Deionizing Filter TDS Control via Pulse Width Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifiers, particularly RO membrane water purifiers, fail to balance mineral removal with the need for pure water, leading to excessive water waste and high maintenance costs, while also not satisfying user demands for mineral-rich water.
Innovation Solution
A total dissolved solids (TDS) controlling apparatus using a deionizing filter with a control unit that adjusts input current via pulse width modulation to remove dissolved solids, allowing for precise control of TDS levels in water, enabling the production of mineral water and ultra-pure water based on user selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If RO membrane filter is used to remove dissolved solids, then water purification performance is improved, but mineral components are also removed and water is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the applied voltage to the deionizing filter to adjust the removal rate of total dissolved solids. By varying voltage parameters, the system can selectively remove different amounts of dissolved solids, allowing users to obtain water with desired mineral content while reducing waste compared to conventional RO membranes that remove all dissolved solids regardless of user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the controllable deionizing filter that can dynamically adjust its filtration intensity based on voltage input. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt between high purification modes (for ultra-pure water) and moderate purification modes (for mineral-rich water), eliminating the need to discard perfectly fine-filtered water that contains unwanted minerals.
2Manufacturing precision
If RO membrane filter is used to achieve ultra-pure water, then water purity is improved, but maintenance cost increases due to short filter lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the principle of using a deionizing filter that can be more easily replaced or regenerated compared to expensive RO membranes. The deionizing filter, when operated at controlled voltages, provides sufficient purification for many applications and can be maintained or replaced more economically than specialized RO membranes, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By controlling voltage parameters, the deionizing filter can operate in different modes that extend its effective service life. Lower voltage operation reduces stress on the filter medium, allowing it to maintain functionality longer than RO membranes subjected to constant high-pressure filtration, thereby reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional water purifier is used, then basic filtration is provided, but it cannot satisfy diverse user demands for mineral-rich or ultra-pure water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves adaptability through dynamic voltage control of the deionizing filter, allowing a single filter system to provide multiple water types (mineral-rich, ultra-pure) by adjusting operational parameters. This dynamic approach avoids the need for multiple separate filtration systems, maintaining relative simplicity while significantly improving versatility to meet diverse user demands.
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 solution allows for the efficient production of water with desired TDS levels, reducing water waste and maintenance costs, while providing users with the option of mineral-rich or ultra-pure water, and is simpler and more accurate than voltage-controlled schemes.
Implementation Method 1
a deionizing filter that removes total dissolved solids from raw water by at least one of electrodialysis, electrodeionization, and capacitive deionization
Implementation Method 2
a control unit that controls the input current by pulse width modulation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are apparatus and method for controlling total dissolved solids, and water treatment apparatus including apparatus for controlling total dissolved solids. The total dissolved solid controlling apparatus includes, a filtering unit including a deionizing filter removing dissolved solids from inflow raw water by an input current and, a control unit controlling the input current such that water discharged from the deionizing filter corresponds to target total dissolved solids.