells (20) in which the electrode cells are connected in parallel. For example, the variable resistor (50) may be connected to an end in the row direction. The control unit (80) may recognize the voltage applied to the row to which the variable resistor (50) is connected. Accordingly, the potential difference between the rows may be recognized. The resistance values ​​of the variable resistors (50) may be set to have the same resistance value as an initial value. Meanwhile, the resistance values ​​of the variable resistors (50) may be set to sequentially increase from the first row to the last row as an initial value. In this case, as the variable resistor (50) increases, the composite resistance for the same row increases, which may result in a larger potential difference.

[0083] The water supply valve (60) can open or close the inlet (11) of the housing (10). When the water supply valve (60) is turned on, the inlet (11) can be opened. Raw water supplied from a water source can flow into the housing (10) through the inlet (11). When the water supply valve (60) is turned off, the inlet (11) can be closed. The raw water flowing into the housing (10) can be blocked. The water supply valve (60) can be turned on or off by the control unit (80). The control unit (80) can turn on the water supply valve (60) while the water purification operation or regeneration operation of the storage desalination device is performed.

[0084] The drain valve (70) can selectively open or close the first outlet (12) for discharging purified water or the second outlet (13) for discharging waste water. When the drain valve (70) is turned on, the first outlet (12) can be opened and the second outlet (13) can be closed. The purified water inside the housing (10) can be discharged into the water purification tank through the first outlet (12). When the drain valve (70) is turned off, the first outlet (12) can be closed and the second outlet (13) can be opened. The waste water inside the housing (10) can be discharged into the waste water tank through the second outlet (13). The drain valve (70) can be turned on or off by the control unit (60). The control unit (80) can turn on the drain valve (70) while performing the water purification operation and turn off the drain valve (70) while performing the regeneration operation.

[0085] The control unit (80) can be electrically connected to components of the capacitive desalination device and can control the operation of the capacitive desalination device. The control unit (80) can include a processor (81) and a memory (82). The memory (82) can store / store various information necessary for the operation of the capacitive desalination device. The memory (82) can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the capacitive desalination device. The memory (82) can include a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) or a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory (82) can include a nonvolatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) for storing data for a long period of time.

[0086] The processor (81) can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the capacitive desalination device based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory (82). The processor (81) is hardware and may include logic circuits and operational circuits. The processor (81) can process data according to the program and / or instructions provided from the memory (82) and generate control signals according to the processing results. The processor (81) and the memory (82) may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0087] The control unit (80) can apply a first voltage to a plurality of electrode cells (20) via the power supply unit (40) during purification operation. When the first voltage is applied to the plurality of electrode cells (20), ions in the water within the housing (10) are adsorbed to the plurality of electrode cells (20). Accordingly, ions in the water can be removed, thereby generating purified water.

[0088] For example, when the purification operation starts, the control unit (80) can open the inlet (11) by turning on the water supply valve (60), thereby allowing water to flow from the water source into the housing (10). In this state, when a first voltage is applied to the plurality of electrode cells (20), the plurality of electrode cells (20) can remove ions in the water by adsorbing ions in the water. Clean water from which ions in the water have been removed can be discharged to the outside through the first discharge port (12) opened by the drain valve (70).

[0089] The control unit (80) can start the regeneration operation after the integer operation stops.

[0090] The control unit (80) can apply a second voltage of opposite polarity to the first voltage to the plurality of electrode cells (20) via the power supply unit (40) during a regeneration operation. When the second voltage is applied to the plurality of electrode cells (20), ions adsorbed on the plurality of electrode cells (20) can be desorbed. Accordingly, the electrodes can be regenerated and wastewater containing the desorbed ions can be generated.

[0091] For example, when the regeneration operation starts, the control unit (80) can generate wastewater by applying a second voltage to the plurality of electrode cells (20) to desorb ions adsorbed on the plurality of electrode cells (20). At this time, the control unit (80) can close the first discharge port (12) by turning off the drain valve (70) and open the second discharge port (13), thereby discharging the wastewater inside the housing (10) to the outside through the second discharge port (13).

