Patent Application
20100329941
The current disclosure relates generally to ozone generators, and more particularly to output control for ozone generators.
Ozone (O3) is known in the art. It is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Ozone generating devices are also known in the art. Such devices may create ozone by contacting oxygen (O2) with either ultraviolet light or electricity. The ultraviolet light or electricity breaks some of the oxygen molecules, each consisting of a pair of single oxygen atoms, into numerous single oxygen atoms. These single oxygen atoms reform into ozone molecules.
Ozone generating devices may control ozone output in a variety of ways. Some devices, for example, use sensors or controllers to measure ozone output or demand and then produce an output, such as a proportional voltage or current, to meter ozone. Applicants believe that such strategies suffer from any combination of problems including, expense, requiring regular calibration, requiring maintenance, being limited to modulating ozone output for a single point of ozone use, etc.
Ozone generating devices may also control output manually. For example, devices may use a rheostat or potentiometer that is manually adjusted to cause the ozone generator to produce a certain amount of ozone, but must be manually re-adjusted if the ozone output requirements change, which would be very cumbersome in a situation where ozone demand could change repeatedly during a short period of time. Applicants believe that such strategies may be impractical for many types of applications, e.g., complicated or industrial. Further, these types of controls are labor intensive.
The current disclosure is directed to any combination of these or additional problems.
This disclosure is directed to, inter alia, devices and methods for controlling ozone output. The disclosure is also directed to, for example, systems having improved ozone control.
In one example, the disclosure is directed to an output control circuit (OCC) comprising a supply terminal, a plurality of switches, a first bank of resistors (B1), a second bank (B2), and a PDM input.
In another example, the disclosure is directed to an ozone output system for supplying ozone to at least one of a plurality of devices that demand ozone. The system may comprise an ozone generator arranged to provide ozone to at least one device, a pulse density modulation (PDM) output, an inverter-based power delivery (IBPD) circuit, and an OCC.
In another example, the disclosure is directed to a method of controlling the delivery of ozone to at least one of a plurality of devices that demand ozone. The method includes providing an OCC, interfacing the OCC with a pulse density modulation (PDM) output, and interfacing the PDM input with an ozone generator.
Using, for example, a device, a system, or a method as briefly described above, a demand of ozone by any of a plurality of devices results in a supply of ozone to the device demanding ozone in an calibrated and virtually maintenance-free approach. The disclosure also allows for additional ozone generation in response to demand by additional devices.
The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Systems, methods and devices will be set forth in more detail, along with examples illustrating efficacy, in the figures and detailed description below. It will be apparent, however, that the detailed description is not intended to limit the present invention, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims.
In the depicted example, system 2 includes ozone generator 6, inverter-based power delivery (IBPD) circuit 8, pulse density modulation (PDM) output 10, and ozone control circuit (OCC) 12. Ozone generator 6 will also typically be interfaced with at least one of the devices 4, more typically with at least two, at least three, at least four, etc., or all of the devices, for example, using piping 18.
IBPD circuits and PMD controls used in the system may vary from example to example. Exemplary IBPD circuits will include an inverter that sends an output to a transformer, e.g. a high-voltage transformer. The transformer may be used to elevate the voltage from the inverter to allow for discharge across the ozone generation cell, thereby allowing for the generation of ozone. IBPD circuits may also be adjustable, for example, to adjust to a requisite or optimum voltage or amplitude of an ozone generator being used (e.g., an optimum output).
Exemplary PMD outputs will be in communication with the IBPD circuit and convey output to the OCC in the form of a pulse. In typical examples, the IBPD circuit is adjusted to provide an optimum output, e.g. for an ozone generator or for a particular system configuration. PMD output can then be used to adjust ozone production without significant deviation from the optimum output, e.g. pulsed output will contain the optimum amplitude and pulse-width.
In some examples, the IBPD circuit and the PDM output may be present on a single device, e.g. device 13, but in other examples, IBPD circuit and PDM output may be different devices. Similarly, ozone generators and transformers may be located on any number of devices. The SSD110, from Plasma Technics, Inc., represents a suitable example of device 13 having both an IBPD circuit and a PMD control suitable for performing in systems as disclosed herein. Other IBPD circuits and PMD outputs would be readily recognizable by those have ordinary skill in the art, given the teachings herein.
