WO2020127088A1

WO2020127088A1 - Water softening

Info

Publication number: WO2020127088A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/085408
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dietmar Steiner; Paul Mielcarek; Lars BOMMER; Ganzhou Wang
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-12-19
Filing date: 2019-12-16
Publication date: 2020-06-25
Also published as: CN113195419B; EP3898528A1; DE102018222263A1; CN113195419A

Abstract

The invention relates to a water softening system having at least one first capacitor (12) and having at least one open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit (14), which is provided to implement open-loop and/or closed-loop control of at least one voltage (V_k, V_k') on the at least one first capacitor (12) and a flow of water through the at least one further capacitor (16) so as to produce the bonding and/or repulsion of charged constituents from the water to and/or from the first capacitor (12). The invention proposes that the at least one open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit (14), in at least one operating mode, is designed to actuate the at least one first capacitor (12) so as to continuously soften water.

Description

description

Water softening

State of the art

Water softening, in particular the removal of mainly CaCC> 3 and traces of magnesium, mainly takes place using three different technologies, especially in the home. On the one hand via ion exchangers, which are very efficient and require little electrical energy consumption, whereby the “used” salt has to be exchanged periodically. Fer ner via reverse osmosis, whereby the water to be cleaned is pressed through a membrane. Reverse osmosis is associated with high electrical energy consumption and high water consumption. Furthermore, via capacitive deionization or capacitive deionization (CDI). The water is pumped through a plate condenser. The applied voltage sucks out the ions dissolved in the water. The electrodes must be regenerated periodically, which results in discontinuous operation.

It is already a water softening system with at least one first condenser and with at least one control and / or regulating unit, which is provided for this purpose, at least one voltage at the at least one first condenser and a water flow through the at least one first condenser to form a bond and / or to control and / or regulate the rejection of charged components from the water and / or from the first capacitor.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention relates to a water softening system with at least one first condenser and with at least one control and / or regulating unit it is provided to control and / or to control at least a voltage at the at least one first capacitor and a water flow through the at least one first capacitor to bind and / or repel charged components from the water to and / or from the first capacitor regulate.

It is proposed that the at least one control and / or regulating unit is provided in at least one operating state to control the condenser for continuous softening of water.

The water softening system is preferably provided for use in terms of flow technology in front of another water-consuming unit. For example, the use of the water softening system in conjunction with a water-consuming food processor, for example a dishwasher, is conceivable. It is also conceivable that the water softening system is used in the water supply for a residential unit, in particular for a residential house, and / or for an industrial unit, in particular a factory or a plantation. The water softening system is preferably provided for treating an inflow of a building water network, in particular a domestic water network.

A “water softening system” is to be understood to mean, in particular, a system which is intended to reduce particles, in particular lime, in the water, in particular in a water pipe. For this purpose, the water softening system is preferably arranged on a water supply, in particular on a water pipe. The water softening system is preferably arranged in terms of flow technology in front of a water-consuming unit on a water supply, in particular a water pipe. The water softening system is preferably designed with a connection to unpurified, hard water. The water softening system preferably softens the water and supplies soft, purified product water to the units connected behind it.

“Hard water” is to be understood in particular as water which is used as a water supply by a water supply device, in particular a waterworks, drinking water supply plant or the like. especially a drinking water supply, is provided and has not undergone any further cleaning, especially descaling.

“Softening” should preferably be understood to mean de-ionizing, especially descaling. “De-ionizing” is to be understood to mean that the charged, in particular ionic, fraction is at least substantially removed from an ion-containing mixture, in particular an aqueous mixture. A reduction in the charged proportion of preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably of at least 50% and very particularly preferably of at least 90% should preferably be achieved. “Decalcifying” is to be understood to mean that the lime, in particular CaCO 3 and traces of magnesium, are at least substantially removed from a calcareous mixture, in particular a calcareous, aqueous mixture. A reduction in the lime content of preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably of at least 50% and very particularly preferably of at least 90% should preferably be achieved.

The water softening system is preferably integrated into a water supply, in particular a water-consuming unit. A “water supply” should preferably be understood to mean a unit which is arranged between the water-consuming unit and a water pipe and / or one at the water reservoir thereof. It is conceivable that the water supply comprises at least a hose and / or a pipe or the like for guiding water. It is also conceivable that the water supply comprises, for example, a pump for guiding water and / or a heating module for regulating the water temperature. The water supply is preferably free of a pump upstream of the water softening system. Water is preferably led through the water softening system via a line pressure present at the water supply. The water supply is preferably free from a storage basin connected downstream of the water softening system. Preferably, water is continuously softened in any operating state of the water softening system and passed on to a water dispenser.

