Multiple Pulse Charge Transfer for Capacitive Deionization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive deionization systems are inefficient due to the finite charge capacity of capacitors, requiring a continuous cycle of desalination and regeneration, which results in prolonged charge transfer times and increased power dissipation, limiting the system's throughput.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an additional energy transfer subsystem with a second inductor and electronic switches controlled by a microcontroller, allowing for simultaneous energy transfer between capacitors, thereby reducing the total charge transfer time without increasing power dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single inductor is used for charge transfer between capacitors, then the system structure is simple, but the charge transfer time is prolonged and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single inductor is segmented into multiple parallel inductors (first inductor and second inductor). This allows the charge transfer function to be divided into parallel pathways, enabling simultaneous charge transfer operations and doubling the overall charge transfer rate without requiring a complete redesign of the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple inductors are combined in parallel configuration to achieve additive charge transfer capacity. The parallel combination of inductors allows multiple charge transfer operations to occur simultaneously, effectively doubling the throughput while maintaining a relatively simple system structure through modular addition.
2Productivity
If higher current flow is used during charge transfer, then the throughput is improved, but the power dissipation due to internal resistances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total current is segmented across multiple parallel inductor pathways. By distributing the current flow through multiple inductors instead of forcing higher current through a single inductor, the system achieves higher throughput while keeping the current density and associated power dissipation in each individual inductor pathway at acceptable levels.
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 doubles the charge transfer rate while maintaining energy efficiency, reducing discharge time by up to 50% without increasing current flow, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the capacitive deionization process.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductor for storing energy received from the first capacitor, and transferring the stored energy to the second capacitor
Implementation Method 2
a second inductor for receiving energy from the first capacitor while the first inductor is transferring the energy to the second capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a capacitive deionization system which makes use of a controller, a first capacitor acting as a first electrode, a second capacitor acting as a second electrode, and a first inductor for storing energy received from the first capacitor, and transferring the stored energy to the second capacitor. A first plurality of electronic switches are controlled by the controller to control communication between the first inductor and the first capacitor, and between the first inductor and the second capacitor. An additional energy transfer subsystem is included which has a second inductor for receiving energy from the first capacitor while the first inductor is transferring stored energy to the second capacitor.