Referring back to
As seen, OCC 12 includes a plurality of switches 16, e.g., relays, including a first switch (S1)16a, a second switch (S2) 16b, a third switch (S3) 16c, a fourth switch (S4) 16d and a fifth switch (S5) 16e. Switch number may vary, for example, depending on the number of devices demanding ozone or the switch configuration desired. Switches 16 are arranged to switch on when a corresponding device demands ozone. For example, S1 is arranged to switch on when D1 demands ozone, S2 is arranged to switch on when D2 demands ozone, etc.
OCC 12 also includes a first bank (B1) 20 of resistors. In this example, B1 includes a first resistor (B1R1) 20a, a second resistor (B1R2) 20b, a third resistor (B1R3) 20c, a fourth resistor (B1R4) 20d, and a fifth resistor (B1R5) 20e. Typically, switches 16 are arranged in parallel, and resistors in B120 are arranged in parallel, with individual switches 16 arranged in series with corresponding resistors in B1 to form a plurality of nodes arranged in parallel. For example, S1 and B1R1 form at least part of a first node (ND1), S2 and B1R2 will form at least part of a second node (ND2), etc.
Resistors in the B1 may be any combination of fixed or variable resistors. For example, fixed resistors may be configured to allow for different or equal amounts of ozone to be produced for each device. In other examples, variable adjustable resistors or trimmer pots may be used and set at the same value as the fixed resistors or at different values. Variable configurations could then allow for, for example, field adjustment or calibration to field adjust or calibrate the individual outputs to each device turning or trimming the resistors (trimmer pots) and increasing or decreasing the setpoints of the resistors.
OCC 12 may also include a second bank (B2) 22, which is connected in series with B1, and which can be arranged to include at least one resistor (B2R1) 22a. The number and resistance of resistors in the B2 can be adjusted as needed when the system is employed, as explained further below. Further, in some examples, a factory, or pre-installed, resistor may be used, e.g. in the B2 or downstream from the B2, for example, to provide a minimum level or resistance at all times.
In terms of operation, for each device 4 that demands ozone, the system will provide an increase in the % of ozone max output that is matched to the amount of ozone that the device needs. For example, IBPD circuit 8 provides a voltage to PDM output 10, which supplies a pulse to terminal 14a. When D1 demands ozone, switch 16a is turned on, thereby activating ND1, which modulates the supplied pulse via B1R120a. The supplied pulse undergoes a further modulation in B2 before reaching ozone generator 6, where voltage is used to create discharge across an ozone generation cell and generate ozone. Ozone produced at generator 6 is pulled to D1, by an injector in D1 for example, through pipe 18a of ozone piping 18. Upon the demand of ozone by D2, ND2 is activated thereby decreasing resistance and increasing ozone production at ozone generator 6, similarly as described for D1. A D2 injector pulls ozone for use at D2. In this example, devices are considered to each contain an injector or pump for pulling ozone generated from ozone generator 6 to the device demanding ozone, e.g. at a predetermined rate. In other examples, ozone generators or control systems may include valves or pumps upstream from the device demanding ozone for selectively providing ozone to the device making the demand. For example, an upstream pump and valve may be under the control of the device demanding ozone. Still, in other examples, devices may demand and/or be provided ozone in other ways, e.g., pumps that pump at various rates, etc.
The efficacy of the disclosure is further illustrated in the example below, which is not for limiting the scope of the claimed invention.
A system having an OCC is designed to provide ozone for five devices that demand ozone (D1-D5) in an equal amount. The system is configured such that the number of nodes=number of devices that demand ozone, i.e. 5. The % of maximum ozone output for each node=100%/number of nodes (100%/5)=20% per node.
The switches are relay switches. The B1 resistors are 10 k-ohm resistors. The OCC has a pre-installed resistor, which is a 20 k-ohm resistor. The B2 includes 4 20 k-ohm resistors. In this example, the number of B2 resistors is determined by the number of nodes, such that the number of 20 k-ohm resistors=(Number of nodes)−1 (thereby accounting for the pre-installed 20 k-ohm resistor). In other examples, any number of B2 resistors could be used, provided, for example, that they create the same total resistance as the four parallel 20 k-ohm resistors, or some other corresponding resistance. It is also possible that the resistance value be supplied not by use of various combinations of fixed resistors, but by use of one or more variable resistors (rheostats or potentiometers or “trimmer pots”).