[0092] The control unit (80) can adjust the resistance value of at least one variable resistor (50) so that the voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20) is the same. The control unit (80) can recognize the voltage applied to the electrode cell connected in parallel with the variable resistor (50) by reading the voltages (Vr_1, Vr_2,...Vr_n) across the variable resistor (50).

[0093] The control unit (80) can adjust the resistance value of at least one variable resistor (50) so that the voltage difference between the rows of the plurality of electrode cells (20) is the same. The control unit (80) can recognize the voltage applied to the rows connected in parallel with the variable resistor (50) by reading the voltages (Vr_1, Vr_2,...Vr_n) across the variable resistor (50).

[0094] The control unit (80) can adjust the resistance value of at least one variable resistor (50) so that the voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20) is the same during the constant operation. Meanwhile, the control unit (80) can adjust the resistance value of at least one variable resistor (50) so that the voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20) is the same during the regeneration operation.

[0095] The control unit (80) can determine whether a plurality of electrode cells (20) are faulty by monitoring the change in feedback voltage fed back from the electrode cells when there is a faulty electrode cell among the plurality of electrode cells (20).

[0096] The control unit (80) can determine whether a plurality of electrode cells (20) are faulty based on the voltage of at least one electrode cell among the plurality of electrode cells (20). The control unit (80) can obtain a feedback voltage (Vfb) measured at the end of the last electrode cell connected in series. Based on this feedback voltage (Vfb), the control unit (80) can determine whether there is a faulty electrode cell among the plurality of electrode cells (20).

[0097] The control unit (80) can determine whether a plurality of electrode cells (20) are faulty based on the terminal voltage (feedback voltage) (Vfb) in the column direction of the plurality of electrode cells (20).

[0098] When a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells (20), the control unit (80) can determine the number of failed electrode cells based on the voltage of one or more electrode cells. For example, the control unit (80) can determine the number of failed electrode cells among the plurality of electrode cells (20) based on the feedback voltage (Vfb) measured at the end of the last electrode cell connected in series. The control unit (80) can determine the number of failed electrode cells among the plurality of electrode cells (20) based on the feedback voltage (Vfb) output to the feedback line (PL) connected to the last electrode cell connected in series.

[0099] When a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells (20), the control unit (80) can determine the number of failed electrode cells among the plurality of electrode cells (20) based on the feedback voltage (Vfb) output to the feedback line (PL) connected to the column-wise ends of the plurality of electrode cells (20).

[0100] When a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells (20), the control unit (80) can determine the location of the failed electrode cell by using the voltage difference applied to the failed electrode cell and the normal electrode cell. When a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells (20), the control unit (80) can determine the location of the failed electrode cell by comparing the voltages of one or more electrode cells.

[0101] The control unit (80) can compare the voltage between rows of multiple electrode cells (20) to determine the location of the row containing a faulty electrode cell.

[0102] The control unit (80) can reduce the resistance value of the variable resistor (50) connected in parallel to the faulty electrode cell. The row to which the faulty electrode cell belongs may experience excessive current flow. Therefore, by reducing the resistance value of the variable resistor (50) connected to the row to which the faulty electrode cell belongs, more current can flow to the variable resistor (50), thereby protecting the remaining electrode cells.

[0103] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a capacitor-type desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 7, the capacitive desalination device can supply power (100) to a plurality of electrode cells (20) within the housing (10). During purification operation, a first voltage can be supplied, and during regeneration operation, a second voltage can be supplied.

[0105] The control unit (80) can apply a first voltage to the plurality of electrode cells (20) through the power supply unit (40) during the purification operation. When the first voltage is applied to the plurality of electrode cells (20), ions in the water inside the housing (10) can be adsorbed by the plurality of electrode cells (20) to produce purified water. For example, when the purification operation starts, the control unit (80) can open the inlet (11) by turning on the water supply valve (60), thereby allowing water to flow into the housing (10) from the water source. In this state, when the first voltage is applied to the plurality of electrode cells (20), the plurality of electrode cells (20) can adsorb ions in the water and remove the ions in the water. Clean water from which the ions in the water have been removed can be discharged to the outside through the first discharge port (12) opened by the drain valve (70).

