Sterilized Water Generator Parallel Electrolysis Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilized water generators face challenges in maintaining electrolysis efficiency and flow volume due to varying water flow velocities and electrode scaling issues, which affect the concentration of sterilizing materials and the lifespan of electrolysis modules.
Innovation Solution
A sterilized water generator with multiple electrolysis modules arranged in parallel, controlled by a controller that dynamically adjusts the application of forward and reverse voltages based on water conditions, flow volume, and environmental information to optimize electrolysis performance and extend module lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If water flows fast through the electrolysis module, then usability is improved, but reaction time is shortened and electrolysis performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single electrolysis module into multiple electrolysis modules (first electrolysis module, second electrolysis module, etc.) arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to handle higher flow velocities while maintaining adequate reaction time by distributing the electrolysis function across multiple modules, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast water flow and electrolysis performance.
2Quantity of substance
If the gap between electrodes is widened to increase flow volume, then flow volume is improved, but electrolysis efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrolysis function into multiple parallel modules, each maintaining optimal electrode gaps for high electrolysis efficiency. This allows the system to achieve increased flow volume through parallel processing rather than widening gaps within a single module, thereby resolving the contradiction between flow volume and electrolysis efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing flow volume by widening the gap in one dimension, the patent adds another dimension by arranging multiple electrolysis modules in parallel, thereby increasing overall flow volume while maintaining optimal gap dimensions and electrolysis efficiency in each module.
3Productivity
If forward voltage is continuously applied to the electrolysis module, then electrolysis performance is maintained, but electrode scaling increases and lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between forward voltage and reverse voltage application to the electrolysis modules. During normal operation, forward voltage is applied to maintain electrolysis performance. Periodically, reverse voltage is applied to remove scaling from electrodes, and some modules are taken offline (forward voltage not applied) to rest. This periodic action resolves the contradiction between maintaining electrolysis performance and preventing electrode degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent temporarily takes certain electrolysis modules out of service (discards their active function) during reverse voltage application to allow electrode recovery from scaling. These modules are then recovered and returned to normal forward voltage operation, extending their lifespan while maintaining overall system performance through the remaining active modules.
4Productivity
If multiple electrolysis modules are used to maintain electrolysis efficiency, then device complexity increases, but flow volume is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs multiple electrolysis modules with identical structures and functions, allowing them to be universally interchangeable. This standardization reduces the complexity burden by making modules modular and replaceable, where each module performs the same electrolysis function, simplifying maintenance and operation despite having multiple modules in the system.
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 solution stabilizes the flow volume of sterilized water, increases the lifespan of electrolysis modules, and maintains electrolysis efficiency by selectively applying voltages to modules based on real-time conditions, reducing scaling issues and improving user usability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrolysis modules arranged in parallel to each other, along a flow path, between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe, the plurality of electrolysis modules configured to electrolyze the water flowing through the water inlet pipe to produce the sterilized water
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilized water generator to control some of a plurality of electrolysis modules not to perform electrolysis on water brought into the sterilized water generator. The sterilized water generator includes a water inlet pipe through which water flows in; a water outlet pipe through which sterilized water flows out; a plurality of electrolysis modules arranged in parallel between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe and configured to turn the water brought in through the water inlet pipe to the sterilized water; and a controller configured to control a forward voltage not to be applied to a first electrolysis module of the plurality of electrolysis modules, control the forward voltage to be applied to a second electrolysis module of the plurality of electrolysis modules, and change electrolysis modules corresponding to the first and second electrolysis modules of the plurality of electrolysis modules based on a lapse of time.