The water softening system is at least intended to harden water. The water softening system is intended to provide continuously softened water. Under "continuously softened water make available ”should be understood that the water softening system can provide softened water at any time of operation, especially fresh water from a water supply, for withdrawal. In particular, the water softening system is available for direct water softening at any time of operation. The water softening system is designed without a reservoir. The water softening system is particularly designed to meet an ongoing need for softened water. In particular, the water softening system softens water at every operating time. Softened water is advantageously passed on from the water softening system to any possible consumption at any time of operation. The water softening system is preferably provided for the necessary softening of water. The water softening system is preferably designed in such a way that a downstream consumer can be supplied with softened water at essentially any time of operation. “Softened water essentially corresponding to a requirement” should preferably be understood to mean an amount of water that has been softened and is undiluted except for water residues in a water pipe and is given directly to a consumer after a softening process and the amount softened water speaks ent, which is desired by a consumer. In particular, the water softening system can advantageously satisfy a continuous consumption of softened water. Preferably, the water softening system passes on softened water at any time of operation, in accordance with a requirement, for possible consumption.

The at least one first capacitor is preferably formed by an electrical capacitor. The first capacitor comprises at least one first electrode. The at least one first capacitor comprises at least one further electrode. It is also conceivable that the at least one first electrical capacitor comprises a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of further electrodes. A “multitude” is to be understood to mean in particular a number greater than one, in particular greater than five. It is conceivable that the at least one first capacitor has a different number of first electrodes than further electrodes. The electrodes preferably rotate in at least one operating state. The electrodes are preferably at a distance of a few less than 1 mm. The electrodes of the at least one first capacitor are preferably made of a carbon, in particular porous carbon, preferably nanoporous carbon. It is conceivable that the electrodes are formed from a graphite, from a graphene and / or carbon nanotubes and / or from a composite material comprising carbon nanotubes. In one operating state, the electrodes preferably provide adsorbate spaces for dissolved ions. The electrodes can advantageously be made stable and with a large surface area.

In an operating state, a voltage is applied between the at least one first electrode and the at least one further electrode. The value of the voltage on the at least one first electrode is preferably equivalent to the value of the voltage on the at least one further electrode. “Oppositely equivalent” should in particular be understood to mean a value that is similar to another value except for its sign.

The applied voltage generates at least one negatively charged first electrode and at least one equally strongly but positively charged further electrode. It is also conceivable that the electrodes are charged in reverse. It is also conceivable that at least one electrode is connected to an electrical mass of the water softening system.

The at least one first charged electrode was in at least one operating state in direct contact with the unpurified water. The at least one further charged electrode is in direct contact with the unpurified water in at least one operating state. The negative charge on the at least one first electrode binds positively charged components from the unpurified water to the at least one first electrode. The positive charge on the at least one further electrode binds negatively charged components from the unpurified water to the at least one further electrode. The amount of voltage is proportional to the de-ionization strength of a capacitor. A “de-ionization strength” should preferably be understood to mean the number of charged components removed from the water. The current density of a capacitor is preferably in a range of 10-50 mA / cm ² . An opposite charge distribution between the at least one first electrode and the at least one further electrode is also conceivable.

In this case, the positive charge on the at least one first electrode binds the negatively charged constituents from the unpurified water to the at least one first electrode. In this case, the negative charge on the at least one further electrode positively charged components from the unpurified water binds to the at least one further electrode. In terms of flow technology, softened product water is arranged in at least one operating state behind the at least one condenser.

The water softening system comprises at least one control and / or regulating unit. The at least one control and / or regulating unit is intended to control the continuous provision of softened water. A “control and / or regulating unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one control electronics. “Control electronics” should in particular be understood to mean a unit with a processor unit and with a memory unit and with an operating program stored in the memory unit. The control and / or regulating unit “is preferably a component which is intended to control and / or regulate at least the electrical, in particular electronic, components of the water softening system. The control and / or regulating unit of the water softening system is at least intended to supply any valves and / or capacitors to a controller with a voltage. It is also conceivable that the control and / or regulating unit comprises at least one sensor element for regulating the variables controlled by the control and / or regulating unit.

