Supercapacitor Desalination Units for Continuous Precipitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desalination technologies are inefficient and underutilize the precipitation unit, leading to suboptimal operation and reduced productivity due to the alternating 'charge' and 'discharge' cycles of supercapacitor desalination units, resulting in intermittent operation of the precipitation unit.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing two supercapacitor desalination units operating alternately in 'charge' and 'discharge' modes, with a common precipitation unit that continuously receives concentrate from both units, allowing for uninterrupted supply and steady-state operation, enhancing the efficiency of the precipitation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single supercapacitor desalination unit is used operating in alternating charge and discharge cycles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is reduced due to intermittent operation of the precipitation unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple supercapacitor desalination units (first unit and second unit) that operate in alternating cycles. While one unit is in discharge mode feeding the precipitation unit, the other is in charge mode, and vice versa. This segmentation allows the precipitation unit to receive continuous feed and operate continuously, eliminating idle time and improving overall productivity.
2Device complexity
If a single supercapacitor desalination unit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to idle periods of the precipitation unit
Solution Approach 1:
By operating two supercapacitor desalination units in alternating charge and discharge cycles, the system ensures that the precipitation unit continuously receives concentrate feed from whichever unit is in discharge mode. This eliminates idle periods and maintains continuous useful action in the precipitation unit, maximizing its utilization and reducing time loss.
3Productivity
If two supercapacitor desalination units are used operating alternately, then the productivity is improved through continuous precipitation unit operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two supercapacitor desalination units operate in periodic alternating cycles: while one unit charges, the other discharges to the precipitation unit, and then they switch roles. This periodic action ensures continuous feed supply to the precipitation unit, improving productivity. The complexity increase is managed through systematic control of the alternating cycles.
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 enables continuous and efficient operation of the precipitation unit, improving the overall desalination process by maintaining steady-state conditions and optimizing the use of equipment, thereby enhancing the purification of aqueous liquids.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive deionization is an electrostatic process that operates at a low voltage (about 1 volt) and low pressure (15 psig). When saline water is pumped through a high-surface-area electrode assembly, ions in the water, such as dissolved salts, metals, and some organics, are attracted to oppositely charged electrodes.
Implementation Method 2
introducing concentrate B into a common precipitation unit; and thereafter introducing the aqueous feed solution into the second supercapacitor desalination unit while simultaneously discharging a concentrate from the first supercapacitor desalination unit (concentrate A) and introducing concentrate A into the common precipitation unit
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for the efficient purification of aqueous liquids comprising an ionic solute. The liquids are purified by a plurality supercapacitor desalination units working in tandem; a first unit operating in “charge” mode, deionizing the feed solution and producing a purified product liquid, while a second supercapacitor desalination unit is operated in “discharge” mode, releasing ions into a circulating stream and producing a concentrate. The output of the first desalination unit is removed as a purified product stream. The output of the second desalination unit is a concentrate, which is directed to a common precipitation unit where a portion of the ionic solute is precipitated and separated from the remaining liquid phase, which may be recirculated to the second desalination unit. The use of two supercapacitor desalination units operating out of phase allows the common precipitation unit to be operated continuously under steady state conditions.