Electro-deionization Water Softener Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water softeners using electro-deionization methods waste energy due to high voltage application and lack of voltage control, leading to inefficient water softening and regeneration processes, resulting in low recovery rates.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that control voltage applied to electrodes based on water concentration and adjust water softening time according to flow rate, using detectors and controllers to optimize energy use and recovery rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high voltage is applied without voltage control to improve water softening performance, then water softening efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases and economic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic voltage control where the voltage applied to electrodes is continuously adjusted based on real-time TDS concentration feedback. The voltage controller modifies the voltage level dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed high voltage, allowing the system to achieve effective water softening while minimizing power consumption at each operating condition
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the TDS detector continuously monitors the concentration of total dissolved solids in the water, and this information is fed back to the voltage controller. The controller adjusts the voltage applied to electrodes based on this feedback to maintain optimal softening performance while avoiding excessive power consumption
2Ease of operation
If water softening time is not controlled and regeneration is repeated only for duration, then operation simplicity is maintained, but recovery rate decreases due to excessive water usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses TDS concentration feedback to determine when water softening is complete and when regeneration should occur. The controller monitors real-time TDS levels and automatically triggers regeneration only when necessary, rather than operating on fixed time intervals, thereby reducing unnecessary water consumption during regeneration cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The water softener system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of the softening process duration based on actual water quality conditions. The controller automatically adjusts the softening time and regeneration timing based on TDS feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing water usage efficiency
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 approach improves energy efficiency and maintains high recovery rates by minimizing power consumption and optimizing water softening times based on real-time water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a concentration detector detecting a concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water introduced into a channel
Implementation Method 2
the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a water softener that is operated by an electro-deionization manner
Implementation Method 3
controlling a voltage applied to an electrode so that the detected concentration of the total dissolved solids reaches a target concentration
Implementation Method 4
a flow rate detector detecting a flow rate of the water introduced into the channel
Implementation Method 5
a water softening time controller controlling, based on the detected flow rate, a water softening time for the water so that the detected concentration of the total dissolved solids reaches the target concentration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a water softener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a concentration detector detecting a concentration of total dissolved solids in water introduced into a channel; a voltage controller controlling a voltage applied to an electrode so that the detected concentration of the total dissolved solids reaches a target concentration; a flow rate detector detecting a flow rate of the water introduced into the channel; and a water softening time controller controlling, based on the detected flow rate, a water softening time for the water so that the detected concentration of the total dissolved solids reaches the target concentration.