It is conceivable that the water softening system comprises at least one, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least five, check valve (s). It is conceivable that the water softening system comprises at least one electric needle valve, which is preferably arranged fluidically upstream of the at least one first condenser and fluidically upstream of the at least one further condenser. The inventive design of the water softening system can advantageously provide a water softening system which continuously provides softened water. This advantageously means that no waiting times for softened water can occur. A low-maintenance water softening system can advantageously be designed. A water softening system which is inexpensive to operate can advantageously be designed. The susceptibility to maintenance can be reduced.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the control and / or regulating unit is provided to control a water dispensing exclusively via an external line pressure. “Line pressure” is to be understood as the pressure with which unpurified water arrives at the water softening system from a water supply device, in particular a water supply line, in particular an urban water supply line. This means that a “water output is controlled exclusively via the external line pressure” should be understood to mean that the line pressure leads the water through the at least one first condenser to water softening and that the line pressure leads the softened water to water output by the control and / or control unit. The water softening system is designed to be pump-free. Water softening is preferably carried out free of additional compression compared to the line pressure. Downtimes due to repair of a pump can advantageously be avoided. Energy consumption of the water softening system can advantageously be reduced, in particular by up to 54%, compared to a prior art. As an alternative, it is conceivable, particularly in the case of low-pressure lines, that the water softening system comprises at least one pump. In this case, the pump must be seen to increase the line pressure and / or to maintain the pressure through the water through the water softening system. In this case, the pump is intended to support the passage of unpurified water through the water softening system. Alternatively, several pumps, in particular one pump for each condenser of the water softening system, are also conceivable.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the water softening system have at least one further condenser, which leads to binding and / or repulsion of charged constituents from the water and / or from the / the condenser is arranged in terms of flow technology parallel to the at least one first capacitor. This advantageously increases the softening capacity of the water softening system. The first capacitor can advantageously be relieved of who. A "softening performance" is to be understood as an amount of softened product water that can be released by the water softening system at a time. The at least one further capacitor is similar to the first capacitor, at least in its mode of operation. The design of the at least one further capacitor is preferably similar to that of the first capacitor. It is conceivable that the at least one further capacitor has a different design than the first capacitor. A different number of any component, in particular the electrodes, the capacitors and / or a different material for any component, in particular the electrodes, the capacitors and / or different sizes for any component, in particular the electrodes, of the capacitors are conceivable . Fluidically behind the at least one first condenser and / or behind the at least one further condenser, water softened is arranged in at least one, preferably each, operating state.

It is further proposed that the control and / or regulating unit comprises a switching element which is provided to periodically reverse at least one voltage across the at least one first capacitor and the at least one further capacitor. A water softening system is advantageously formed, which ensures a water softening that essentially corresponds to a need at any time of operation. Before a water softening system is partially provided, which is intended to perform a direct water softening at any time of operation via at least one condenser. A water softening system is advantageously provided, which comprises low-maintenance capacitors. Before geous accumulated ions on the capacitors are removed at regular intervals from the capacitors in a cleaning switching position by reversing the voltage. A water softening system with low energy consumption, in particular with 50% less energy consumption, is advantageously formed by dispensing with a pump. A maintenance poor water softening system designed by dispensing with a pump. “Periodic intervals” should preferably be understood to mean temporal, in particular constant, recurring intervals. The switching element preferably reverses the voltage during an operation on the first capacitor at the same time as on the further capacitor. Preferably, the switching element is provided to switch the voltage at the first capacitor back to the output voltage after a further time interval, in particular the same time interval as when the voltage was first switched. The switching element is preferably provided to adapt the time intervals of the switching processes to a water consumption of the water softening system. It is conceivable that the time intervals remain the same. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the variations in time become shorter and / or longer. A water softening system can advantageously be designed, which operates at the optimum energy point at any time of operation. Preferably, a voltage reversal on a capacitor transfers the capacitor from a de-ionization switch position to a cleaning switch position and vice versa. The Schaltele element is in particular provided to bring the at least one first capacitor and the at least one further capacitor recurring from the de-ionization switch position into the cleaning switch position and after a defined time interval back into the de-ionization switch position. Under a de-ionization switch position, a switch position should be understood, in which a capacitor is switched when a new, in particular reversed, voltage is applied to the at least two electrodes for the first time or after cleaning. A “cleaning switch position” is to be understood as a switch position into which a capacitor is switched when the voltage between the at least two electrodes of the capacitor is reversed in comparison to the de-ionization switch position. “Reverse polarity” should be understood to mean, in particular, a reversal of the charge carrier sign, although the voltage strength need not be the same. The voltage in the cleaning switch position is preferably lower than in the de-ionization switch position. It is conceivable that the at least one capacitor, which is operated in the cleaning switching position, is supplied with water which is taken from a sewage network. An environmentally friendly and / or material-friendly water softening system can advantageously be formed. A water regeneration of 95% can advantageously be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the water softening system has at least one pressure reducing valve, which is arranged upstream of the at least one first condenser to reduce the line pressure. The at least one pressure reducing valve is preferably provided to bring a pressure present at the at least one first condenser to an intended value, which is particularly advantageous for the condenser. Overloading of the at least one first capacitor is advantageously avoided. The at least one first condenser is advantageously supplied with a sufficient water pressure. A “pressure reducing valve” should preferably be understood to mean a valve which changes an existing pressure on an inlet side to a lower pressure on an outlet side. In particular, the pressure reducing valve is designed as a pressure reducer. Before at least one, in particular exactly one, first pressure-reducing valve is preferably arranged in terms of flow in front of the at least one first condenser. Preferably, the at least one first pressure reducing valve is provided to reduce the line pressure of the unpurified water in terms of flow technology before the first condenser to an operating pressure. An “operating pressure” is to be understood as a pressure at which a condenser can be operated without damage and the pressure behind the condensers is sufficiently high, in particular for a domestic water network, in particular greater than 0 bar and less than 15 bar, preferably greater than 1 bar and less than 12 bar, particularly preferably greater than 3 bar and less than 10 bar and very particularly preferably greater than 6 bar and less than 10 bar. Preferably, the at least one first pressure reducing valve protects the at least one first condenser from excess pressure. The at least one first capacitor is advantageously designed to be protected by the at least one first pressure reducing valve. It is also conceivable that a number deviating from one, such as two, three or the like, is arranged on the first pressure-reducing valves in terms of flow in front of the at least one first condenser. Preferably, the at least one first pressure reducing valve is designed as an electrical and / or electronic pressure reducing valve. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one first pressure reducing valve is designed as a mechanical pressure reducing valve. Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one pressure reducing valve is arranged upstream of the at least one further condenser to reduce the line pressure. It is conceivable that at least one further pressure reducing valve is arranged upstream of the at least one further condenser to reduce the line pressure.

