Capacitive deionization device and control method thereof

Abstract

This capacitive deionization device comprises: a pair of electrodes; and a control unit configured to perform a softening operation of applying a positive voltage between the pair of electrodes, operate in a power-off mode in which the pair of electrodes are short-circuited or opened on the basis of the completion of the softening operation, and perform a regeneration operation of applying a negative voltage between the pair of electrodes on the basis of a predetermined condition being satisfied while operating in the power-off mode.

Description

Capacitive desalination device and control method of capacitive desalination device

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a capacitive desalination device and a method for controlling a capacitive desalination device.

[0002] Desalination technology is a technology that is widely required across various industries, such as removing hardness components like calcium and magnesium from water in areas with high hardness content for drinking or boiler use, or for use as cooling water in power plants or factories.

[0003] Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology is an example of deionization technology that removes ions by electrochemically adsorbing them onto electrodes with a high specific surface area.

[0004] The capacitive desalination device performs water softening operation by moving and removing ions using an electric field generated perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow inside the channel.

[0005] When a capacitive desalination device performs water softening operation, a large number of ions are adsorbed onto the electrodes, causing the electrode's ion adsorption rate to decrease. Accordingly, the capacitive desalination device must perform a regeneration operation to remove the ions adsorbed onto the electrodes after performing water softening operation.

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a capacitive desalination device that saves electrical energy consumed in regeneration operation and a method for controlling the capacitive desalination device are provided.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a capacitive desalination device that improves the degree of electrode regeneration and a method for controlling the capacitive desalination device are provided.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a capacitive desalination device and a control method for the capacitive desalination device are provided, which perform regenerative operation using optimal electrical energy according to various situations.

[0009] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a capacitive desalination device and a control method for the capacitive desalination device are provided, which perform regeneration operation for an optimal time depending on various situations.

[0010] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a capacitive desalination device and a method for controlling the capacitive desalination device are provided, which can minimize the amount of water consumed for the regeneration of the electrode.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0012] A capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a pair of electrodes; and a control unit that performs a water softening operation by applying a positive voltage between the pair of electrodes, operates in a power-free mode by short-circuiting or opening the pair of electrodes based on the termination of the water softening operation, and performs a regeneration operation by applying a negative voltage between the pair of electrodes based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition during the operation in the power-free mode, wherein the product of the operating time of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage may be smaller than the product of the operating time of the water softening operation and the magnitude of the positive voltage.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided by a capacitive desalination device. The method comprises: performing a water softening operation by applying a positive voltage between a pair of electrodes; operating in a power-free mode by short-circuiting or opening the pair of electrodes based on the termination of the water softening operation; and performing a regeneration operation by applying a negative voltage between the pair of electrodes based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition during the operation in the power-free mode, wherein the product of the operating time of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage may be smaller than the product of the operating time of the water softening operation and the magnitude of the positive voltage.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the structure of a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performing water softening operation.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment operating in a power-free mode.

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performing a regeneration operation.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment to perform regeneration operation under different operating conditions.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating, over time, an example of a voltage measured by a voltage sensor when a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performs regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of a first condition.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating, over time, an example of a voltage measured by a voltage sensor when a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performs regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of a second condition.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating, over time, an example of voltage measured by a voltage sensor when a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performs regeneration operation while omitting the power-free mode.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of voltage measured by a voltage sensor over time when a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performs regeneration operation while omitting the power-free mode.

[0025] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0026] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In this document, each of the phrases such as "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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0032] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0035] Capacitive desalination devices according to various embodiments can purify contaminated water to make it clean. Capacitive desalination devices are used in sewage treatment facilities, industrial processes, and water supply systems in homes or offices, playing an important role for environmental protection and human health. Water purified to a clean state by a capacitive desalination device can be discharged back into nature, used for cleaning purposes, used as drinking water, or reused in industrial processes.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the capacitive desalination device may include not only household capacitive desalination devices such as water purifiers or water softeners, but also industrial capacitive desalination devices.

[0037] A capacitive deionization device according to one embodiment can purify contaminated water through a capacitive deionization (CDI) method.

[0038] A capacitive desalination method refers to a method for removing ions from contaminated water by utilizing the principle that ions are adsorbed and desorbed from the surface of electrodes by an electrical force generated between electrodes. In this specification, removing ions from contaminated water may include removing ionic substances from contaminated water.

[0039] A capacitive desalination device may include various components such as multiple pipes through which water flows, multiple valves that control the flow of water, and multiple electrodes.

[0040] A capacitive desalination device may include a housing, electrodes provided within the housing, and an ion exchange membrane. Depending on the voltage supplied to the electrodes, ions contained in the water introduced into the housing may be adsorbed by the electrodes or desorbed from the electrodes.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the capacitive desalination device may further include various components, such as a pretreatment filter for pretreating raw water and / or a posttreatment filter for filtering water purified by a water softening operation once again.

[0042] It should be understood that the blocks of each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs containing instructions. One or more computer programs as a whole may be stored in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs may be divided into different parts and stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0043] Any of the functions or operations described in this specification may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. The single processor or combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes circuits such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural network processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec (CODEC) chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-chip (SoC), an IC, etc.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the structure of a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, a capacitive desalination device (1) according to one embodiment may include a pair of electrodes (10).

[0046] A pair of electrodes (10) may include a first electrode (11ab) and a second electrode (12ab).

[0047] The first electrode (11ab) and the second electrode (12ab) can be positioned facing each other.

[0048] The first electrode (11ab) and the second electrode (12ab) can form a capacitor.

[0049] A channel (13) can be formed between the first electrode (11ab) and the second electrode (12ab).

[0050] The first electrode (11ab) may include a first current collector (11a) and a first porous electrode (11b).

[0051] The first electrode (11ab) can be a positive electrode (anode) during the water softening operation of the capacitive desalination device (1) and a negative electrode (cathode) during the regeneration operation.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first current collector (11a) may include a electrode plate electrically connected to the first porous electrode (11b). The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0053] The material of the first current collector (11a) may be a conductor. For example, the material of the first current collector (11a) may be graphite, but the material of the first current collector (11a) is not limited to this.

[0054] The first porous electrode (11b) may include a solid electrode containing void spaces. The first porous electrode (11b) may be made of a material that is easy to adsorb ions. For example, the first porous electrode (11b) may be a carbon porous electrode, but the type of the first porous electrode (11b) is not limited thereto.

[0055] The second electrode (12ab) may include a second current collector (12a) and a second porous electrode (12b).

[0056] The second electrode (12ab) can be a negative electrode (cathode) during the water softening operation of the capacitive desalination device (1) and can be a positive electrode (anode) during the regeneration operation.

[0057] In one embodiment, the second current collector (12a) may include a electrode plate electrically connected to the second porous electrode (12b). The electrode plate may include a metal plate and / or a non-metal plate.

[0058] The second porous electrode (12b) may include a solid electrode containing void spaces. The second porous electrode (12b) may be made of a material that is easy to adsorb ions. For example, the second porous electrode (12b) may be a carbon porous electrode, but the type of the second porous electrode (12b) is not limited thereto.

[0059] The capacitive desalination device (1) may include ion exchange membranes (11c, 12c).

[0060] The ion exchange membranes (11c, 12c) may include an anion exchange membrane (11c) provided on the side of the first electrode (11ab) which becomes the positive electrode during water softening operation, and a cation exchange membrane (12c) provided on the side of the second electrode (12ab) which becomes the negative electrode during water softening operation.

[0061] The cation exchange membrane (12c) may include a membrane that allows only cations to pass through among cations and anions. The cation exchange membrane (12c) has a negative charge, so it repels anions and does not allow only cations to pass through.

[0062] The anion exchange membrane (11c) may include a membrane that allows only anions to pass through among cations and anions. The anion exchange membrane (11c) has a positive charge, so it can allow only anions to pass through while repelling cations.

