Pool Bather Load Detection Using Membrane Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aquatic systems face challenges in maintaining consistent water quality due to fluctuating bather loads, as they rely on reactive chemical treatment and filter maintenance schedules that lag behind real-time contaminant introduction, leading to increased chemical consumption and decreased comfort for users.
Innovation Solution
A bather load detection system using infrared cameras and RFID bracelets to predict cumulative bather loads, adjusting chemical dosages and filter maintenance schedules proactively, and monitoring membrane filter permeability to optimize water treatment and filtration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reactive chemical treatment systems are used to neutralize contaminants, then water quality can be maintained, but the system lags behind real-time contaminant introduction due to slow water chemistry changes, resulting in increased chemical consumption and water quality fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively increases chemical dosing in anticipation of predicted high bather loads before contaminants are introduced into the water. By detecting bather approach and predicting load increases, the system adjusts treatment chemistry in advance, eliminating the lag between contaminant introduction and treatment response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors bather load through detection devices (cameras, sensors) and uses this real-time feedback to dynamically adjust chemical dosing rates. This closed-loop control ensures chemical treatment matches actual contaminant generation, maintaining water quality consistency while optimizing chemical consumption.
2Device complexity
If manual chemical feed rate adjustment is used in conventional water treatment systems, then system complexity is reduced, but the system cannot address current contaminants effectively due to the time required for water chemistry to change and be observable
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors bather load and adjusts chemical dosing without manual intervention. Detection devices continuously track bather presence and the control system autonomously modifies treatment chemistry, enabling the system to serve itself and respond dynamically to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of chemical feed rates with automated electronic detection and control systems. Cameras, sensors, and computer algorithms substitute for human operators, enabling real-time dynamic adjustment of chemical dosing based on actual bather load conditions.
3Reliability
If increased chemical dosing is applied to maintain water quality during high bather loads, then water quality consistency is improved, but chemical consumption increases and burden on filtration equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts chemical dosing rates based on real-time bather load conditions rather than using fixed dosing schedules. Chemical feed rate varies continuously with bather presence and activity, optimizing the balance between water quality maintenance and chemical consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (chemical dosing rate, filtration intensity) in response to detected bather load levels. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining constant high levels, the system maintains water quality while reducing unnecessary chemical consumption and equipment burden during low-load periods.
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 ensures a more consistent water quality by predicting bather loads and adjusting treatment chemistry and filtration parameters in real-time, reducing chemical consumption and maintaining optimal water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a first thermal image data using an infrared camera
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for bather load detection are provided. In one instance, a method for determining bather load in a pool comprises calculating a first permeability of a membrane filter at a first period of time by measuring a pressure differential across a membrane filter located in the pool, measuring a flow rate of pool water through the fluid circuit formed by the pool, determining a volume of the membrane, calculating a second permeability of a membrane filter at a second period of time, calculating a difference between the first permeability and the second permeability, and determining a bather load based on the calculated difference between the first permeability and the second permeability.