Overloading of the at least one further capacitor is advantageously avoided. The at least one further condenser is advantageously supplied with sufficient water pressure. The at least one further pressure reducing valve is preferably formed identically to the first pressure reducing valve. In particular, the further pressure reducing valve is designed as a pressure reducer. It is conceivable that at least one, in particular exactly one, further pressure reducing valve is arranged upstream of the at least one further condenser. In this case, the at least one further pressure reducing valve is preferably provided to reduce the line pressure of the uncleaned water in terms of flow technology before the first condenser to an operating pressure. Preferably, the at least one additional pressure reducing valve protects the at least one additional condenser from excess pressure. The at least one further capacitor is advantageously protected by the at least one further pressure reducing valve. As an alternative, it is also conceivable that a number deviating from one, such as two, three or the like, is arranged in flow terms on further pressure reducing valves upstream of the at least one further condenser. The at least one further pressure reducing valve is preferably designed as an electrical and / or electronic pressure reducing valve. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one further pressure reducing valve is designed as a mechanical pressure reducing valve.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the water softening system comprises at least one first valve, which is arranged upstream of the at least one condenser for regulating the water supply. Advantageously, the water supply to the at least one condenser is at least partially restricted by the at least one first valve. It is also conceivable that the water supply to the at least one condenser is at least partially restricted by the at least one pressure reducing valve. The at least one first valve is preferably an electrical and / or electronic valve. til trained. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one first valve is designed as a mechanical valve.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the water softening system comprises at least one further valve, in order to regulate the water supply, is arranged upstream of the at least one further condenser. The water supply to the at least one condenser is at least partially restricted by the at least one further valve. The at least one further valve is preferably designed as an electrical and / or electronic valve. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one further valve is designed as a mechanical valve.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one control unit has at least one first directional valve for controlling the flow direction of the water from the at least one first condenser, which is provided in a first position for the at least one first condenser with a building water network and in a second position to couple to a sewage network. The at least one first way valve is preferably designed as an at least three-way valve, in particular exactly three-way valve.

