Capacitive Deionization Power Converter with Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water ion removal systems using capacitive deionization face inefficiencies in energy recovery and increased energy consumption due to limitations in voltage polarity switching and regeneration modes.
Innovation Solution
A power converter that switches supply voltage between electrodes under controller control to change polarity, enabling energy recovery by converting capacitor voltage back to supply voltage, with inductors and switches managing voltage boosting and polarity reversal for efficient ion release during regeneration modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If voltage polarity switching is implemented for electrode regeneration, then ion removal capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of energy wasted during electrode regeneration into a beneficial resource by capturing and storing the voltage generated during regeneration in a capacitor. This stored energy is then reused during subsequent ion removal cycles, transforming what was previously a net energy consumer into a partially self-sustaining system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements energy recovery by capturing the voltage generated during electrode regeneration (which would otherwise be discarded) and storing it in a capacitor. This recovered energy is then utilized during ion removal operations, reducing the need for external power supply and overall energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If energy recovery conversion is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convert supply voltage to charging voltage during ion removal mode, and conversely convert capacitor voltage back to supply voltage during regeneration mode. This bidirectional functionality allows a single device to handle both energy storage and energy recovery operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated converters for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching control that adapts the converter's operation mode based on system needs. The controller dynamically switches between charging mode (during ion removal) and discharge mode (during regeneration), allowing the same hardware to efficiently serve different operational requirements without requiring separate fixed-function converters.
3Use of energy by moving object
If capacitor voltage is converted back to supply voltage during regeneration, then energy consumption is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the voltage state of the capacitor and the operational mode of the system to dynamically adjust the power converter's behavior. During regeneration, when capacitor voltage exceeds supply voltage, the controller activates the energy recovery conversion process. This feedback-based control ensures optimal energy recovery while maintaining system stability and preventing overcharging or voltage instability.
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
Enhances energy efficiency by allowing for controlled voltage conversion and polarity switching, reducing overall energy consumption and improving ion removal capacity through optimized regeneration and recovery modes.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter for converting a supply voltage of a power source to a charging voltage for charging a capacitor
Implementation Method 2
The power converter may comprise a first inductor connected in series to the capacitor and via at least a first switch to the power source
Implementation Method 3
converting the voltage on the capacitor to the supply voltage of the power source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3d
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for removal of ions. The apparatus being provided with: a water inlet (7) for letting water in the apparatus; a water outlet (9) for letting water out of the apparatus; a capacitor, and; a spacer (11) for separating a first (13) and a second electrode (15) from the capacitor and allowing water to flow in between the electrodes. The apparatus has a power converter (PC) for converting a supply voltage of a power source (PS) to a charging voltage for charging the capacitor. The power converter is constructed and arranged for energy recovery from the capacitor by converting the voltage on the capacitor to the supply voltage of the power source (PS).