Flow-Driven Electrolytic Chlorination for Legionella Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolytic devices for water disinfection in water supply systems face inefficiencies in energy regulation and control, particularly in relation to the generation of active chlorine, and are not well-suited for systems with heat pump-based heating that do not maintain high temperatures to prevent Legionella growth.
Innovation Solution
An electrolytic device using an AC generator that generates alternating current proportional to water flow rate, converting it to DC for controlling the voltage difference and current based on predetermined correlations, ensuring efficient generation of active chlorine and effective disinfection, with a control system to monitor and adjust energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrolytic device is used to generate active chlorine for water disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage difference applied to the electrolytic cell based on real-time water flow rate measurements. The control unit receives flow rate signals and automatically modifies the electrical parameters to match actual disinfection needs, preventing energy waste when flow is low while ensuring adequate disinfection when flow is high
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where the control unit continuously monitors water flow rate and adjusts the voltage difference applied to the electrolytic cell accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures energy is consumed only when and to the extent needed for effective disinfection, optimizing the balance between disinfection effectiveness and energy consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the voltage difference for the electrolytic cell is manually regulated, then energy consumption can be controlled, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically adjusting the voltage difference based on flow rate measurements without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously processes flow rate data and modifies electrical parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining optimal energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical voltage regulation with an automated electronic control system. The control unit electronically adjusts the voltage difference based on electrical signals from flow rate sensors, substituting complex manual mechanical control with simpler automated electronic regulation
3Use of energy by moving object
If heat pump-based heating is used to maintain water temperature, then energy consumption is reduced, but Legionella growth prevention becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the disinfection parameter from thermal (temperature-based) to chemical (active chlorine-based). Instead of relying on high temperature to prevent Legionella growth, the system generates active chlorine through electrolysis, which effectively kills Legionella at lower water temperatures, thus maintaining energy efficiency while ensuring safety
4Productivity
If the electrolytic device is continuously operated at high voltage, then active chlorine generation is maximized, but energy waste increases when water flow is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage difference applied to the electrolytic cell based on real-time water flow rate measurements. The control unit receives flow rate signals and automatically modifies the electrical parameters to match actual disinfection needs, preventing energy waste when flow is low while ensuring adequate disinfection when flow is high
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (voltage difference) based on water flow rate conditions. When flow rate is low, the voltage is reduced to minimize energy waste; when flow rate is high, the voltage is increased to maximize active chlorine generation, thus optimizing both productivity and energy 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
The system efficiently generates the required amount of active chlorine based on water flow, optimizing energy use and preventing Legionella growth without additional energy input, while providing a reliable and efficient disinfection method for water supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
Electrolysis is a technique that uses direct electric current (DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. The use of electrolysis for disinfecting water is known. Usually sodium chloride (NaCl) is electrochemically converted to produce chlorine.
Implementation Method 2
supplying said voltage difference for said electrolytic cell using an alternating current (AC) generator, wherein said AC generator uses water streaming through the water supply system to generate alternating current
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting water in a water supply system by means of generation of active chlorine using an electrolytic device comprising an electrolytic cell provided with electrodes over which a voltage difference is applied. The invention also relates to an electrolytic device for disinfecting water in a water supply system by means of generation of active chlorine. The invention also relates to a water supply system comprising said electrolytic device.