It is conceivable that the at least one first way valve comprises more than three ways. At least two paths for water transmission of the water softening system are advantageously designed. Preferably, the at least one first directional valve is arranged in terms of fluid flow after the at least one first condenser. The at least one first directional valve is preferably designed to convey softened water from the water softening system to a building water network in a first position. The at least one first directional valve is preferably designed to pass hard water and / or cleaning water from the water softening system to a sewage network in a second position. “Cleaning water” is understood to be water that is contained in the water softening system after cleaning at least one condenser. The control and / or regulating unit is preferably provided to control the at least one first directional valve. The control and / or regulating unit preferably controls the water transfer of the at least one first directional valve electrically, in particular via a voltage. Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one control and / or regulating unit has at least one further directional valve for controlling the flow direction of the water from the at least one further condenser, which is provided in a first position for the at least one further one To couple the condenser to a building water network and in a second position to a sewage network. The at least one further way valve is preferably designed as an at least three-way valve, in particular exactly three-way valve. It is conceivable that the at least one further way valve comprises more than three ways. It is also conceivable that at least one further directional valve is formed by at least two directional valves. For example, a four-way valve unit can be formed from two three-way valves, not all of which need to be connected. The at least one first direction is preferably designed as a water transfer of the water softening system for softened water. Preferably, the at least one further direction is designed as a waste water transmission of the water softening system. The control and / or regulating unit is preferably provided to control the at least one further directional valve. The control and / or regulating unit preferably controls the water transfer of the at least one further directional valve electrically, in particular via a voltage. Preferably, the at least one further directional valve is made to transmit softened water from the water softening system to a building water network in a first position. The at least one further directional valve is preferably designed to pass hard water and / or cleaning water from the water softening system to a sewage network in a second position.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the control and / or regulating unit be provided to control a reversal of the forwarding direction of the at least one first directional valve and the at least one further directional valve at periodic intervals. Preferably, the control and / or regulating unit controls the at least one directional valve and the at least one further directional valve at the same periodic intervals to reverse their forwarding direction as the capacitors are reversed. Preferably, the at least one first directional valve directs softened water from the at least one first condenser in a de-ionization switch position in the building water network. Preferably, the at least one further directional valve directs softened water from the at least one further condenser in a de-ionization switch position into the building water network. Preferably, the at least one first directional valve directs hard and / or unpurified water from the at least one first condenser in a cleaning switching position into the sewage network. Preferably, the at least one further directional valve directs hard and / or unpurified water from the at least one further condenser in a cleaning switching position into the sewage network. The control and / or regulating unit preferably controls the switching position for the at least one first capacitor, for the at least one further capacitor, for the at least one first directional valve and for the at least one further directional valve, in particular simultaneously and at periodic intervals. The water softening system is advantageously designed for the continuous delivery of softened water. Preferably, the at least one first capacitor is in a different, in particular opposite, switching position than the at least one further capacitor at each time of operation.

Furthermore, a method for operating a water softening system according to the invention and / or a domestic water supply system with a water softening system according to the invention is proposed. Preferably, in at least one process step, the line pressure of the water is reduced from the at least one first pressure reducing valve to an operating pressure in the water softening system. The at least one first capacitor is preferably operated in a de-ionization switch position in at least one further method step. The at least one further capacitor is preferably operated in a cleaning switching position in at least one method step, in particular in parallel with the further method step. Furthermore, in at least one method step, in particular the water is led from the at least one first condenser in a de-ionization switch position into the common forwarding direction of the at least one first and the at least one further directional valve. In at least one process step, the water is preferably conducted from the at least one further condenser in a cleaning switching position into the individual forwarding direction of the at least one further directional valve. It is preferred in at least one Process step measured the ion content of the unpurified, hard water. Preferably, in at least one process step, periodically, which are dependent on the ion content of the unpurified, hard water, the switching positions of the at least one first and the at least one further capacitor and the forwarding directions of the at least one first directional valve and the at least one further one Directional valve, especially at the same time, vice versa. In at least one method, the switching positions of the at least one first and the at least one further capacitor and the forwarding directions of the at least one first are preferably performed in periodic intervals, preferably at most 10 min, particularly preferably at most 3 min, very particularly preferably at most 2 min Directional valve and the at least one further directional valve, in particular at the same time, vice versa. Preferably, in at least one method step, the at least one condenser, which is in a cleaning switching position with a maximum of 20%, preferably a maximum of 10%, particularly preferably a maximum of 5% of the available, unpurified water through the at least one first and the at least one further valve unpurified water. In at least one method step, the at least one condenser, which is in a de-ionization switch position with at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95% of the available, unpurified water, is preferably replaced by the at least one first and that supplies at least one additional valve with unpurified water. The amount of available unpurified water is preferably measured in at least one process step. In at least one method step, the amount of the unpurified water available is preferably regulated to a certain amount by the at least one first pressure reducing valve via the control and / or regulating unit. The degree of hardness of the deionized water is preferably measured in at least one method step. The degree of hardness of the unpurified water is preferably measured in at least one process step.

