UV Chlorine Sensing for High-Concentration Pool Feeder Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack effective methods for monitoring and controlling chlorine concentrations in swimming pool water to ensure adequate sanitization and a safe swimming environment, particularly in the high concentrations used by calcium hypochlorite feeder systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a UV chlorine sensor to measure high chlorine concentrations in calcium hypochlorite feeder tanks, combined with a control system to adjust feeder pump operations and maintain desired chlorine levels in pool water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard chlorine sensor is used to monitor pool water, then it can detect low chlorine concentrations (4 ppm), but it becomes saturated and inaccurate when exposed to high chlorine concentrations (200 ppm) in the feeder tank
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into two distinct measurement paths: one for the feeder tank using a UV sensor optimized for high concentrations (200 ppm), and another for the pool water using a standard sensor for low concentrations (4 ppm). This segmentation allows each sensor to operate within its optimal range without saturation issues.
Solution Approach 2:
A UV sensor acts as an intermediary measurement device between the chlorine tablets and the pool water. It monitors the chlorine concentration in the feeder tank indirectly, providing data that helps control the dosing process before the chlorine enters the pool, thus preventing both under-dosing and over-dosing.
2Reliability
If frequent monitoring of pool water chlorine levels is implemented, then adequate sanitization can be ensured, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of chlorine concentration in the feeder tank before dosing occurs. By measuring the chlorine level in advance using the UV sensor, the system can predict when dosing is needed and control the feeder pump accordingly, ensuring reliable sanitization without requiring continuous complex monitoring of the entire pool volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring chlorine levels in the pool water and adjusting the feeder pump operation accordingly. When the pool chlorine level drops below the target range, the system automatically activates the feeder pump to add more chlorine, and stops when the target is reached, maintaining reliable sanitization through simple on/off feedback control.
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
Ensures precise control and maintenance of chlorine levels, preventing sensor saturation and enabling timely adjustments for safe and effective pool sanitation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, with the UV sensor, the chlorine concentration associated with the calcium hypochlorite feeder system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the quality of water in swimming pools. An optical sensor for determining a concentration of a concentrated chlorine solution of a feeder system for a swimming pool. A method including measuring a concentration of a sanitization element in a feeder tank for a swimming pool, and using the measured concentration to control a concentration of the sanitization element in a swimming pool volume tank, the method implemented by one or more processors operatively coupled to a non-transitory computer readable storage device, on which modules of instruction code are stored.