Modular Converter Voltage Conversion for Capacitive Deionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for charging or discharging energy storage devices, such as capacitors used in desalination processes, have low efficiency, which limits their effectiveness in de-ionizing saline water.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a plurality of converters operating in different modes based on the charging or discharging state of the stacks, allowing for efficient conversion of electrical energy through a first mode that indirectly converts voltage and a second mode that directly converts voltage, enhancing energy transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional converter is used to charge or discharge the electrode assembly, then the system can perform basic charging/discharging functions, but the efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple independent modules, each capable of autonomous charging or discharging operations. This modular architecture allows parallel operation of multiple converters, thereby improving overall system efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter employs dynamic switching between charging and discharging modes based on real-time system requirements. The converter can flexibly adjust its operating state to optimize energy transfer efficiency during different operational phases of the capacitive deionization process.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electrode capacity is exhausted and the capacitor is discharged, then the ions are released from the electrodes, but energy recovery is limited with conventional converters
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the charging state of electrode assemblies and automatically adjust converter operations. This ensures optimal energy recovery during discharge cycles by dynamically adjusting parameters based on real-time system state, thereby improving both energy recovery and de-ionization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to recover electrical energy stored in the electrode assemblies during discharge and feed it back into the system for reuse. This energy recovery mechanism reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining high productivity in the de-ionization process.
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 achieves improved efficiency in charging and discharging energy storage devices, leading to more effective de-ionization of saline water and increased energy recovery, addressing the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of converters is configured to indirectly convert a first voltage to a second voltage at least by an intermediate stage when one of the plurality of stacks is charged or discharged at a first state, and to directly convert the first voltage to the second voltage when one of the plurality of stacks is charged or discharged at a second state
Implementation Method 2
When saline water passes through a high-surface-area electrode assembly, ions in the water, such as dissolved salts, metals, and some organics, are attracted to oppositely charged electrodes. This concentrates the ions at the electrodes and reduces the concentration of the ions in the water.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a plurality of stacks and a plurality of converters, each of the plurality of converters is operable to charge a corresponding stack for adsorbing ions in a liquid, wherein when one of the plurality of stacks is charged or discharged at a first state, one of the plurality of converters associating with the stack operates in a first mode, and is configured to indirectly convert a first voltage to a second voltage at least by an intermediate stage, one of the plurality of stacks is charged or discharged at a second state, one of the plurality of converters associating with the stack operates in a second mode, and is configured to directly convert the first voltage to the second voltage.