The water softening system according to the invention should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the water softening system according to the invention can be used to fulfill a function described here by a number of those mentioned here individual elements, components and units have different numbers. In addition, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used as desired.

drawings

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

Show it:

1 is a schematic water softening device according to the invention,

2 shows a capacitor according to the invention in the de-ionization switch position,

3 is a capacitor according to the invention in cleaning switching position,

Fig. 4 is a process diagram for the operation of the invention

Water softening device.

Description of the embodiment

A water softening system 10 according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The water softening system 10 comprises a first condenser 12. The first condenser 12 is designed to bind and / or repel components loaded from the water to and / or from the / the first condenser 12 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The water softening system 10 comprises a further condenser 16. The further condenser 16 is arranged next to the first condenser 12 in terms of flow technology. The other Condenser 16 is designed to bind and / or repel charged constituents from the water and / or from the / the further capacitor 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). FIG. 2 shows a capacitor 12, 16 in the de-ionization switch position. Water flows through a region between two porous electrodes 44, 44 'of a capacitor 12, 16. There is a voltage \ between the two electrodes 44, 44' shown. Positive ions are drawn from the water to a negatively charged electrode 44 and bound there. Negative ions are drawn from the water to a positively charged electrode 44 'and bound there. The positive and the negative Elektro de 44, 44 'are arranged opposite one another. Collectors 46, 46 'are located behind the electrodes 44, 44'. The collectors 46, 46 'can take up or give off charge, in particular the bound ions at the electrodes 44, 44'.

Figure 3 shows a capacitor 12, 16 in the cleaning switching position. Water flows through an area between two porous electrodes 44, 44 'of a capacitor 12, 16. Between the two electrodes 44, 44' shown there is a voltage V _{k '} . The voltage V _{k '} is opposite to the voltage \ in the de-ionization switch position. Positive ions are released from the positive electrode 44 into the water. Negative ions are released from the positive electrode 44 'into the water. The positive and negative electrodes 44, 44 'are arranged opposite one another. Collectors 46, 46 'are located behind the electrodes 44, 44'. The collectors 46, 46 'can absorb or release charge, in particular the bound ions on the electrodes 44, 44'.

The water softening system 10 comprises a pressure reducing valve 20. The pressure reducing valve 20 is arranged in terms of flow technology before the first condenser 12. The pressure reducing valve 20 is arranged upstream of the further condenser 16. The pressure reducing valve 20 is designed to reduce the line pressure. The pressure reducing valve 20 is arranged as the first station for incoming tap water 48 in the water softening system 10. The pressure reducing valve 20 is connected on the inlet side, in particular via a water meter, to a water network. The water softening system 10 comprises at least a first valve 22. The first valve 22 is arranged in terms of flow technology before the first condenser 12. The first valve 22 is designed to regulate the water supply. The first valve 22 is designed to regulate the water supply to the first condenser 12. The first valve 22 is arranged behind the pressure reducing valve 20 in terms of flow. The water softening system 10 includes at least one further valve 24. The further valve 24 is arranged in terms of flow technology before the further condenser 16. The further valve 24 is designed to regulate the water supply. The further valve 24 is ausgebil det for regulating the water supply to the further condenser 16. The further valve 24 is arranged behind the pressure reducing valve 20 in terms of flow. On the output side of the pressure reduction valve 20, a line is divided in the direction of the first valve 22 and in the direction of the further valve 24. The first valve 22 and the further valve 24 are arranged parallel to one another in terms of flow.

The water softening system 10 comprises a control and / or regulating unit 14. The control and / or regulating unit 14 has a first directional valve 26 for controlling the flow direction of the water from the first condenser 12, which is provided in a first position for this purpose is to couple a first condenser 12 to a building water network 42 and in a second position to a sewage network 40. The first directional valve 26 is designed as a three-way valve. The first directional valve 26 has an input and two outputs. The input of the first directional valve 26 is coupled to the first condenser 12 via a line. The first outlet of the first directional valve 26 is connected to the building water network 42 via a line. The second output of the first directional valve 26 is connected to the sewage network 40 via a line. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the first We valve 26 to regulate the flow direction of the water in the water softening system 10 in a first forwarding direction 30 and a further forwarding direction 32. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the first Directional valve 26 for regulating the flow direction of the water of the water softening system 10 to waste water in a waste water network 40 and to a de-ionized process water in a building water network 42. The at least one control and / or regulating unit 14 has at least one wide way valve 28 for controlling the direction of flow of the water from the at least one further condenser 16, which is provided in a first position for this purpose, the at least one further condenser 16 to couple with a building water network 42 and in a second position with a sewage network 40. The further directional valve 28 is designed as a three-way valve. The further directional valve 28 has an inlet and two outlets.