Ozone generator output is adjusted higher or lower depending on the number of devices demanding ozone. When no devices demand ozone, no nodes are turned on and 0% of maximum ozone is generated. When device 1 demands ozone, node 1 is turned on and 20% of maximum ozone output is generated. An injector in device 1 pulls ozone from the generator. When device 2 demands ozone, node 2 is turned on and 40% of maximum ozone output is generated. An injector in device 2 pulls ozone from the generator. When device 3 demands ozone, node 3 is turned on and 60% of maximum ozone output is generated. An injector in device 3 pulls ozone from the generator. When device 4 demands ozone, node 4 is turned on and 80% of maximum ozone output is generated. An injector in device 4 pulls ozone from the generator. When device 5 demands ozone, node 5 is turned on and 100% of maximum ozone output is generated. An injector in device 5 pulls ozone from the generator.
In addition to systems, the current disclosure is also directed to devices, e.g. OCC 12, for using in systems.
OCC 112 includes a plurality of switches 116, including a first switch (S1) 116a, a second switch (S2) 116b, and a third switch (S3) 116c. As noted above, switch number may vary, for example, depending on the number of devices demanding ozone or the switch configuration desired. Switches 116 are arranged to switch on when a corresponding device (not shown in this figure) demands ozone. For example, S1 is arranged to switch on when D1 demands ozone, S2 is arranged to switch on when D2 demands ozone, etc.
OCC 112 also includes a first bank (B1) 120 of resistors. In this example, B1 includes a first resistor (B1R1) 120a, a second resistor (B1R2) 120b, and a third resistor (B1R3) 120c. Typically, switches 116 are arranged in parallel, and resistors in B1120 are arranged in parallel, with individual switches 116 arranged in series with corresponding resistors in B1 to form a plurality of nodes arranged in parallel, e.g. node 1 and node 2. In the example, the resistors are 10 k-ohm resistors, but resistors in the B1 may be any combination of fixed or variable resistors.
OCC 112 may also include a second bank (B2) 122, which is connected in series with B1, and which can be arranged to include at least one resistor (B2R1) 122a. In this depiction, B2R1122a and B2R2122b are arranged in parallel. The number and resistance of resistors in the B2 can be adjusted as needed when the system is employed.
The number of 10 k-ohm resistors that will be attached to each other in parallel for Node's ND1-ND5, is calculated as follows:
Using the above, or similar configurations, devices have different ozone demand levels can be readily supplied with ozone. Similar calculations can readily be used to determine the resistance suitable to achieve other outputs in response to different demand levels. Terminals 214, switches 216, and B2222 of
In addition to systems and devices, the current disclosure is also directed to methods of controlling the delivery of ozone to any of a plurality of devices, e.g., D1 and D2.
In one example, a method includes providing an output control circuit (OCC). The OCC will typically have a supply terminal and a plurality of switches, e.g., a first switch (S1) and a second switch (S2), wherein S1 is arranged to switch on when D1 demands ozone and wherein S2 is arranged to switch on when a D2 demands ozone.
The OCC may include a first bank (B1) of resistors including a first resistor (B1R1) and a second resistor (B1R2), wherein S1 and B1R1 form at least part of a first node (ND1) and S2 and B1R2 form at least part of a second node (ND2). The OCC may also include a second bank (B2) including at least one resistor (B2R1), wherein B2 is connected in series with B1. The OCC may also include a PDM input. OCC parts may be any of those shown or described above.
In this example, the method also includes interfacing the OCC supply terminal with a pulse density modulation (PDM) output and interfacing the PDM input with, for example, a corresponding interface that will control the output of an ozone generator. The supply terminal, nodes and PDM input are arranged such that demand by D1 will result in an increase in the % ozone output, thereby delivering ozone to D1, and demand by D2 will result in a further increase in the % ozone output, thereby delivering ozone to said D2. The method may further include selecting B1 and/or B2 resistance based on the number of devices needed and the amount of ozone demanded by each device.
Using the teachings contained herein, PDM input signals can be quickly and easily varied and to accurately change the output of ozone generators.
Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, and in the value of the resistors or aggregate combined resistance in ohms, within the principle of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the general claims are expressed. Further, the various examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive. As such, parts may be considered interchangeable, for example, unless such an interchange would render the example non-functional.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein, and every number between the end points.
It is further noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.
This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/221,638 filed 30 Jun. 2009.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61221638 | Jun 2009 | US |
