UV LED Aqueous Analyzer Dynamic Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional broadband UV radiation sources, such as deuterium and hydrogen discharge lamps, are high power, costly, and complex, limiting the control and accuracy of radiation output for absorption spectroscopy in aqueous solution constituent measurement systems, making them impractical for environmental monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) with novel hardware design and control techniques that adjust current levels and pulse width to maximize usable wavelength channels, allowing for in situ measurements of light absorption for dissolved constituents, despite LEDs' narrow bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional broadband UV radiation sources (deuterium/hydrogen discharge lamps) are used, then sufficient radiation output for absorption measurement is achieved, but the system becomes high power, costly, physically large, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional broadband UV radiation sources (deuterium/hydrogen discharge lamps) with light emitting diodes (LEDs), substituting a complex thermal/radiative system with a solid-state electroluminescence system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex power electronics, heat management schemes, and mechanical stabilization systems while providing sufficient radiation output for absorption measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using LEDs that can be precisely controlled through electrical current modulation. This allows direct electronic control of radiation intensity without complex pulse width modulation or integration time adjustments, simplifying the control system while maintaining measurement capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional broadband UV radiation sources are used, then adequate spectral coverage is provided, but control of radiation output is limited and measurement performance is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of LED radiation output through variable current modulation. The system can adjust radiation intensity in real-time to optimize measurements across different absorption conditions, enabling adaptive control that improves measurement precision while maintaining spectral coverage through multiple LED wavelengths
3Illumination intensity
If deuterium plasma arc lamps are used, then UV radiation for absorption spectroscopy is provided, but stabilization time is slow and system response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal plasma arc lamps with solid-state LEDs that achieve instantaneous stabilization when powered. This substitution eliminates the slow thermal stabilization process inherent in discharge lamps, providing immediate UV radiation output for absorption spectroscopy measurements
4Quantity of substance
If broadband UV sources are used, then comprehensive spectral absorption measurement is enabled, but power consumption is high and cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy efficiency parameters by using LEDs that consume significantly less power than deuterium plasma arc lamps. The solid-state electroluminescence process in LEDs is inherently more energy-efficient, converting electrical energy directly to light without the high power requirements of thermal plasma generation, while still providing comprehensive spectral absorption measurement capability
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 more accurate and cost-effective measurement of dissolved constituents by compensating for LEDs' narrow spectral band, improving measurement performance and reducing system complexity, making it suitable for environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light emitting diode positioned adjacent the sample region to transmit ultraviolet light through an aqueous solution located in the sample region
Implementation Method 2
Molecules, ions, and chemical species in solution have unique wavelength-dependent absorption properties that allow the quantification of these dissolved constituents by measuring spectral absorption of the solution
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is provided for an aqueous solution constituent analyzer. The analyzer includes an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) with a current source providing variable current thereto. A spectrometer is positioned for receiving light from the LED transmitted through an aqueous solution. A controller receives radiant flux data for a plurality of wavelengths and determines, based on the radiant flux data, a usable number of the plurality of wavelengths that satisfies a relative uncertainty threshold. The controller can increase the current to the LED if the usable number of wavelengths is less than a minimum threshold and calculate a concentration of a constituent of interest in the solution. The controller can also determine a peak wavelength of the plurality of wavelengths having the greatest intensity value, and decrease the current level to the LED if the peak wavelength has an intensity value greater than a saturation value for the spectrometer.