The input of the further directional valve 28 is coupled via a line to the wide capacitor 16. The first output of the further directional valve 28 is connected to the building water network 42 via a line. The second output of the further directional valve 28 is connected to the sewage network 40 via a line. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the further directional valve 28 to regulate the flow direction of the water in the water softening system 10 in an additional first forwarding direction 34, in particular to a wastewater in a wastewater network 40, and an additional further forwarding direction 36 , In particular to a de-ionized Ge used water in a building water network 42. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the first directional valve 26 to regulate the flow direction of the water of the water softening system 10 to a waste water in a waste water network 40 and to one De-ionized service water in a building water network 42.

The first directional valve 26 and the one further directional valve 28 have a common forwarding direction 38. The first directional valve 26 and the one further directional valve 28 have a common forwarding direction 38 for the de-ionized service water of the water softening system 10 in a building water network 42. The first directional valve 26 has a first forwarding direction 30 for the wastewater from the water softening system 10 into a water network 40, which is formed separately from the additional first forwarding direction 34 of the further directional valve 28 for the wastewater from the water softening system 10.

The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the water softening system 10. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls in an operating state a continuous delivery of softened water. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls a voltage V _k , V _{k '} on the first condenser 12. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls a water flow through the first condenser 12. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls a water output of the water softening system 10 exclusively the external line pressure. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls a voltage V _k , V _{k '} on the further capacitor 16. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls a water flow through the further capacitor 16. The control and / or regulating unit 14 comprises a switching element 18. The switching element 18 is provided to reverse the voltage V _k , V _{k '} at the first capacitor 12 and the further capacitor 16 at periodic intervals. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls a reversal of the forwarding direction 30, 32 of the first directional valve 26 at periodic intervals. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls a reversal of the forwarding direction 34, 36 of the first directional valve 26 at periodic intervals. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the forwarding direction 30, 32 of the first-way valve 26 in a first forwarding direction 30 for the waste water, at the same time as when the control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the first condenser 12 in the cleaning switch position . The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the forwarding direction 30, 32 of the first-way valve 26 into the further forwarding direction 32 for the de-ionized service water, at the same time as when the control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the first condenser 12 controls in the de-ionization switch position. The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the forwarding direction 34, 36 of the further directional valve 28 in an additional first forwarding direction 34 for the water, at the same time as when the control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the further condenser 16 in the cleaning switching position . The control and / or regulating unit 14 controls the forwarding direction 34, 36 of the further directional valve 28 in the further forwarding direction 32 for the de-ionized Ge used water in the building water network 42, at the same time as when the control and / or regulating unit 14 the other Capacitor 16 controls in the de-ionization switch position. The water softening system 10 can be designed, for example, as part of a domestic water supply system. The at least one first capacitor 12 and the at least one further capacitor 16 are operated alternately in their switching positions. A method for operating the water softening system 10 according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG. 4. In a line pressure regulating step 50, the line pressure of the unpurified water, in particular fresh water, is reduced by the control and / or regulating unit 14 to regulate the pressure reducing valve 20 to an operating pressure. In at least one subsequent measuring step 52, the ion content of the unpurified, hard water is measured. In the at least one measuring step 52, the available amount of the unpurified, hard water is measured. In at least one subsequent supply step 54, the at least one condenser 12, 16, which is in a cleaning switch position, is supplied with approximately 5% of the available untreated water, in particular fresh water, by the further valve 24 and the pressure reducing valve 20 with unpurified water. In the at least one supply step 54, the at least one condenser 12, 16, which is in a de-ionization switch position, with approximately 95% of the available, unpurified water through the first valve 22 and the pressure reducing valve 20 with unpurified water, especially fresh water. In the at least one supply step 54, the supply of the condensers with unpurified water, in particular fresh water, is controlled and / or regulated via the opening time of the valves 22, 24. In at least one supply step 54, the supply of the condensers with unpurified water, in particular fresh water, is optionally controlled and / or regulated via an electrically controllable needle valve by means of the opening time of the needle valve. In at least one subsequent cleaning step 56, the at least one further capacitor 16 is operated in a cleaning switching position. In the at least one cleaning step 56, the at least one condenser 12, 16, which is in a cleaning switching position, is cleaned of the water flowing through, the accumulated ions being rinsed off by the electrodes 44, 44 '. In the at least one cleaning step 56, the water, which is used for cleaning the condenser 12, 16, is enriched with ions, in particular by a factor of 20. In at least one deionization step 58, which runs at least partially at the same time as the cleaning step 56, the at least one first capacitor 12 is operated in the deionization switch position. In the at least one de-ionization step 58, the water flowing through from the at least one condenser 12, 16, which is in a de-ionization switch position det, softened. In at least one subsequent opening step 60, the control and / or regulating unit 14 controls or regulates the opening time of the first valve 22 and the further valve 24 and the pressure reducing valve 20. In at least one subsequent forwarding step 62, the water from the at least one condenser 12 is 16, which is in a de-ionization switching position, in the common forwarding direction 38 of the at least one first directional valve 26 and one further directional valve 28 leads ge. In the at least one forwarding step 62, the water from the at least one condenser 12, 16, which is in a cleaning switching position, is passed into the individual forwarding direction 30 of the at least one further directional valve 28. In at least one subsequent control step 64, the switching positions of the at least one first and at least one further condenser 12, 16 and the forwarding directions 30, 32, 34, 36 of the periodically, which are dependent on the ion content of the unpurified, hard water at least one first directional valve 26 and the at least one further directional valve 28, in particular vice versa, reverses. The degree of hardness of the deionized water is measured in at least one subsequent measuring step 66. In at least one subsequent pole step 68, the voltage V _k , V _{k '} on the capacitors 12, 16 is controlled or regulated. In the at least one reversal step 68, the voltage V _k , V _{k '} on the capacitors 12, 16 is controlled or regulated for cleaning or de-ionization or a setting and / or reversal of a switching position. In the at least one pole reversal step 68, the flow of unpurified, hard water to the condenser 12, 16, which is reversed in the cleaning switching position, is switched off. In the at least one pole reversal step 68, the condenser 12, 16, which is reversed in the cleaning switching position, is switched to a flow with waste water to be discarded.