[0063] The ion exchange membranes (11c, 12c) may include a synthetic resin membrane.

[0064] The capacitive desalination device (1) may include a housing (101) having an inlet (102) and an outlet (103). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of the housing (101) may be composed of a current collector (11a, 12a). However, at least a portion of the surface of the housing (101) may be composed of a pad for supporting the current collector (11a, 12a).

[0065] Between a pair of electrodes (10), a channel (e.g., channels 11, 12, 13) can be formed through which fluid introduced into the interior of the capacitive desalination device (1) through the inlet (102) can flow.

[0066] The channel (e.g., channels 11, 12, 13) may include a first channel (11) formed by a first current collector (11a) and an anion exchange membrane (11c), a second channel (12) formed by a second current collector (12a) and a cation exchange membrane (12c), and a third channel (13) formed by an anion exchange membrane (11c) and a cation exchange membrane (12c).

[0067] The first flow path (11) may include a space between the first current collector (11a) and the anion exchange membrane (11c). The second flow path (12) may include a space between the second current collector (12a) and the cation exchange membrane (12c). The third flow path (13) may include a space between the anion exchange membrane (11c) and the cation exchange membrane (12c).

[0068] The first Euro (11), the second Euro (12) and the third Euro (13) may be replaced with terms such as channel, compartment, space, room, or chamber in that they can be separated from each other by ion exchange membranes (11c, 12c).

[0069] In the view that water passing through the third Euro (13) during the water treatment operation is treated as water, the third Euro (13) may be referred to as a water treatment channel.

[0070] In the view that most of the water flowing into the capacitive desalination device (1) passes through the third flow path (13), the third flow path (13) may be referred to as a flow channel.

[0071] When a positive voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes (10), the first electrode (11ab) becomes the positive electrode (anode) and the second electrode (12ab) becomes the negative electrode (cathode). Accordingly, when a positive voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes (10), cations in the third channel (13) can move to the second channel (12), and anions in the third channel (13) can move to the first channel (11).

[0072] Applying a positive voltage between a pair of electrodes (10) may be referred to as applying a water softening voltage or a forward voltage between a pair of electrodes (10) in terms of applying a voltage for water softening operation.

[0073] The movement of cations in the third channel (13) to the second channel (12) may include the adsorption of cations in the third channel (13) onto the second porous electrode (12b).

[0074] The movement of anions in the third channel (13) to the first channel (11) may include the adsorption of anions in the third channel (13) onto the first porous electrode (11b).

[0075] Applying a positive voltage between a pair of electrodes (10) may include applying a positive voltage between a first current collector (11a) and a second current collector (12a).

[0076] Applying a positive voltage between the first collector (11a) and the second collector (12a) may include making the potential of the first collector (11a) higher than the potential of the second collector (12a).

[0077] When a negative voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes (10), the first electrode (11ab) becomes the negative electrode (cathode) and the second electrode (12ab) becomes the positive electrode (anode). Accordingly, when a negative voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes (10), cations in the second channel (12) can move to the third channel (13), and anions in the first channel (11) can move to the third channel (13).

[0078] The movement of cations within the second channel (12) to the third channel (13) may include the desorption of cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode (12b) from the second porous electrode (12b).

[0079] The movement of anions in the first channel (11) to the third channel (13) may include the desorption of anions adsorbed on the first porous electrode (11b) from the first porous electrode (11b).

[0080] Applying a negative voltage between a pair of electrodes (10) may be referred to as applying a regenerative voltage or a reverse voltage between a pair of electrodes (10) in terms of applying a voltage for regenerative operation.

[0081] Applying a negative voltage between a pair of electrodes (10) may include applying a negative voltage between the first current collector (11a) and the second current collector (12a).

[0082] Applying a negative voltage between the first collector (11a) and the second collector (12a) may include making the potential of the first collector (11a) lower than the potential of the second collector (12a).

[0083] In one embodiment, the housing (101) may include an inlet (102) through which water can flow into a third flow path (13) and an outlet (103) through which water within the third flow path (13) can be discharged.

[0084] Water can be introduced into the third channel (13) from outside the capacitive desalination device (1) through the inlet (102). Water within the third channel (13) can be discharged to the outside of the capacitive desalination device (1) through the outlet (103).

[0085] The inlet (102) can be connected to a supply channel (21) connected to a water source from which raw water is supplied from the outside. Water flowing through the supply channel (21) can be introduced into a third channel (13).

[0086] The discharge port (103) may be connected to a discharge channel (22) that is connected to the outside of the capacitive desalination device (1). Water flowing through the discharge channel (22) may flow into either the first discharge channel (23) or the second discharge channel (24).

[0087] The discharge path (22) can guide (or discharge) water flowing into the third path (13) to the outside of the capacitive desalination device (1).

[0088] The capacitive desalination device (1) may include a valve (30) that blocks water flowing through the discharge path (22) or allows water flowing through the discharge path (22) to flow into either the first discharge path (23) or the second discharge path (24).

[0089] The valve (30) can open and close the discharge path (22).

[0090] The valve (30) can close the discharge path (22) to block water in the third path (13) from being discharged outside the capacitive desalination device (1), or open the discharge path (22) to allow water in the third path (13) to be discharged outside the capacitive desalination device (1).

[0091] The valve (30) can connect the discharge channel (22) to the first discharge channel (23) so that water in the third channel (13) is discharged to the first discharge channel (23), or connect the discharge channel (22) to the second discharge channel (24) so ​​that water in the third channel (13) is discharged to the second discharge channel (24).

[0092] The first discharge channel (23) may be referred to as a soft water discharge channel in that it is a channel through which soft water (or deionized water) is discharged. The second discharge channel (24) may be referred to as a wastewater discharge channel in that it is a channel through which contaminated water (or wastewater) is discharged.

[0093] The first discharge path (23) can be connected to a device requiring water softening to supply water softening to the device requiring water softening. For example, the device requiring water softening may include home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and water purifiers, but the device requiring water softening is not limited to these.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the first discharge channel (23) may be connected to a plurality of devices requiring water purification. For example, the first discharge channel (23) may be connected to a first appliance and a second appliance different from the first appliance.

[0095] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 2, a capacitive desalination device (1) according to one embodiment may include a user interface (40), a sensor unit (50), a communication unit (60), a pair of electrodes (10), a valve (30), and / or a control unit (70).

[0097] The user interface (40) may include at least one input interface (41) and at least one output interface (42).

[0098] At least one input interface (41) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0099] At least one input interface (41) may include a power input interface for turning on the power of the capacitive desalination device (1), an operation input interface for starting the operation of the capacitive desalination device (1), an operation mode selection input interface, and a setting input interface. At least one input interface (41) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0100] At least one input interface (41) may include a water softening start button for starting water softening operation. When the water softening start button is selected, the capacitive desalination device (1) can perform water softening operation.

[0101] At least one output interface (42) can transmit various information related to the operation of the capacitive desalination device (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0102] For example, at least one output interface (42) can transmit to the user information related to the operating time of the capacitive desalination device (1), the settings of the capacitive desalination device (1), and information obtained from the sensor unit (50). The information of the capacitive desalination device (1) can be output to a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (42) may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0103] The sensor unit (50) may include at least one sensor that acquires information related to the operating status of the capacitive desalination device (1).

[0104] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (50) may include various sensors for measuring water quality in the third channel (13).

[0105] For example, the sensor unit (50) may include a water quality sensor for detecting the water quality of water discharged through the outlet (103).

[0106] Water quality sensors may include various sensors, such as, for example, turbidity sensors, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensors, pH sensors, electrical conductivity sensors, hardness sensors, and flow rate sensors.

[0107] A water quality sensor may be provided in the discharge channel (22), the first discharge channel (23) and / or the second discharge channel (24) to detect the water quality of water discharged through the discharge port (103), but any location for sensing the water quality of water discharged from the capacitive desalination device (1) may be adopted as the location of the water quality sensor without limitation.