[0106] The capacitive deionization device can detect the voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20) (102).

[0107] The control unit (80) can recognize the voltage applied to the electrode cell connected in parallel with the variable resistor (50) by reading the voltages (Vr_1, Vr_2,...Vr_n) at both ends of the variable resistor (50).

[0108] The capacitive desalination device can control at least one variable resistor (50) based on the voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells (104).

[0109] The control unit (80) can adjust the resistance value of at least one variable resistor (50) so that the voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrode cells (20) is the same.

[0110] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of controlling the variable resistance of each row to match the potential difference between the first and second rows of electrode cells in a 2-row x 3-column capacitor deionization device according to one embodiment.

[0111] Referring to Figure 8, electrode cells arranged in 2 rows x 3 columns are shown.

[0112] In the first row, three electrode cells (20_1) are connected in parallel.

[0113] In the second row, three electrode cells (20_2) are connected in parallel.

[0114] The electrode cells (20_1) of the first row and the electrode cells (20_2) of the second row are connected in series.

[0115] At the end of the first row, a first variable resistor (R1) is connected in parallel with the first row.

[0116] At the end of the second row, a second variable resistor (R2) is connected in parallel with the second row.

[0117] For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that when the power supply voltage is 3 V and the resistance values ​​of the first variable resistor (R1) and the second variable resistor (R2) are both 100 Ω, the voltage (Vr_1) across the first variable resistor (R1) is measured to be 1.4 V, and the voltage (Vr_2) across the second variable resistor (R2) is measured to be 1.6 V.

[0118] It can be seen that the voltage (Vr_2) across the two terminals of the second variable resistor (R2) has a higher voltage value than the voltage (Vr_1) across the two terminals of the first variable resistor (R1). This indicates that the voltage applied to the electrode cell (20_2) of the second row is higher than the voltage applied to the electrode cell (20_1) of the first row.

[0119] The electrode cells (20_1) of the first row and the electrode cells (20_2) of the second row are sequentially arranged between the inlet through which water flows in and the outlet through which water flows out along the water channel direction.

[0120] As the water flows, it comes into contact with the water, starting from the electrode cells (20_1) of the first row near the inlet. The electrode cells (20_2) of the second row near the outlet encounter a relatively lower hardness than the water treated near the inlet. As a result, the electrode cells (20_2) of the second row have lower ion removal performance and a higher voltage applied compared to the electrode cells (20_1) of the first row. In addition, as the water pressure is applied more downward in the water flow, side reactions occur in the electrode cells (20_2) of the second row more than in the electrode cells (20_1) of the first row. This problem causes deterioration of the electrodes, and as side reactions, it can cause problems such as clogging of the flow path, increased water pressure, bubble generation, and organic fouling.

[0121] Therefore, by adjusting the resistance values ​​of the first variable resistor (R1) and the second variable resistor (R2) so that the voltage applied to the electrode cell (20_1) of the first row and the voltage applied to the electrode cell (20_2) of the second row are the same, the deterioration of ion removal performance and side reactions can be reduced. That is, by adjusting the resistance values ​​of the first variable resistor (R1) and the second variable resistor (R2) connected to the ends of the rows so that all rows maintain the same potential difference, the deterioration of ion removal performance and side reactions can be reduced.

[0122] By reducing the resistance value of the second variable resistor (R2) from 100Ω to 10Ω, the voltages applied to the electrode cells (20_1) of the first row and the electrode cells (20_2) of the second row can both be made equal to 1.5V. In other words, by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor, the potential difference between the rows can be made uniform.

[0123] Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining how to determine a failure of an electrode cell in a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (80) reads (200) the feedback voltage (Vfb) output to the feedback line (PL) connected to the thermal end of a plurality of electrode cells (20) while performing an integer operation.

[0125] The control unit (80) compares the feedback voltage (Vfb) with the preset voltage (Vref) to determine whether the feedback voltage (Vfb) is less than the preset voltage (Vref) (202).

[0126] If the feedback voltage (Vfb) is less than the preset voltage (Vref) (202, example), the control unit (80) can determine that a failure has occurred in the plurality of electrode cells (20).

