Control for UV water disinfection
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsAndy Albrecht, Larry Fish, Sam DuPlessis, Timothy E. Chen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A UV light source water disinfection system includes a UV light source that is driven or controlled by a ballast. Improved start-up scenarios are provided by use of a separate heating wire around the lamp or employing an inductive-coupled system to provide initial high power requirements. The UV lamp is discontinuously operated in order to extend the life of the system, save energy, and periodically dose standing water to prevent regeneration of undesired microorganisms.
Claims17
An ultraviolet light source water disinfection system, said system comprising:
- an ultraviolet light source designed to emit ultraviolet light into an associated fluid reservoir used to store fluid;
- a control ballast operatively associated with the light source for regulating power allocated to the ultraviolet light source;
- and
- means for heating the UV light source for improving start up of the lamp.
A method for minimizing the time required for full lamp output when lamp has been in an off or low power status comprising:
- providing an ultraviolet light source;
- exposing water UV radiation emitted from the light source;
- measuring flow output demand into a fluid reservoir using a flow sensor;
- heating the ultraviolet light source in order to maintain sufficient mercury vapor pressure and allow for an immediate starting voltage to be applied.
The method according to claim 18 further comprising overdriving the light source in response to UV light level dropping below a predetermined level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.