[0108] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (50) may include a conductivity sensor (52) for measuring the conductivity of water flowing through the third channel (13).

[0109] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (50) may include a voltage sensor (51) that measures the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10).

[0110] Information obtained by the sensor unit (50) can be transmitted to the control unit (70).

[0111] The capacitive desalination device (1) may include a communication unit (60) for communicating with an external device (e.g., server, user device, and / or home appliance) via wired and / or wireless means.

[0112] The communication unit (60) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0113] The communication unit (60) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (60) can establish communication with a server, a user device and / or a home appliance and transmit and receive various data.

[0114] To this end, the communication unit (60) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (60) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0115] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0116] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0117] In one embodiment, the communication unit (60) can communicate with external devices such as a server, user device, and home appliance through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the capacitive desalination device (1), home appliance, and / or user device are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The capacitive desalination device (1), home appliance, and / or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0118] Information obtained by the communication unit (60) can be transmitted to the control unit (70).

[0119] For example, the communication unit (60) can transmit the training request signal to the control unit (70) in response to receiving a training request signal from an external device (e.g., a home appliance).

[0120] The control unit (70) can start a water softening operation in response to receiving a water softening request signal from an external device (e.g., a home appliance).

[0121] An external device (e.g., a home appliance) can transmit a water softening request signal to a capacitive desalination device (1) when water softening is required.

[0122] For example, a dishwasher and / or washing machine can transmit a water softening request signal to a capacitive demineralizing device (1) based on the start of a cycle (e.g., washing cycle or rinsing cycle).

[0123] The training request signal may include information regarding when training is needed.

[0124] The control unit (70) can control various components of the capacitive desalination device (1) (e.g., user interface (40), sensor unit (50), communication unit (60), a pair of electrodes (10) and / or valve (30)).

[0125] The control unit (70) may include hardware such as a CPU, a Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (70) may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the capacitive desalination device (1), at least one memory (72) for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor (71) for performing the aforementioned operation and the subsequent operation using the data stored in the at least one memory (72). The memory (72) and the processor (71) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (71) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (72) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory (72) and the processor (71) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0126] The control unit (70) can be electrically connected to a user interface (40), a sensor unit (50), a communication unit (60), a pair of electrodes (10) and / or a valve (30).

[0127] The control unit (70) can control the voltage applied between a pair of electrodes (10). The control unit (70) can control the valve (30).

[0128] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit (70) can perform water softening operation based on the condition that the water softening start condition is satisfied (1000).

[0130] Conditions for starting training may include, for example, receiving a training request signal from an external device (e.g., a home appliance), or selecting a training start button to start training operation.

[0131] FIG. 4 illustrates a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performing water softening operation.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit (70) can perform water softening operation by applying a positive voltage (Vp) between a pair of electrodes (10).

[0133] Applying a positive voltage (Vp) between a pair of electrodes (10) may include applying a positive voltage to the first electrode (11ab). Applying a positive voltage (Vp) between a pair of electrodes (10) may include applying a negative voltage to the second electrode (12ab). Applying a positive voltage (Vp) between a pair of electrodes (10) may include applying a positive voltage to the first electrode (11ab) and applying a negative voltage to the second electrode (12ab).

[0134] The magnitude of the positive voltage (Vp) applied between a pair of electrodes (10) may represent the magnitude of the potential difference between the first electrode (11ab) and the second electrode (12ab).

[0135] For example, when +0.6V is applied to the first electrode (11ab) and -0.6V is applied to the second electrode (12ab), the magnitude of the positive voltage (Vp) applied between the pair of electrodes (10) may be 1.2V.

[0136] The positive voltage (Vp) applied between a pair of electrodes (10) may have a predetermined magnitude. Here, the predetermined magnitude may be set in advance according to factors such as the distance between the pair of electrodes (10).

[0137] When a positive voltage (Vp) is applied between a pair of electrodes (10), cations contained in the water within the third channel (13) can move to the second channel (12).

[0138] The cations contained in water are, for example, sodium ions (Na + ), magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ), calcium ions (Ca 2+ It may include ) etc.

[0139] Cations contained in the water within the third channel (13) can be adsorbed onto the second porous electrode (12b) by moving to the second channel (12).

[0140] The water softening operation can be called a deionization operation in that it removes ions contained in the water within the third Euro (13).

[0141] The control unit (70) can open the discharge path (22) during water softening operation. For example, the control unit (70) can control the valve (30) to open the discharge path (22) based on the fact that water softening operation has started. Opening the discharge path (22) during water softening operation may include opening the discharge path (22) during the water softening operation period.

[0142] The control unit (70) can control the valve (30) so that the discharge path (22) communicates with the first discharge path (23) based on the fact that the water softening operation has started.

[0143] Accordingly, water flowing through the third channel (13) during water treatment operation can be discharged to the first discharge channel (23) after ions have been removed.

[0144] Referring again to FIG. 3, the control unit (70) can operate in a power-free mode based on the condition that the training end is satisfied (1100).

[0145] The control unit (70) operating in a non-power mode may include the control unit (70) operating the capacitive desalination device (1) in a non-power mode.

[0146] The control unit (70) operating in a power-free mode may include short-circuiting or opening a pair of electrodes (10).

[0147] Conditions for ending the water softening process may include, for example, that the operating time of the water softening process has elapsed for a predetermined time, or that the electrical conductivity of the water discharged through the outlet (103) during the water softening process (or the electrical conductivity of the water flowing in the third path (13)) has exceeded a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined time may be set in advance according to factors such as the distance between a pair of electrodes (10) and the magnitude of the positive voltage (Vp) applied between a pair of electrodes (10) during the water softening process.

[0148] FIG. 5 illustrates a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment operating in a power-free mode.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit (70) can operate in a no-power mode by short-circuiting or opening a pair of electrodes (10) based on the fact that the water treatment operation has ended.

[0150] Short-circuiting or opening a pair of electrodes (10) may include not applying voltage between the pair of electrodes (10). In this regard, the power-off mode (unpowered mode or powerless mode) may be referred to as a natural regeneration mode, natural discharge mode, etc.

[0151] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may operate in a power-free mode by short-circuiting or opening a pair of electrodes (10) after the water softening operation is terminated. For example, the control unit (70) may operate in a power-free mode by short-circuiting or opening a pair of electrodes (10) immediately after the water softening operation is terminated.

[0152] When a positive voltage (Vp) is applied between a pair of electrodes (10) and then the pair of electrodes (10) are short-circuited or open-circuited, the capacitor formed by the pair of electrodes (10) is gradually discharged. For example, when a positive voltage (Vp) is applied between a pair of electrodes (10) and then the pair of electrodes (10) are short-circuited or open-circuited, the potential difference between the pair of electrodes (10) can gradually decrease.

[0153] When the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) gradually decreases, the cations adsorbed on the second porous electrode (12b) can gradually be desorbed from the second porous electrode (12b). For convenience of explanation, this phenomenon may be described as a natural discharge phenomenon or a natural desorption phenomenon.

[0154] When a pair of electrodes (10) are short-circuited or open-circuited, the degree of cation desorption from the second porous electrode (12b) may be smaller than the degree of cation desorption from the second porous electrode (12b) when a negative voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes (10), but in terms of energy efficiency, it may be better not to apply voltage between the pair of electrodes (10).

[0155] The control unit (70) can close the discharge path (22) in a power-free mode. For example, the control unit (70) can control the valve (30) to close the discharge path (22) in a power-free mode. Closing the discharge path (22) in a power-free mode may include closing the discharge path (22) during the period of operation in a power-free mode.

[0156] The control unit (70) can control the valve (30) so that the discharge path (22) communicates with the first discharge path (23) based on the end of the water treatment operation (start of operation in no-power mode).

[0157] Accordingly, in a non-powered mode, water in the third Euro (13) can remain in the capacitive desalination device (1) without flowing.

