UV Light Source With Acoustic Flow Sensing for Dynamic Intensity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet treatment systems for fluids lack a cost-effective and compact method to detect fluid flow, leading to unnecessary energy consumption, lamp fouling, and temperature increase due to stagnant fluid, especially in residential systems.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic flow sensor embedded within the reactor detects fluid flow by generating sound waves based on turbulence, which is processed by a controller to adjust UV light intensity accordingly, eliminating the need for standalone sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a stand-alone flow sensor is used to detect fluid flow, then flow detection capability is improved, but device complexity and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow sensor with the UV lamp assembly into a single integrated unit. The sensor is positioned within the lamp housing structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting and wiring of a standalone sensor. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining flow detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit serves multiple functions: it detects fluid flow, provides structural support within the reactor, and can be positioned to optimize both flow sensing and UV treatment effectiveness. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If UV light operates at full power continuously, then pathogen inactivation effectiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power control of the UV lamp based on real-time fluid flow detection. When flow is detected, the lamp operates at full power to ensure effective disinfection. When no flow is detected, the lamp reduces or stops operation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining disinfection effectiveness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the flow sensor to continuously adjust UV lamp power output. The sensor signals the controller to modulate lamp intensity based on actual flow conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy usage while maintaining reliable disinfection performance.
3Reliability
If UV light operates continuously without flow, then system remains ready for treatment, but lamp fouling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation of the UV lamp based on flow detection cycles. Instead of continuous operation, the lamp activates periodically when flow is detected and remains off during stagnant periods. This periodic action maintains system readiness while dramatically reducing cumulative lamp fouling from prolonged exposure to stagnant fluid.
4Productivity
If UV light continues operating on stagnant fluid, then system remains active, but fluid temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts UV lamp operation based on fluid flow conditions. When stagnant fluid is detected (no flow signal), the lamp reduces or stops operation, preventing excessive heat generation and temperature increase in the treated fluid. When flow resumes, the lamp activates again to maintain treatment productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach conserves energy, reduces lamp fouling, and maintains optimal fluid temperature by dynamically adjusting UV light output based on flow rates, enhancing system efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a sound detection sensor that is located in the reactor and coupled to a housing of the reactor, the sound detection sensor being configured to detect sound that varies based on a flow rate of the fluid through the reactor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a reactor, a UV light source assembly, a vibration detection sensor, and controller, the controller being configured to receive a signal from the vibration detection sensor based on vibrations detected by the vibration detection sensor and control an intensity of UV light produced by the UV light source assembly based on a value of the signal. The apparatus may further include an acoustic signal generator and in an embodiment, the acoustic generator may be a pair of discs positioned in an inlet of the reactor or a bent portion of the inlet. In another embodiment, the vibrations detected by the vibration detection sensor may be vibrations generated by a device other than the apparatus, such as a faucet or a valve.