[0127] In this way, the control unit (80) can determine whether a plurality of electrode cells (20) are faulty by using the change in the feedback voltage output from the electrode cell when there is a faulty electrode cell among the plurality of electrode cells (20).

[0128] If the feedback voltage (Vfb) is less than the preset voltage (Vref) (202, example), the control unit (80) can determine the number of faulty electrode cells among the plurality of electrode cells (20) based on the feedback voltage (Vfb) (204).

[0129] FIG. 10 illustrates the relationship between the feedback voltage and the number of failed electrode cells in a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0130] Referring to Figure 10, the vertical axis represents the feedback voltage (Vfb), and the horizontal axis represents the number of faulty electrode cells.

[0131] For example, when the feedback voltage is 100 μV, the number of fault electrode cells is 0, but when the feedback voltage is 40 μV, the number of fault electrode cells is 3, and when the feedback voltage is 22 μV, the number of fault electrode cells is 6.

[0132] As such, it can be seen that the number of fault electrode cells increases as the feedback voltage decreases. Therefore, by storing the number of fault electrode cells corresponding to the feedback voltage in a mapping table, the number of fault electrode cells can be determined based on the feedback voltage.

[0133] When a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells (20), the control unit (80) can determine the location of the failed electrode cell by using the voltage difference applied to the failed electrode cell and the normal electrode cell.

[0134] Referring again to FIG. 9, the control unit (80) reads the voltage of each row (206).

[0135] The control unit (80) can recognize the voltage applied to the rows connected in parallel with the variable resistor (50) by reading the voltages (Vr_1, Vr_2,...Vr_n) at both ends of the variable resistor (50).

[0136] The control unit (80) can compare the voltage of each row (208).

[0137] The control unit (80) can determine the location of a faulty row where a faulty electrode cell is located based on the voltage difference of each row (210). For example, a row that generates a voltage difference greater than the average voltage difference of each row can be determined as a faulty row. As another example, a row that generates a voltage difference greater than the reference voltage difference of each row can be determined as a faulty row. Determining a faulty row is not limited to the examples. Various methods can be used in addition to the examples. In this way, if an electrode cell fails during constant operation, the circuit for the faulty electrode cell is opened, causing an overcurrent to flow to other electrode cells in the same row. To prevent this, the presence or absence of a faulty electrode cell is continuously determined through the feedback voltage at the end of the row, and when a fault in an electrode cell is detected, the location of the row to which the faulty electrode cell belongs can be found by comparing the potential differences of each row.

[0138] The control unit (80) can adjust the resistance value of the variable resistor (50) connected to the row to which the faulty electrode cell belongs (212). Since the row to which the faulty electrode cell belongs may experience excessive current flow, the resistance value of the variable resistor (50) connected to the row to which the faulty electrode cell belongs can be reduced. Accordingly, more current can flow toward the variable resistor (50), thereby protecting the remaining electrode cells. In addition, even if a small number of electrode cells fail, the electrode cells can be continuously used without replacement or maintenance work.

[0139] Fig. 11 illustrates the configuration of a capacitor-type desalination device according to another embodiment.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 11, the housing (10) may include a first housing (10A) and a second housing (10B) that are separated from each other.

[0141] The plurality of electrode cells (20) may include a first electrode cell group (20A) provided in a first housing (10A) and a second electrode cell group (20B) provided in a second housing (10B).

[0142] The power supply unit (40) may include four switches (S1, S2, S3, S4) that are switched to selectively supply a positive voltage and a reverse voltage to the first electrode cell group or the second electrode cell group, respectively.

[0143] The control unit (80) can control the power supply unit (40) to selectively supply a positive voltage and a reverse voltage to the first electrode cell group or the second electrode cell group, respectively.

[0144] The first electrode cell group (20A) and the second electrode cell group (20B) provided within the first housing (10A) can alternately perform a purification operation, thereby enabling continuous purification.