[0158] According to the present invention, by not allowing water flow in the third channel (13) in a power-free mode, ions adsorbed on the porous electrodes (11b, 12b) can be efficiently desorbed from the porous electrodes (11b, 12b) by natural desorption.

[0159] According to the present invention, the amount of water consumed to regenerate the electrode (10) can be minimized by not allowing water flow in the third channel (13) in a power-free mode.

[0160] Referring again to FIG. 3, the control unit (70) can perform regenerative operation (1300) based on the fact that a predetermined condition is satisfied (example of 1200 or example of 1250) while operating in a power-free mode.

[0161] The specified conditions may include a first condition and a second condition different from the first condition.

[0162] The first condition is a condition that maximizes the use of the natural detachment phenomenon and can be set in advance.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first condition may be associated with a potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by a voltage sensor (51).

[0164] For example, the first condition may include the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) reaching 0V and / or the rate of change of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) reaching 0.

[0165] The rate of change of potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) may mean the amount of change of potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) per unit time.

[0166] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) can perform regeneration operation in response to the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) reaching 0V or the change in the potential difference per unit time reaching 0 while operating in a power-free mode.

[0167] When the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) reaches 0V or the change in potential difference per unit time reaches 0, cations are no longer desorbed from the second porous electrode (12b), and instead, cations tend to be adsorbed back onto the second porous electrode (12b).

[0168] According to the present invention, energy efficiency in regeneration operation can be maximized by performing regeneration operation after regenerating a pair of electrodes (10) by utilizing the natural discharge phenomenon to the fullest extent. In one embodiment, a predetermined condition may be associated with the period of operation in a power-free mode (operation time in power-free mode).

[0169] In one embodiment, the first condition may include a condition related to the operating time of the power-free mode.

[0170] For example, the first condition may include the period of operation in power-free mode (or the time of operation in power-free mode) reaching a critical period (or critical time).

[0171] The critical period can be pre-set as a period during which the natural discharge phenomenon can be utilized to the fullest extent through multiple experiments that consider factors such as the operating time of the water softening operation, the magnitude of the positive voltage applied to a pair of electrodes (10) during the water softening operation, and the distance between a pair of electrodes (10).

[0172] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) can perform regeneration operation in response to the period of operation in no-power mode reaching a critical period.

[0173] The control unit (70) can perform regenerative operation based on whether the second condition is satisfied (1200 No, 1250 Yes) even if the first condition is not satisfied while operating in no-power mode.

[0174] The second condition is a condition in which the natural detachment phenomenon cannot be utilized to the fullest extent and may be set in advance. The second condition is a special condition in which the natural detachment phenomenon cannot be utilized to the fullest extent and may be referred to as a special condition, an emergency condition, etc.

[0175] The second condition may include conditions related to the start time of the next training operation (or referred to as the scheduled start time). The next training operation may refer to a training operation performed again after the training operation has been completed.

[0176] The capacitive desalination device (1) can receive a water softening request signal from an external device (e.g., a home appliance), and the water softening request signal includes information regarding the time when water softening is required. Accordingly, the capacitive desalination device (1) can record data regarding the start times of water softening operation in response to receiving the water softening request signal.

[0177] The capacitive desalination device (1) generally performs water softening operation again after a relatively long time has passed since performing water softening operation.

[0178] For example, when the capacitive desalination device (1) supplies softened water to the dishwasher, the capacitive desalination device (1) performs a softening operation while the dishwasher is performing a first washing cycle, promotes electrode regeneration while the dishwasher is performing a rinsing cycle, and then performs a softening operation again while the second washing cycle is performing. At this time, the time between the first washing cycle and the second washing cycle of the dishwasher may be a sufficient time for the capacitive desalination device (1) to operate in a non-power mode and then perform a regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of the first condition. Here, the sufficient time may be determined in advance through prior experiments, and for convenience of explanation in this disclosure, such sufficient time is referred to as the reference time.

[0179] In one embodiment, if the time between the end time of the water softening operation and the start time of the next water softening operation is greater than or equal to a reference time, the capacitive desalination device (1) may operate in a non-power mode after the water softening operation is ended and then perform a regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of the first condition.

[0180] On the other hand, the capacitive desalination device (1) may need to perform water softening operation again after a relatively short period of time has passed since performing water softening operation, depending on the special circumstances.

[0181] For example, some of the washing courses (e.g., rapid course) among the multiple washing courses that can be performed by an external device (e.g., dishwasher) that receives softened water from the capacitive desalination device (1) may correspond to washing courses where the time between the first washing stroke and the second washing stroke is relatively short. As another example, when the capacitive desalination device (1) supplies softened water to multiple external devices (e.g., dishwasher, washing machine, garment care machine, refrigerator, water purifier, etc.), multiple home appliances may each require softened water at relatively short time intervals.

[0182] As another example, the user may operate an external device (e.g., a dishwasher) that receives softened water from the capacitive desalination device (1) to shorten the interval between times when softened water is forcibly required. For example, while the dishwasher is performing a washing cycle, the user may request the end of the dishwasher cycle and then immediately request the start of the dishwasher cycle again. In this case, the time interval between times when the dishwasher requires softened water from the capacitive desalination device (1) can be significantly short.

[0183] In this way, when an external device requires water at relatively short time intervals, the capacitor-type desalination device (1) may operate in a non-power mode and may not be able to secure a standard time to perform regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of the first condition.

[0184] The second condition may include the start of the next training operation being planned within a reference time during operation in power-free mode.

[0185] According to various embodiments, the control unit (70) may omit operation in a no-power mode in response to the start of the next water softening operation being planned within a reference time based on the time when the water softening operation is terminated. For example, if the start of the next water softening operation is planned within a reference time based on the time when the water softening operation is terminated, the control unit (70) may perform a regeneration operation immediately after the termination of the water softening operation.

[0186] If the control unit (70) plans to start the next water softening operation within a reference time based on the time when the water softening operation ends, it can determine the magnitude of the negative voltage (Vn) in the regeneration operation and the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the time interval between the end time of the water softening operation and the start time of the next water softening operation. For example, the control unit (70) can set the magnitude of the negative voltage (Vn) larger and the operating time of the regeneration operation shorter as the time interval between the end time of the water softening operation and the start time of the next water softening operation becomes shorter.

[0187] If the capacitive desalination device (1) does not need to perform the next water softening operation within a reference time, the control unit (70) may operate in a power-free mode until the first condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if the capacitive desalination device (1) needs to perform the next water softening operation within a reference time, it is necessary to perform the water softening operation after quickly regenerating a pair of electrodes (10).

[0188] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) can perform a regeneration operation based on the fact that the time remaining until the start of the next water treatment operation has fallen below a reference time while operating in a power-free mode.

[0189] Meanwhile, the reference time may be changed depending on the operating time of the power-free mode. For example, if the capacitive desalination device (1) has operated in the power-free mode for a certain period of time, the time required for regeneration operation may be reduced. As the time required for regeneration operation is reduced, the reference time may be extended.

[0190] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may determine a reference time based on the operating time of the power-free mode. For example, the control unit (70) may set the reference time longer as the operating time of the power-free mode increases. However, the rate of increase in the reference time as the operating time of the power-free mode increases may be smaller than the rate of increase in the operating time of the power-free mode.

[0191] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) can determine a reference time based on the integral value of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) while operating in a power-free mode.

[0192] The integral value of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) may mean the integral of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) over the operating time of the power-free mode.

[0193] For example, the control unit (70) can set the reference time longer as the integral value of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) increases. However, the rate of increase in the reference time as the integral value increases may be smaller than the rate of increase in the operating time of the power-free mode.

[0194] The control unit (70) can determine that the second condition is satisfied in response to the interval between the current time and the start time of the next training operation reaching a reference time while operating in a power-free mode.

