Solar-Powered Buoyant Chlorine Generator for Pool Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water treatment systems using salt-water chlorine generators are not optimal as they require hazardous chemicals, cause skin and hair issues, and have high maintenance costs, and do not efficiently prevent algae and bacteria growth.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered, buoyant natural chlorine generator using ruthenium/platinum/palladium coated plates that continuously sterilize pool water, eliminating the need for chemical shock treatments and reducing energy consumption by up to 35%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional salt-water chlorine generators are used, then chlorine is generated to sanitize water, but hazardous chemicals are required and skin/hair issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for hazardous chemical additives by using only salt (sodium chloride) already present in the water or easily added salt, combined with electrolysis to generate chlorine naturally without requiring additional chemical treatments
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water's own salt content as the raw material for chlorine generation through electrolysis, making the water treatment process self-sufficient without requiring external hazardous chemicals
2Reliability
If traditional chlorine generators are used, then water is sanitized, but high maintenance costs and chemical handling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The generated chlorine naturally circulates and sanitizes the water continuously, eliminating the need for manual chemical dosing, shock treatments, and complex chemical handling procedures required by traditional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolysis process continuously generates chlorine at low levels, providing ongoing sanitization without the intermittent shock treatments and manual interventions needed in traditional chemical-based systems
3Productivity
If bulk chemical treatment is used, then algae and bacteria are killed quickly, but hazardous chemicals must be purchased and transported
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need to purchase and transport hazardous chemical products by generating chlorine in-situ through electrolysis of salt already present in the water, removing the supply chain and handling of dangerous substances
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the typically harmless salt (sodium chloride) into beneficial chlorine through electrolysis, transforming a common, safe substance into an effective sanitizing agent without requiring hazardous chemical inputs
4Reliability
If traditional filtration systems are used, then water is filtered, but ongoing chemical purchases and maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolysis system provides continuous chlorine generation and water sanitization without the need for periodic filter replacements, chemical purchases, or system shutdowns required by traditional filtration approaches
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 generates free chlorine naturally, reducing chemical handling and maintenance, while providing a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional filtration systems, with a 20-year lifespan for solar panels and 3-4 years for the coated plates.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel device (106) mounted to the buoyant implement (107)
Implementation Method 2
at least one or more ruthenium/platinum/palladium coated plates (112) disposed below the buoyant implement (107)
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a solar panel device; an electric conducting plate implement that is configured to submerge within a water expanse containing at least salt to produce at least one of, a sodium hypo-chloride and chlorine; a power transformer coupled to the solar panel device and said electric conducting plate implement, wherein the power transformer is configured to regulate the electricity produced by the solar panel device and provide the regulated power to the electric conducting plate implement; an electronic timer device that is configured to switch a flow of current through the electric conducting plate implement at a predetermined interval; a sealed aluminum air tight frame for housing the solar panel device to substantially prevent water from leaking into the solar panel device; and a buoyant implement for receiving the sealed aluminum air tight frame and configured to keep the solar panel device above water.