Capacitive Deionization Electrode Current Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current capacitive deionization (CDI) water purification systems face inefficiencies in energy consumption and ion removal processes, particularly in switching and controlling electrode terminal currents, which affect the effectiveness and efficiency of water purification and desalination.

Innovation Solution

An energy-saving ion adsorption/desorption water purification apparatus is designed with a cylindrical case, toroidal electrode plates, and a power supply unit that includes a converter to manage direct current flow and switch polarities, allowing for efficient ion adsorption and desorption by alternating the on/off states of switches, reducing energy consumption and optimizing water purification processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional CDI water purification systems continuously apply current to electrode plates, then ion adsorption effectiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidion adsorption effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic switching of current to the electrode plates, alternating between charging mode (ion adsorption) and discharging mode (ion desorption). This periodic action allows the system to achieve ion removal through the differential capacitance effect without continuous energy input, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and adsorption effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers energy by utilizing the voltage difference between electrode plates during discharge. The stored electrostatic energy in the capacitor is reused to drive the next charging cycle, reducing net energy consumption while maintaining purification effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Productivity

If high current is applied to electrode plates for rapid ion removal, then water purification speed increases, but electrode plate durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater purification speedVSAvoidelectrode plate lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By periodically switching between charging and discharging modes, the system allows electrode plates to rest and recover during discharge cycles. This periodic operation reduces cumulative stress on electrodes while maintaining high average purification throughput, resolving the contradiction between speed and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuously applying high current that degrades electrodes, the system inverts the approach by using the natural discharge process to remove ions during the recovery phase. This inversion allows rapid ion removal without subjecting electrodes to continuous high-current stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If current switching control is simplified, then system complexity is reduced, but ion desorption speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidion desorption speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses simple periodic switching between charging and discharging modes, implemented through basic electronic components. This straightforward periodic control achieves rapid ion desorption by efficiently utilizing the capacitor discharge process, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and desorption speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The apparatus achieves reduced current consumption, increased ion desorption speed, and improved durability of electrode plates by autonomously controlling peak currents and preventing pH variations, thereby enhancing water purification efficiency and extending the lifespan of ion-selective materials.

Implementation Method 1

capacitive deionization (CDI) water purification apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon adsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

ion adsorption/desorption water purification apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

ion adsorption/desorption water purification apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon desorption: Desorption

Implementation Method 4

ion adsorption/desorption water purification apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS11820680B2Energy-saving ion adsorption/desorption water purification apparatus and energy-saving water purification method

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 SIONTECH

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an energy-saving technology using switching of current of an electrode terminal, which is applied to a capacitive deionization (CDI) water purification apparatus, and control of switching of the current. The water purification apparatus includes a case 110 having an inlet 113 formed in one side thereof and an outlet 115 formed in the opposite side thereof, a plurality of electrode plates 120 accommodated in the case and stacked on one another, and an electrode terminal 130 selectively and electrically connected to the plurality of electrode plates and configured to allow direct current to flow therethrough.