Thermal Buffer Tank for Dialysis Water Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for temperature control in dialysis systems, particularly for soft water and permeate in reverse osmosis water treatment systems, are limited in their ability to efficiently manage fluctuating thermal energy demands and do not allow for centralized temperature conditioning of permeate or interaction with soft water, leading to high energy costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a thermal buffer tank coupled to both the soft water and permeate lines, utilizing a heat pump or heat exchanger system for efficient heat transfer, along with modular design for adaptability, and incorporating a heat transfer medium for cost-effective temperature regulation, including detection mechanisms to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If centralized tempering of soft water and permeate is implemented, then temperature control capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of soft water before it enters the reverse osmosis unit, and pre-cooling of permeate after production. This advance temperature conditioning optimizes the reverse osmosis process efficiency and allows the dialysis machines to receive water at the required temperature without requiring additional energy-intensive heating or cooling at the point of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary centralized tempering system with heat exchangers that transfer thermal energy between soft water, permeate, and ambient air or heat sources/sinks. This intermediary system efficiently manages temperature for multiple dialysis machines simultaneously, reducing total energy consumption compared to individual temperature control at each machine
2Reliability
If heating capacity is sized for peak loads including thermal disinfection, then disinfection capability is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating and cooling capacity based on real-time requirements. During normal operation, only the necessary temperature maintenance is applied, while during thermal disinfection cycles, the full heating capacity is activated. The control system switches between different operational modes (normal tempering, heating, cooling, disinfection) to optimize efficiency at each stage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including temperature setpoints, flow rates, and heat exchanger activation states based on the current operational phase. For example, during thermal disinfection, the temperature parameter is raised to disinfection levels (e.g., 90°C), while during normal operation, temperatures are maintained at lower, energy-efficient levels suitable for dialysis treatment
3Ease of operation
If permeate temperature is controlled during dialysis operation, then patient comfort is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized tempering system serves multiple functions: it conditions soft water before reverse osmosis, controls permeate temperature for dialysis operation, enables thermal disinfection of the entire water system, and can cool permeate if required. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified system architecture with heat exchangers, pumps, and control units that manage all temperature control needs, avoiding the need for separate temperature control systems at each dialysis machine
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 solution enables flexible and cost-effective temperature control of soft water and permeate, balancing fluctuating thermal energy requirements, reducing operational costs, and ensuring reliable temperature management for dialysis applications.
Implementation Method 1
a soft water heat exchanger connected on the primary side to the buffer tank by means of a pump circuit for the heat transfer medium, which is connected on the secondary side to the soft water supply line, and a permeate heat exchanger connected to the buffer tank on the primary side by means of a pump circuit for the heat transfer medium, which is connected to the permeate extraction line on the secondary side
Implementation Method 2
a buffer storage tank for heat which is or can be coupled in terms of heat flow to a heat source and/or heat sink and which receives or contains a fluid working medium (also called heat transfer medium or buffer medium or buffer storage medium) as heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 3
The heat source and/or heat sink is a heat pump, preferably an air-to-water heat pump
Data Source
AI summary
A device controls temperature of soft water and/or permeate for dialysis applications based on the principle of reverse osmosis. The device, which can be used in a dialysis system, includes a buffer tank for heat which is coupled in terms of heat flow to a heat source and/or heat sink and receives or contains a fluid heat transfer medium. A soft water heat exchanger is connected on the primary side to the buffer tank by a pump circuit for the heat transfer medium, which is connected on the secondary side to the soft water supply line. A permeate heat exchanger is connected on the primary side to the buffer tank by a pump circuit for the heat transfer medium, which is connected on the secondary side to the permeate extraction line.