[0145] FIG. 12 illustrates a capacitor-type deionization device according to another embodiment, in which a positive voltage is applied to a first electrode cell group and a reverse voltage is applied to a second electrode cell group.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 12, when the first switch (S1) and the third switch (S3) are turned off and the second switch (S2) and the fourth switch (S4) are turned on, a forward voltage is supplied to the first electrode cell group (20A) provided in the first housing (10A), and a reverse voltage is applied to the second electrode cell group (20B) provided in the second housing (10B).

[0147] Accordingly, the first electrode cell group (20A) provided within the first housing (10A) can perform a purification operation to generate purified water. The second electrode cell group (20B) provided within the second housing (10B) can perform a regeneration operation to regenerate the electrodes and generate waste water.

[0148] FIG. 13 illustrates a capacitor-type deionization device according to another embodiment, wherein a reverse voltage is applied to a first electrode cell group and a positive voltage is applied to a second electrode cell group.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 13, when the first switch (S1) and the third switch (S3) are turned on and the second switch (S2) and the fourth switch (S4) are turned off, a reverse voltage is supplied to the first electrode cell group (20A) provided in the first housing (10A), and a forward voltage is applied to the second electrode cell group (20B) provided in the second housing (10B).

[0150] Accordingly, the first electrode cell group (20A) provided within the first housing (10A) can perform a regeneration operation to regenerate the electrodes and generate wastewater. The second electrode cell group (20B) provided within the second housing (10B) can perform a purification operation to generate purified water.

[0151] Continuous purification is possible by alternately supplying a positive voltage to the first electrode cell group (20A) or the second electrode cell group (20B).

[0152] In this way, while the first electrode cell group (20A) provided within the first housing (10A) performs a purification operation, the second electrode cell group (20B) can perform a regeneration operation, thereby continuously producing purified water. Therefore, the purification efficiency of the capacitive desalination device can be improved. In addition, by maintaining the voltage while reducing the current through high-frequency switching using the SMPS power supply, the overall power can be reduced without degrading performance.

[0153] According to the present disclosure, the deterioration of ion removal performance and side reactions can be reduced by controlling variable resistance connected to multiple electrode cells.

[0154] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether a plurality of electrode cells are faulty.

[0155] According to the present disclosure, when a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells, the number of failed electrode cells among the plurality of electrode cells can be determined.

[0156] According to the present disclosure, when a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells, the location of the failed electrode cell or the location of the row to which the failed electrode cell belongs can be determined.

[0157] According to the present disclosure, when a failure occurs in a plurality of electrode cells, the remaining electrode cells can be protected from overcurrent.

[0158] According to the present disclosure, continuous integer operations can be performed.

[0159] A water treatment device according to one embodiment may include: a housing; a plurality of electrode cells provided within the housing and including a plurality of first electrode cells connected in series; a power supply unit supplying power to the plurality of electrode cells; at least one variable resistor connected in parallel to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells; and a control unit controlling the at least one variable resistor based on a voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells.

[0160] The control unit can adjust the resistance value of the at least one variable resistor so that the voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells is the same.

[0161] The control unit can determine a failure of the plurality of first electrode cells based on a feedback voltage output to a feedback line connected to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells.

[0162] The above control unit can determine the number of faulty first electrode cells based on the feedback voltage.

[0163] The control unit can determine the location of a faulty first electrode cell by comparing voltages applied to the one or more first electrode cells.

[0164] The above control unit can reduce the resistance value of a variable resistor connected in parallel to the faulty first electrode cell.

[0165] The plurality of electrode cells may further include a plurality of second electrode cells connected in parallel with the plurality of first electrode cells.

[0166] The plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of second electrode cells may be arranged in a direction in which water introduced into the housing flows.

[0167] The above plurality of electrode cells can be arranged in M ​​rows and N columns (M and N are natural numbers).

[0168] The control unit can adjust the resistance value of at least one variable resistor so that the voltage difference between rows of the plurality of electrode cells is the same.

[0169] The control unit can determine at least one failure and number of failures of the plurality of electrode cells based on a feedback voltage output to a feedback line connected to the thermal end of the plurality of electrode cells.

[0170] The above control unit can determine the location of a row containing a faulty electrode cell by comparing voltages between rows of the plurality of electrode cells.