[0195] According to the present invention, when the natural discharge phenomenon can be utilized to the maximum extent, energy efficiency and regeneration efficiency are maximized by utilizing the natural discharge phenomenon to the maximum extent; however, even in special situations where the natural discharge phenomenon cannot be utilized to the maximum extent, regeneration operation can be performed quickly after utilizing the discharge phenomenon to the maximum extent.

[0196] FIG. 6 illustrates a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performing a regeneration operation.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit (70) can perform regeneration operation by applying a negative voltage (Vn) to a pair of electrodes (10).

[0198] Applying a negative voltage (Vn) between a pair of electrodes (10) may include applying a negative voltage to the first electrode (11ab). Applying a negative voltage (Vn) between a pair of electrodes (10) may include applying a positive voltage to the second electrode (12ab). Applying a negative voltage (Vn) between a pair of electrodes (10) may include applying a negative voltage to the first electrode (11ab) and applying a positive voltage to the second electrode (12ab).

[0199] The magnitude of the negative voltage (Vn) applied between a pair of electrodes (10) may represent the magnitude of the potential difference between the second electrode (12ab) and the first electrode (11ab).

[0200] For example, when +0.6V is applied to the second electrode (12ab) and -0.6V is applied to the first electrode (11ab), the magnitude of the negative voltage (Vn) applied between the pair of electrodes (10) may be 1.2V.

[0201] In one embodiment, the product of the magnitude of the negative voltage (Vn) applied between a pair of electrodes (10) during regeneration operation and the operating time of the regeneration operation may be smaller than the product of the magnitude of the positive voltage (Vp) applied between a pair of electrodes (10) during water softening operation and the operating time of the water softening operation.

[0202] That is, the power consumed by a pair of electrodes (10) during regeneration operation may be smaller than the power consumed by a pair of electrodes (10) during water softening operation.

[0203] The product of the magnitude of the negative voltage (Vn) between a pair of electrodes (10) during regeneration operation and the operating time of the regeneration operation may be referred to as regeneration energy (or regeneration power) in the sense that it corresponds to the electrical energy (or power) consumed during the regeneration operation.

[0204] The product of the magnitude of the positive voltage (Vp) applied between a pair of electrodes (10) during water softening operation and the operating time of water softening operation may be referred to as water softening energy (or water softening power) in the sense that it corresponds to the electrical energy (or power) consumed during water softening operation.

[0205] The regeneration operation can be called wastewater operation in the sense that it discharges contaminated water within the third Euro (13) to the outside.

[0206] The control unit (70) can open the discharge path (22) during regeneration operation. For example, the control unit (70) can control the valve (30) to open the discharge path (22) based on the fact that regeneration operation has started. Opening the discharge path (22) during regeneration operation may include opening the discharge path (22) during the regeneration operation period.

[0207] The control unit (70) can control the valve (30) so that the discharge path (22) communicates with the second discharge path (24) based on the fact that regeneration operation has started.

[0208] Accordingly, wastewater flowing through the third channel (13) during regeneration operation can be discharged into the second discharge channel (24).

[0209] The control unit (70) may terminate the regeneration operation based on the fact that the regeneration termination condition is satisfied. Terminating the regeneration operation may include short-circuiting or opening a pair of electrodes (10). Terminating the regeneration operation may include closing the discharge path (22).

[0210] Afterwards, the control unit (70) can perform operations 1000, 1100, 1200, 1250, and 1300 again based on the fact that the training start condition is satisfied.

[0211] According to the present invention, the electrode (10) can be regenerated with maximum energy efficiency by operating in a power-free mode for an optimal amount of time before performing regeneration operation.

[0212] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment to perform regeneration operation under different operating conditions.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (70) may perform regenerative operation based on the fact that a first condition is satisfied while operating in a power-free mode (e.g., 1200) (1310), or may perform regenerative operation based on the fact that a second condition is satisfied before the first condition is satisfied (e.g., 1250) (1320).

[0214] The regenerative operation performed based on the satisfaction of the first condition is defined as the first regenerative operation, and the regenerative operation performed based on the satisfaction of the second condition is defined as the second regenerative operation.

[0215] Performing the first regenerative operation may include applying a negative voltage of a first magnitude between a pair of electrodes (10) for a first operating time.

[0216] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may apply a negative voltage having a first magnitude between a pair of electrodes (10) for a first operation time (1310) when performing a first regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of a first condition while operating in a power-free mode.

[0217] Performing a second regenerative operation may include applying a negative voltage of a second magnitude between a pair of electrodes (10) for a second operating time.

[0218] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may apply a negative voltage having a second magnitude between a pair of electrodes (10) for a second operation time when performing a second regeneration operation based on the second condition being satisfied while operating in a power-free mode (1320).

[0219] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) can determine the magnitude of the negative voltage applied between a pair of electrodes (10) during regeneration operation and the operating time of the regeneration operation based on various factors.

[0220] The magnitude of the negative voltage applied between a pair of electrodes (10) during regeneration operation determined by the control unit (70) and the operating time of the regeneration operation can be referred to as the target magnitude and the target operating time, respectively.

[0221] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may determine a target size and / or a target operation time based on various factors when a predetermined condition (e.g., a first condition or a second condition) is satisfied. Determining the target size and / or the target operation time may include changing only the target operation time while maintaining the target size at a preset size, changing only the target size while maintaining the target operation time at a preset time, and / or changing both the target size and the target operation time.

[0222] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may determine a target size and / or a target operating time based on the operating time of the power-free mode when a predetermined condition (e.g., a first condition or a second condition) is satisfied. Here, the operating time of the power-free mode may mean the period from the time of operation in the power-free mode until the time when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0223] The control unit (70) can determine the target size and / or target operating time such that the product of the target size and the target operating time becomes smaller as the operating time of the power-free mode increases.

[0224] According to the present disclosure, since the longer the operating time of the power-free mode, the more natural detachment occurs, the energy consumed during regeneration operation can be reduced.

[0225] Meanwhile, since the second condition can be satisfied earlier in time than the first condition, the operating time of the power-free mode when performing the second regenerative operation may be shorter than the operating time of the power-free mode when performing the first regenerative operation.

[0226] Accordingly, the product of the first size and the first operating time may be smaller than the product of the second size and the second operating time. That is, the power consumed by the pair of electrodes (10) during the first regeneration operation may be smaller than the power consumed by the pair of electrodes (10) during the second regeneration operation.

[0227] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may determine a target size and / or a target operating time based on the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by a voltage sensor (51) when a predetermined condition (e.g., a first condition or a second condition) is satisfied. Here, the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) may refer to the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) from the time of operation in power-free mode until the time when a predetermined condition is satisfied (or referred to as the entire period of power-free mode), or it may refer to the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) at the time when a predetermined condition is satisfied (or referred to as the time when regeneration operation begins).

[0228] For example, the control unit (70) can determine the target size and / or target operating time based on the integral value of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) during the entire period of the power-free mode or the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) at the time of starting the regeneration operation.

[0229] The control unit (70) can determine the target size and / or target operating time such that the product of the target size and target operating time becomes smaller as the integral value of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) during the entire period of the power-free mode becomes larger.

[0230] For example, the memory (72) may store a lookup table including a target size and a target operation time that maps the integral of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) over the entire period of the power-free mode to the difference of the electrical energy value consumed over the entire period of the water operation. The control unit (70) may use the lookup table to determine the target size and / or the target operation time based on the integral of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) over the entire period of the power-free mode and the difference of the electrical energy value consumed over the entire period of the water operation.

[0231] Meanwhile, since the second condition can be satisfied earlier in time than the first condition, the integral value when performing the second regenerative operation may be smaller than the integral value when performing the first regenerative operation.

[0232] Accordingly, the product of the first size and the first operation time may be smaller than the product of the second size and the second operation time.

[0233] According to the present disclosure, the greater the integral value of the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by a voltage sensor (51) during the entire period of the power-free mode, the more natural detachment occurs, so the energy consumed for regeneration operation can be reduced.

