CDI Water Treatment Control for Electrode Descaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive deionization (CDI) modules experience efficiency reduction due to scale accumulation on electrodes over time, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment apparatus generates acidic water internally to remove scale on electrodes and includes a control method to apply specific voltages during deionization, regeneration, and descaling operations to manage electrode conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If CDI modules perform water treatment for a long time, then water treatment experience is gained and system stability is improved, but scale accumulates on electrodes reducing treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between deionization mode and electrolysis mode. During deionization mode, ions are removed from water. During electrolysis mode, acidic water is generated to dissolve scale on electrodes. This periodic action allows the system to maintain high treatment efficiency by removing scale accumulation at regular intervals while continuing to perform water treatment.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If acidic water is generated to remove scale on electrodes, then scale removal capability is improved, but risk of acidic water leaking into deionized water flow path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water treatment system into separate flow paths: a deionized water flow path and an acidic water flow path. The deionized water flow path includes channels for producing deionized water, while the acidic water flow path includes channels for generating and draining acidic water during electrolysis mode. This segmentation prevents acidic water from contaminating the deionized water while allowing effective scale removal in the electrolysis path.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If voltage is applied to current collectors to perform electrolysis, then scale removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs electrolysis only during specific periodic intervals rather than continuously. The controller switches between deionization mode (lower energy consumption) and electrolysis mode (higher energy consumption but necessary for scale removal). By limiting electrolysis to periodic intervals when scale accumulation reaches certain levels, the system achieves effective scale removal while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to continuous electrolysis.
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 effectively prevents scale buildup, maintains treatment efficiency, and ensures safe containment of acidic water within the system.
Implementation Method 1
a second channel that includes a second current collector and a cation exchange membrane
Implementation Method 2
a first channel that includes a first current collector and an anion exchange membrane
Implementation Method 3
apply a second positive voltage greater than the first positive voltage to the second current collector to electrolyze water in the second channel
Implementation Method 4
CDI modules perform water treatment by migrating and removing ions from an inside of a channel by an electric field generated perpendicular to a direction of fluid flow
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a water treatment apparatus, including a first channel including a first current collector and an anion exchange membrane, a second channel including a second current collector and a cation exchange membrane, a third channel including the anion exchange membrane and the cation exchange membrane, and at least one processor configured to during a deionization operation, apply a negative voltage to the second current collector to move cations contained in water in the third channel to the second channel, during a regeneration operation, apply a first positive voltage to the second current collector to move cations in the second channel to the third channel, and during a descaling operation, apply a second positive voltage greater than the first positive voltage to the second current collector to electrolyze water in the second channel.