[0171] The above control unit can reduce the resistance value of a variable resistor connected in parallel with the row having the faulty electrode cell.

[0172] The housing may further include a first housing and a second housing that are separated from each other, the plurality of first electrode cells may include a first electrode cell group provided in the first housing and a second electrode cell group provided in the second housing, and the control unit may further include controlling the power supply unit to selectively supply a positive voltage and a reverse voltage to the first electrode cell group or the second electrode cell group, respectively.

[0173] A method for controlling a water treatment device according to one embodiment includes: a plurality of first electrode cells provided in a housing and connected in series; and at least one variable resistor connected in parallel to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells; and controlling the at least one variable resistor based on a voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells.

[0174] Controlling the variable resistor may include adjusting the resistance value of at least one variable resistor so that the voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells is the same.

[0175] The method may further include determining at least one of a failure and a number of failures of the plurality of first electrode cells based on a feedback voltage output to a feedback line connected to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells.

[0176] Determining a failure of the plurality of first electrode cells may include determining the location of a failed first electrode cell by comparing voltages applied to one or more of the first electrode cells.

[0177] The voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells can be changed depending on the hardness of the water flowing into the plurality of first electrode cells.

[0178] The housing may further include a first housing and a second housing that are separated from each other, and the plurality of first electrode cells may include a first electrode cell group provided in the first housing and a second electrode cell group provided in the second housing, and may further include selectively supplying a positive voltage and a reverse voltage to the first electrode cell group or the second electrode cell group, respectively.

[0179] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0180] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0182] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Housing; A plurality of electrode cells provided within the housing and including a plurality of first electrode cells connected in series; A power supply unit that supplies power to the plurality of electrode cells so that the plurality of electrode cells adsorb ions contained in water inside the housing; At least one variable resistor connected in parallel to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells; and A water treatment device comprising a control unit that controls at least one variable resistor based on a voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A water treatment device that adjusts the resistance value of at least one variable resistor so that the voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells is the same.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A water treatment device that determines a failure of a plurality of first electrode cells based on a feedback voltage output to a feedback line connected to at least one first electrode cell among the plurality of first electrode cells.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, A water treatment device that determines the number of faulty first electrode cells based on the above feedback voltage.

5. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, A water treatment device that determines the location of a faulty first electrode cell by comparing the voltage applied to one or more of the first electrode cells.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, A water treatment device that reduces the resistance value of a variable resistor connected in parallel to the above-mentioned faulty first electrode cell.

7. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of electrode cells are, A water treatment device further comprising a plurality of second electrode cells, each of which is connected in parallel with the plurality of first electrode cells and connected in series with one another.

8. In paragraph 7, A water treatment device in which the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of second electrode cells are arranged in the direction in which water introduced into the housing flows.

9. In paragraph 7, A water treatment device in which the above plurality of electrode cells are arranged in M ​​rows and N columns (M and N are natural numbers).

10. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, A water treatment device that adjusts the resistance value of at least one variable resistor so that the voltage difference between the rows of the plurality of electrode cells is the same.

11. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, A water treatment device that determines at least one failure and number of failures of the plurality of electrode cells based on a feedback voltage output to a feedback line connected to the thermal direction ends of the plurality of electrode cells.

12. In paragraph 11, The above control unit, A water treatment device that compares voltages between rows of the plurality of electrode cells to determine the location of a row containing a faulty electrode cell.

13. In paragraph 12, The above control unit, A water treatment device that reduces the resistance value of a variable resistor connected in parallel with a row having the above-mentioned faulty electrode cell.

14. In paragraph 1, The above housing, comprising a first housing and a second housing separated from each other, The above plurality of first electrode cells, A first electrode cell group provided within the first housing and a second electrode cell group provided within the second housing are included. The above control unit, A water treatment device further comprising controlling the power supply unit to selectively supply a positive voltage and a reverse voltage to the first electrode cell group or the second electrode cell group, respectively.

15. In paragraph 2, A water treatment device in which the voltage applied to each of the plurality of first electrode cells changes depending on the hardness of water flowing into the plurality of first electrode cells.

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