[0234] The control unit (70) can determine the target size and / or target operating time such that the product of the target size and target operating time becomes smaller as the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) at the time of starting the regeneration operation becomes smaller.

[0235] Meanwhile, since the second condition can be satisfied earlier in time than the first condition, the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) at the start of the second regeneration operation may be greater than the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) at the start of the first regeneration operation.

[0236] Accordingly, the product of the first size and the first operation time may be smaller than the product of the second size and the second operation time.

[0237] According to the present disclosure, the smaller the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by a voltage sensor (51) at the time of starting regeneration operation, the more natural detachment occurs, so the energy consumed during regeneration operation can be reduced.

[0238] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may determine a target size and / or a target operating time based on the conductivity of water in the third flow path (13) when a predetermined condition (e.g., a first condition or a second condition) is satisfied. Here, the conductivity of water in the third flow path (13) may refer to the conductivity of water in the third flow path (13) at the time when the predetermined condition is satisfied (or referred to as the time when regeneration operation begins).

[0239] Information regarding the conductivity of water in the third Euro (13) can be obtained through a conductivity sensor (52).

[0240] The control unit (70) can determine the target size and / or target operating time based on the conductivity of the water in the third channel (13) measured by the conductivity sensor (52) at the time of starting the regeneration operation.

[0241] The greater the conductivity of the water in the third Euro (13), the more natural desorption can be estimated.

[0242] The control unit (70) can determine the target size and / or target operating time such that the product of the target size and target operating time becomes smaller as the conductivity of the water in the third flow path (13), measured by the conductivity sensor (52) at the time of starting the regeneration operation, increases.

[0243] Meanwhile, since the second condition can be satisfied earlier in time than the first condition, the conductivity of the water in the third flow path (13) when the second regeneration operation is performed may be smaller than the conductivity of the water in the third flow path (13) when the first regeneration operation is performed.

[0244] Accordingly, the product of the first size and the first operation time may be smaller than the product of the second size and the second operation time.

[0245] According to various embodiments, the first size and the first operating time may be pre-set as values ​​that can efficiently and economically promote the regeneration of the electrode (10) through multiple experiments, such as considering factors such as the magnitude of the positive voltage applied to a pair of electrodes (10) during water operation and the distance between a pair of electrodes (10).

[0246] Meanwhile, since the second condition is satisfied at the start of the next training operation which is unpredictable, the second size and the second operation time can be determined according to the various factors described above.

[0247] According to various embodiments, when the control unit (70) performs a second regeneration operation, it may determine the target size and / or target operation time based on the start time of the next training operation.

[0248] Determining the target size and / or target operation time based on the start time of the next training operation may include determining the target size and / or target operation time based on the time interval between the end time of the training operation and the start time of the next training operation.

[0249] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) can determine the target size and / or target operation time such that the shorter the time interval between the end of the training operation and the start of the next training operation, the larger the target size and the shorter the target operation time.

[0250] The control unit (70) can skip the operation in no-power mode and immediately perform regeneration operation when the time interval between the end of the water training operation and the start of the next water training operation is smaller than the reference time.

[0251] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating, over time, an example of a voltage measured by a voltage sensor when a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performs regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of a first condition.

[0252] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (70) can perform water softening operation by applying a positive voltage (Vp) to a pair of electrodes (10) at a time (t0) when the water softening start condition is satisfied.

[0253] The control unit (70) can perform a no-power mode by short-circuiting or opening a pair of electrodes (10) at the time (t1) when the training end condition is satisfied.

[0254] For example, the control unit (70) may operate in a non-power mode based on the fact that the operating time (t1-t0) of the water softening operation has exceeded a predetermined time or that the electrical conductivity of the water discharged through the outlet (103) during the water softening operation (or the electrical conductivity of the water flowing in the third path (13)) has exceeded a predetermined value.

[0255] During operation in power-free mode, the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) can gradually decrease. More specifically, during operation in power-free mode, the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) can decrease rapidly and then decrease slowly.

[0256] The control unit (70) can perform regeneration operation by applying a negative voltage (Vn1) between a pair of electrodes (10) at time (t2) when the first condition is satisfied.

[0257] Here, the product of the operating time of the regeneration operation (t3-t2) and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn1|) may be smaller than the product of the operating time of the softening operation (t1-t0) and the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|).

[0258] The product of the operating time (t3-t2) of the regenerative operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn1|) can correspond to the magnitude of the electrical energy (E1) consumed during the regenerative operation. The product of the operating time (t1-t0) of the water softening operation and the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|) can correspond to the magnitude of the electrical energy (E0) consumed during the water softening operation.

[0259] That is, when the capacitor-type desalination device (1) operates in a power-free mode, the power (E1) consumed by a pair of electrodes (10) during regeneration operation may be smaller than the power (E0) consumed by a pair of electrodes (10) during water softening operation.

[0260] According to the present invention, power consumed during regenerative operation can be minimized by making maximum use of the power-free mode.

[0261] As previously explained, when the first condition is satisfied and regeneration operation is performed, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (t3-t2) of the regeneration operation and / or the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn1|) based on various factors such as the operating time (t2-t1) of the power-free mode, the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51), and the conductivity of water in the third flow path (13).

[0262] For example, when the first condition is satisfied and regeneration operation is performed, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (t3-t2) of the regeneration operation and / or the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn1|) based on the integral value of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) while performing the power-free mode. For example, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (t3-t2) of the regeneration operation and / or the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn1|) by the value obtained by multiplying the operating time (t1-t0) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|) by the value obtained by subtracting the integral value of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) while operating in the power-free mode.

[0263] To this end, memory (72) may store a lookup table mapped to the value obtained by multiplying the operating time (t1-t0) of the water softening operation and the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|), the value obtained by subtracting the integral of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) while operating in power-free mode, and the corresponding target time and / or target size. As another example, memory (72) may store an optimal algorithm that determines the target time and / or target size based on the value obtained by multiplying the operating time (t1-t0) of the water softening operation and the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|), and the integral of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) while operating in power-free mode. In one embodiment, when the first condition is satisfied and regeneration operation is performed, the operating time (t3-t2) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn1|) may be pre-set and stored in memory (72) as the optimal target time and optimal target size.

[0264] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating, over time, an example of a voltage measured by a voltage sensor when a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performs regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of a second condition.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (70) can perform water softening operation by applying a positive voltage (Vp) to a pair of electrodes (10) at a time (k0) when the water softening start condition is satisfied.

[0266] The control unit (70) can perform a no-power mode by short-circuiting or opening a pair of electrodes (10) at a time (k1) when the training end condition is satisfied.

[0267] For example, the control unit (70) may perform a no-power mode based on the fact that the operating time (k1-k0) of the water softening operation has exceeded a predetermined time or that the electrical conductivity of the water discharged through the outlet (103) during the water softening operation (or the electrical conductivity of the water flowing in the third path (13)) has exceeded a predetermined value.

[0268] During operation in power-free mode, the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) can be gradually reduced.

[0269] The control unit (70) can perform regenerative operation by applying a negative voltage (Vn2) to a pair of electrodes (10) based on the fact that the second condition is satisfied while operating in a power-free mode.

[0270] For example, if the control unit (70) needs to start a water treatment operation at time k3, which is earlier than time t3 of FIG. 8, it can start a regeneration operation even if the first condition is not satisfied, depending on the satisfaction of the second condition.

[0271] Time point k3 can correspond to the start time of the next training operation.

[0272] The control unit (70) can start a regeneration operation based on the fact that the time interval (k3-k2) between the start time of the next training operation (k3) and the current time (k2) has reached a reference time at time k2.

[0273] Here, the product of the operating time of the regenerative operation (k3-k2) and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) may be smaller than the product of the operating time of the softening operation (t1-t0) and the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|).

[0274] That is, when a power-free mode is performed, the power (E2) consumed by a pair of electrodes (10) by regeneration operation may be smaller than the power (E0) consumed by a pair of electrodes (10) by water softening operation.

