Capacitive Deionization Charge Transfer via Parallel Inductive Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive deionization systems face inefficiencies due to the need for continuous charging and discharging cycles, where only half the capacitors are actively desalinating or regenerating at any given time, leading to prolonged processing times and increased power dissipation losses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that simultaneously transfers energy from one capacitor to multiple capacitors using a controller and electronic switches, allowing for concurrent charging and discharging across multiple stages, reducing the fraction of inactive capacitors and optimizing energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional buck boost converter is used to transfer charge between two capacitors, then charge transfer can be achieved, but only half the capacitors are actively desalinating or regenerating at any given time, leading to prolonged processing times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charge transfer process by introducing multiple parallel transfer paths, each with its own switch and inductor. This allows the first capacitor to simultaneously transfer charge to multiple second capacitors through different paths, enabling multiple electrodes to be charged concurrently and thus reducing the overall regeneration time while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple charge transfer operations into a single simultaneous process. By controlling multiple switches to close at the same time, the system combines several charge transfer paths into one coordinated operation, allowing the first capacitor to serve multiple electrodes simultaneously and eliminating the sequential bottleneck in conventional systems
2Productivity
If higher current flow is used to speed up charge transfer, then throughput improves, but power dissipation losses increase due to internal resistances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total charge transfer current into multiple parallel paths, each carrying a portion of the total current. This segmentation reduces the current magnitude in each individual path, thereby reducing I²R power losses in the switches and cables while maintaining the same overall charge transfer rate and throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inductors as intermediary elements in the charge transfer paths. These inductors enable controlled current flow and energy storage, allowing efficient charge transfer with reduced resistive losses by providing a reactive rather than purely resistive current path
3Reliability
If continuous charging and discharging cycles are used, then electrode regeneration is achieved, but the fraction of inactive capacitors remains high, reducing system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode array into multiple groups that can be independently charged and discharged. By providing multiple charge transfer paths from a single first capacitor to multiple second capacitors, the system ensures that while some electrodes are regenerating, others can be charged and ready for desalination, thus reducing the fraction of inactive capacitors and improving overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary charging of multiple electrodes simultaneously through parallel paths. Instead of waiting for one electrode to fully discharge before charging the next, the system preliminarily charges multiple electrodes in parallel, ensuring a continuous supply of active electrodes for desalination and minimizing idle time
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 significantly reduces the time needed for the regeneration step, enhances system throughput, and improves economic performance by ensuring that a greater proportion of capacitors contribute to the desalination process simultaneously, thereby reducing the overall material requirements.
Implementation Method 1
capacitor C1 acts as the first electrode (i.e., electrode 1) during the desalination operation to store charge as salt water moves between its plates and ions are removed from the water. This results in the buildup of a charge on electrode 1 (C1)
Implementation Method 2
the circuit then begins to transfer energy from electrode 1 (C1) to an inductor (L1), and then from the inductor to a second electrode (i.e., electrode 2, labelled as C2). This transfer is done in two steps, and current passes through each electrode only half the time. The inductor (L1) begins storing the energy from electrode 1 (C1) in its magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
When the current through the inductor (L1) reaches a predetermined maximum, then switch 1 is opened and switch 2 is closed. At this point the inductor (L1) begins transferring its magnetic field charge energy through switch 2 to electrode 2 (C2)
Implementation Method 4
Electrode 1 (C1) discharges when switch 1 (swc1) is closed (conducting) and switch 2 (swc2) is open. Current flows into the inductor (L1)
Data Source
AI summary
An energy transfer system is disclosed which has a controller, a first capacitor acting as a first electrode, a second capacitor acting as a second electrode, a first inductor for storing energy received from the first capacitor, and transferring the stored energy to the second capacitor, and a first plurality of electronic switches. The first plurality of electronic switches may be controlled by the controller to control a transfer of energy from the first capacitor to the first inductor, and from the first inductor to the first capacitor. An additional energy transfer subsystem may be included which has a second inductor for receiving energy from the first capacitor while the first inductor is transferring the stored energy to the second capacitor.