Claims

Expectations

1. Water softening system with at least one first capacitor (12) and with at least one control and / or regulating unit (14), which is provided for this purpose, at least one voltage (\, \ ') on the at least one first capacitor (12) and controls and / or regulates a water flow through the at least one first condenser (12) to bind and / or repel charged components from the water and / or from the first condenser (12), characterized in that the at least one Control and / or regulating unit (14) is provided in at least one operating state to control the at least one first capacitor (12) for a continuous softening of water.

2. Water softening system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control and / or regulating unit (14) is provided to control water output exclusively via an external line pressure.

3. Water softening system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized

by means of at least one further condenser (16), which is used to bind and / or repel charged components from the water to and / or from the at least one further condenser (16) in terms of flow technology parallel to the at least one first condenser (12) is arranged.

4. Water softening system at least according to claim 3, characterized in that the control and / or regulating unit (14) comprises a switching element (18) which is provided for this purpose at least one voltage (\, \ ') on the at least one first capacitor (12 ) and to reverse the at least one additional capacitor (16) at periodic intervals.

5. Water softening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one pressure reducing valve (20) which is arranged in terms of flow technology to reduce the line pressure before at least a first condenser (12).

6. Water softening system according to claim 3 and 5, characterized in that the at least one pressure reducing valve (20) for a reduction of the line pressure is arranged fluidically upstream of the at least one further condenser (16).

7. Water softening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one first valve (22), which is arranged to regulate the water supply in terms of flow technology before the at least one first condenser (12).

8. Water softening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further valve (24), which is arranged for ei ner regulation of the water supply fluidically upstream of the at least one further condenser (16).

9. Water softening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one control and / or regulating unit (14) has at least one first directional valve (26) for controlling the flow direction of the water from the at least one first capacitor ( 12), which is provided in a first position for coupling the at least one first condenser (12) to a building water network (42) and in a second position to a sewage network (40).

10. Water softening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one control and / or re gel unit (14) at least one further directional valve (28) for controlling the flow direction of the water from the at least one further condenser ( 16), which is provided in a first position for this purpose, the at least one further capacitor (16) with a building water network (42) and in a second position to couple with a sewage network (40).

11. Water softening system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and / or regulating unit (14) is provided to periodically reverse the forwarding direction (30, 32, 34, 36) of the at least one first way Controls valve (26) and the at least one further directional valve (28).

12. A method for operating a water softening system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.