Spa Water Quality Control via Usage-Based Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational water facilities, such as spas and pools, face challenges in maintaining proper sanitation and chemical balance due to varying bather loads and environmental conditions, leading to difficulties in efficiently sanitizing and maintaining water quality with minimal user intervention and chemical usage.
Innovation Solution
A system that monitors and regulates water chemistry using sensors to detect usage and adjust chemical levels, including a dispenser for sanitizers like dichlor and pH modifiers, and a water chemistry sensing device to maintain optimal conditions with minimal user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sanitizer is applied immediately after use to oxidize waste, then sanitation effectiveness is improved, but chemical levels become too high making water feel chemical and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by applying sanitizer in specific dosing cycles rather than continuous application. The controller doses sanitizer at predetermined intervals based on usage patterns, allowing the water to be sanitized effectively after use while avoiding excessive chemical accumulation during non-use periods, thus maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by adjusting sanitizer dosage based on real-time usage detection. When usage is detected, the controller increases sanitizer dosing; when not in use, it reduces or stops dosing. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain sanitation effectiveness when needed while keeping chemical levels comfortable during idle periods.
2Ease of operation
If steady state or scheduled introduction of sanitizer is used, then ease of operation is improved, but sanitation effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to respond to usage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting usage patterns and adjusting sanitizer dosing without user intervention. The usage detector monitors spa usage and the controller automatically adjusts chemical dosing accordingly, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and scheduling while maintaining effective sanitation response to actual usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the usage detector to monitor actual spa usage conditions and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts sanitizer dosing based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to usage variations while maintaining simple operation for the user.
3Reliability
If high background sanitizer levels are maintained, then sanitation reliability is improved, but chemical consumption increases and water comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by dosing sanitizer in discrete intervals rather than maintaining continuous high levels. The controller doses sanitizer at predetermined times based on usage patterns, which maintains sanitation reliability when needed while significantly reducing overall chemical consumption compared to steady state high-level maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting sanitizer concentration levels based on usage conditions. When usage is detected, the system increases sanitizer levels to maintain reliability; when not in use, it reduces levels to minimize chemical consumption. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve both sanitation reliability and reduced chemical usage.
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 effectively maintains fresh and comfortable spa water with reduced chemical usage by automatically adjusting sanitizer levels and pH based on usage patterns, minimizing user intervention and chemical consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a microphone and a photoelectric sensor
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a microphone and a photoelectric sensor
Implementation Method 3
Chlorine sanitizer also oxidizes biological residues introduced by the users leading to foaming and produces chloramines that give the spa its 'chlorine' smell
Implementation Method 4
Proper maintenance of pH is also important for safety and comfort of spa users. Sweat, sanitizer oxidation, and aeration jets affect pH and lower alkalinity. The pH needs to be raised to maintain appropriate levels for the sanitizer to be effective and the water to feel comfortable.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring water chemistry of a recreational water installation includes a sensor configured to detect bather load in the recreational water installation and a controller configured to determine a required adjustment to the water chemistry of the recreational water installation based upon the detected bather load.