[0275] However, when performing a second regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of the second condition, the power (E2) consumed by the pair of electrodes (10) may be greater than the power (E1 in FIG. 8) consumed by the pair of electrodes (10) when performing a first regeneration operation based on the satisfaction of the first condition.

[0276] For example, the control unit (70) can perform a regenerative operation during a first operation time (t3-t2 in FIG. 8) by applying a negative voltage (Vn1) having a first magnitude (|Vn1| in FIG. 8) between a pair of electrodes (10) based on the fact that a first condition is satisfied while operating in a power-free mode, and can perform a regenerative operation during a second operation time (k3-k2 in FIG. 9) by applying a negative voltage (Vn2) having a second magnitude (|Vn2| in FIG. 9) between a pair of electrodes (10) based on the fact that a second condition is satisfied while operating in a power-free mode. Here, the product of the second magnitude (|Vn2| in FIG. 9) and the second operation time (k3-k2 in FIG. 9) may be greater than the product of the first magnitude (|Vn1| in FIG. 8) and the first operation time (t3-t2 in FIG. 8).

[0277] As previously explained, when the second condition is satisfied and regeneration operation is performed, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and / or the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) based on various factors such as the operating time (k2-k1) of the power-free mode, the potential difference between a pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51), and the conductivity of water in the third path (13).

[0278] For example, when the second condition is satisfied and regeneration operation is performed, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) such that the product of the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) increases as the operating time (k2-k1) of the power-free mode decreases.

[0279] When the second condition is satisfied and regeneration operation is performed, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and / or the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) based on the integral value of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) while operating in a power-free mode.

[0280] For example, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) such that the value obtained by multiplying the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) corresponds to the value obtained by subtracting the value of the integral of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) during the no-power mode from the value of the integral of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) during the regeneration operation.

[0281] When the early softening condition (second condition) is satisfied and regeneration operation is performed, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) based on the conductivity of the water in the softening channel (13).

[0282] For example, when the control unit (70) performs a regeneration operation when the second condition is satisfied, the control unit (70) can determine the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) such that the product of the operating time (k3-k2) of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn2|) increases as the conductivity of the water in the softened water channel (13) decreases.

[0283] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may, of course, skip the power-free mode and immediately perform a regeneration operation if the start time (k3) of the next water treatment operation after the end of the water treatment operation is within a reference time.

[0284] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating, over time, an example of voltage measured by a voltage sensor when a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performs regeneration operation by omitting the power-free mode. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating, over time, another example of voltage measured by a voltage sensor when a capacitive desalination device according to one embodiment performs regeneration operation by omitting the power-free mode.

[0285] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the control unit (70) can perform water softening operation by applying a positive voltage (Vp) to a pair of electrodes (10) at a time (u0, v0) when the water softening start condition is satisfied.

[0286] The control unit (70) can determine whether the time interval between the end time of the water training operation (u1, v1) and the start time of the next water training operation (u2, v2) is less than or equal to the reference time.

[0287] The control unit (70) can start a regeneration operation without a power supply mode if the time interval (u2-u1, v2-v1) between the end time of the water training operation (u1, v1) and the start time of the next water training operation (u2, v2) is less than or equal to a reference time. Here, the reference time may correspond to the entire period of the water training operation (u1-u0, v1-v0).

[0288] The control unit (70) can determine the operating time of the regeneration operation (u2-u1, v2-v1) and / or the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn3|, |Vn4|) based on the time interval (u2-u1, v2-v1) between the end time of the water treatment operation (u1, v1) and the start time of the next water treatment operation (u2, v2).

[0289] For example, if the time interval (u2-u1, v2-v1) between the end time of the water training operation (u1, v1) and the start time of the next water training operation (u2, v2) is less than or equal to the total period of the water training operation (u1-u0, v1-v0), the control unit (70) can determine the operating time of the regeneration operation as the time interval between the end time of the water training operation (u1, v1) and the start time of the next water training operation (u2, v2), and determine the magnitude of the negative voltage.

[0290] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) can determine the operation time (u2-u1) of the regeneration operation as the total period (u1-u0) of the water training operation if the time interval (u2-u1) between the end time of the water training operation (u1) and the start time of the next water training operation (u2) is equal to the reference time (u1-u0).

[0291] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) can determine the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn3|) as the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|) if the time interval (u2-u1) between the end time of the water softening operation (u1) and the start time of the next water softening operation (u2) is equal to the reference time (u1-u0).

[0292] That is, when the power-free mode is omitted, the power (E3) consumed by a pair of electrodes (10) during regeneration operation may be the same as the power (E0) consumed by a pair of electrodes (10) during water softening operation.

[0293] In the present disclosure, the time interval (u2-u1) between the end time of the training operation (u1) and the start time of the next training operation (u2) being equal to the reference time may include the difference between the time interval (u2-u1) between the end time of the training operation (u1) and the start time of the next training operation (u2) and the reference time (u1-u0) being within a predetermined range (e.g., 10 seconds).

[0294] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may determine that the operating time of the regeneration operation (v2-v1) is shorter than the total period of the water training operation (u1-u0) if the time interval (v2-v1) between the end time of the water training operation (v1) and the start time of the next water training operation (v2) is shorter than the reference time (v1-v0). For example, the control unit (70) may determine the operating time of the regeneration operation so that the regeneration operation ends before the start time (v2) of the next water training operation.

[0295] In one embodiment, the control unit (70) may determine the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn4|) to be greater than the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|) if the time interval (v2-v1) between the end time of the water softening operation (v1) and the start time of the next water softening operation (v2) is shorter than the reference time (v1-v0). For example, the control unit (70) may determine the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn4|) such that the product of the operating time of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn4|) is equal to the product of the operating time of the water softening operation (v1-v0) and the magnitude of the positive voltage (|Vp|).

[0296] In this way, when the operating time of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage (|Vn4|) are determined, the power (E4) consumed by the pair of electrodes (10) during the regeneration operation may be the same as the power (E0) consumed by the pair of electrodes (10) during the water softening operation.

[0297] According to the present invention, if the start time of the next training operation is within a reference time, user inconvenience can be improved by omitting the power-free mode so that the training operation can proceed at the start time of the next training operation.

[0298] A capacitive desalination device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a pair of electrodes (10); and a control unit (70) that performs a water softening operation by applying a positive voltage between the pair of electrodes (10), operates in a power-off mode by short-circuiting or opening the pair of electrodes (10) based on the termination of the water softening operation, and performs a regeneration operation by applying a negative voltage between the pair of electrodes (10) based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition while operating in the power-off mode.

[0299] The product of the operating time of the above regeneration operation and the magnitude of the above negative voltage may be smaller than the product of the operating time of the above softening operation and the magnitude of the above positive voltage.

[0300] A capacitive desalination device (1) according to one embodiment may further include a voltage sensor (51) for measuring the potential difference between the pair of electrodes (10).

[0301] The above predetermined conditions may include at least one of the following: the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) in the above power-free mode reaches 0V, or the rate of change of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) reaches 0.

[0302] The above predetermined conditions include a first condition and a second condition, and the control unit (70) may apply the negative voltage having a first magnitude between the pair of electrodes (10) for a first operating time when performing the regeneration operation based on the first condition being satisfied, and may apply the negative voltage having a second magnitude between the pair of electrodes (10) for a second operating time when performing the regeneration operation based on the second condition being satisfied before the first condition is satisfied.

[0303] The product of the second size and the second operation time may be greater than the product of the first size and the first operation time.

[0304] The first condition above may include at least one of a condition related to the potential difference between the pair of electrodes (10) or a condition related to the operating time of the power-free mode.

[0305] The above second condition may include conditions related to the start time of the next training operation.

[0306] When the regeneration operation is performed based on the satisfaction of the second condition, the control unit (70) can determine at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the start time of the next water softening operation.

[0307] The control unit (70) can determine at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the operating time of the power-free mode.

[0308] The control unit (70) can determine at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the potential difference between the pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51).

[0309] The control unit (70) can determine at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the integral value of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) during the entire period of the power-free mode or the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) at the time of starting the regeneration operation.

[0310] The control unit (70) can determine at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the conductivity of water in the channel formed between the pair of electrodes (10).

[0311] The above-described capacitive desalination device (1) may further include: a discharge channel for discharging water flowing through a channel formed between the pair of electrodes (10) to the outside of the capacitive desalination device (1); and a valve for opening and closing the discharge channel.

[0312] The above control unit (70) can control the valve to open the discharge path during the water softening operation and the regeneration operation.

[0313] The above control unit (70) can control the valve to close the discharge path in the above power-free mode.

[0314] A control method for a capacitive desalination device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: performing a water softening operation by applying a positive voltage between a pair of electrodes (10); operating in a power-free mode by short-circuiting or opening the pair of electrodes (10) based on the fact that the water softening operation has ended; and performing a regeneration operation by applying a negative voltage between the pair of electrodes (10) based on the fact that a predetermined condition is satisfied while operating in the power-free mode.

[0315] Performing the regenerative operation may include: applying the negative voltage having a first magnitude between the pair of electrodes (10) for a first operating time when performing the regenerative operation based on the satisfaction of the first condition; and applying the negative voltage having a second magnitude between the pair of electrodes (10) for a second operating time when performing the regenerative operation based on the satisfaction of the second condition prior to the satisfaction of the first condition.

[0316] The control method of the above-described capacitive desalination device (1) may further include determining at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the start time of the next water softening operation when the regeneration operation is performed based on the satisfaction of the second condition.

[0317] The control method of the above-described capacitor-type desalination device (1) may further include determining at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the operating time of the above-described power-free mode.

[0318] The control method of the above-described capacitive desalination device (1) may further include determining at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the potential difference between the pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51).

[0319] Determining at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the potential difference between the pair of electrodes (10) measured by the voltage sensor (51) may include determining at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the integral value of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) over the entire period of the power-free mode or the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor (51) at the time of starting the regeneration operation.

[0320] The control method of the above-described capacitive desalination device (1) may further include determining at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the conductivity of water in the channel formed between the pair of electrodes (10).

[0321] The control method of the above-mentioned capacitive desalination device (1) may further include opening a discharge path that discharges water flowing through a channel formed between the pair of electrodes (10) during the water softening operation and the regeneration operation to the outside of the capacitive desalination device (1).

[0322] The control method of the above-mentioned capacitive desalination device (1) may further include closing the discharge path in the above-mentioned power-free mode.

[0323] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0324] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0325] Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory storage media' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, 'non-transitory storage media' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0326] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through 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., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0327] It will be understood that various embodiments of the present disclosure according to the claims and specification may be realized in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0328] Software may be stored on a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), and the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that cause the electronic device to perform the method of the present disclosure when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors of an electronic device.

[0329] Software may be stored in the form of a storage device, for example, read-only memory (ROM), regardless of whether it is erasable or rewritable; in the form of memory, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, devices, or integrated circuits; or in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage on an optically or magnetically readable medium, for example, a compact disc (CD), a digital multi-purpose disc (DVD), a magnetic disc, or a magnetic tape. It will be understood that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transient machine-readable storage suitable for storing computer programs or computer programs that include instructions that implement the various embodiments of the present disclosure when executed. Accordingly, the various embodiments provide a program containing code for implementing a device or method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification, and a non-transient machine-readable storage for storing such a program.

[0330] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

A pair of electrodes; and Perform a water softening operation by applying a positive voltage between the above pair of electrodes, and A control unit that operates in a power-off mode by short-circuiting or opening the pair of electrodes based on the termination of the above-mentioned water treatment operation, and performs a regeneration operation by applying a negative voltage between the pair of electrodes based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition while operating in the power-off mode; A capacitive desalination device in which the product of the operating time of the regeneration operation and the magnitude of the negative voltage is smaller than the product of the operating time of the softening operation and the magnitude of the positive voltage. In paragraph 1, It further includes a voltage sensor for measuring the potential difference between the above pair of electrodes, and A capacitive desalination device comprising at least one of the above predetermined conditions being that the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor in the above power-free mode reaches 0V or that the rate of change of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor reaches 0. In paragraph 1, The above predetermined conditions include a first condition and a second condition, and The above control unit is, When performing the regenerative operation based on the satisfaction of the first condition, the negative voltage having a first magnitude is applied between the pair of electrodes for a first operating time, and When performing the regenerative operation based on the satisfaction of the second condition before the first condition is satisfied, the negative voltage having a second magnitude is applied between the pair of electrodes for a second operating time, and A capacitive desalination device in which the product of the second size and the second operating time is greater than the product of the first size and the first operating time. In paragraph 3, The above first condition is, It includes at least one of a condition related to the potential difference between the pair of electrodes or a condition related to the operating time of the power-free mode, and The above second condition is, Capacitive desalination device including conditions related to the start time of the next training operation. In paragraph 4, When performing the regenerative operation based on the satisfaction of the above second condition, the control unit, A capacitive desalination device that determines at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the start time of the next water treatment operation. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A capacitive desalination device that determines at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the operating time of the above-mentioned power-free mode. In paragraph 1, It further includes a voltage sensor for measuring the potential difference between the above pair of electrodes, and The above control unit is, A capacitive desalination device that determines at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the potential difference between the pair of electrodes measured by the voltage sensor. In Paragraph 7, The above control unit is, A capacitive desalination device that determines at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the integral value of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor during the entire period of the above-mentioned power-free mode or the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor at the time of starting the above-mentioned regeneration operation. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A capacitive desalination device that determines at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regeneration operation based on the conductivity of water in a channel formed between the pair of electrodes. In paragraph 1, A discharge channel for discharging water flowing through a channel formed between the pair of electrodes to the outside of the capacitive desalination device; and It further includes a valve for opening and closing the above discharge passage; and The above control unit is, Control the valve to open the discharge path during the above water softening operation and the above regeneration operation, and A capacitive desalination device that controls the valve to close the discharge passage in the above-mentioned power-free mode. In a method performed by a capacitive desalination device, Perform a water softening operation by applying a positive voltage between a pair of electrodes; Based on the termination of the above training operation, it operates in a power-free mode that short-circuits or opens the above pair of electrodes; Performing a regenerative operation by applying a negative voltage between the pair of electrodes based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition while operating in the above-mentioned power-free mode; A method in which the product of the operating time of the above regeneration operation and the magnitude of the above negative voltage is smaller than the product of the operating time of the above water softening operation and the magnitude of the above positive voltage. In Paragraph 11, The above-described capacitive desalination device includes a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference between the pair of electrodes; The above predetermined conditions are, A method comprising at least one of the following: the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor in the above-mentioned power-free mode reaches 0V, or the rate of change of the potential difference measured by the voltage sensor reaches 0. In Paragraph 11, The above predetermined conditions include a first condition and a second condition, and Performing the above regenerative operation is, When performing the regenerative operation based on the satisfaction of the first condition, the negative voltage having a first magnitude is applied between the pair of electrodes for a first operating time; When performing the regenerative operation based on the satisfaction of the second condition before the first condition is satisfied, applying the negative voltage having a second magnitude between the pair of electrodes for a second operating time; A method in which the product of the second size and the second operation time is greater than the product of the first size and the first operation time. In Paragraph 13, The above first condition is, It includes at least one of a condition related to the potential difference between the pair of electrodes or a condition related to the operating time of the power-free mode, and The above second condition is, A method including conditions related to the start time of the next training drive. In Paragraph 14, A method further comprising determining at least one of the magnitude of the negative voltage or the operating time of the regenerative operation based on the start time of the next regenerative operation when the regenerative operation is performed based on the satisfaction of the second condition.

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