Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electrodialysis-based home-scale water desalination are disclosed. The system can include an electrodialysis stack having one or more membranes that is in fluid communication with a pump and a valve manifold system for desalinating a feed stream pumped into the electrodialysis stack. Various circuit architectures for the manifold system are possible to obtain the desired recovery ratios that outperform conventional reverse osmosis symptoms. The pump, electrodialysis stack, and valve manifold system, and additional components of the electrodialysis system can be packaged within dimensions of a reverse osmosis cabinet, which can provide for in-home installation and use, while also minimizing points of failure.

Abstract: An electrodialysis system controller is configured to be coupled to a power supply, and powered devices that include a pump, and an electrodialysis unit. The controller receives inputs including an input indicative of a flow rate through the electrodialysis unit, an input indicative of a concentration level of fluid in the electrodialysis unit, and an input indicative of a power differential (e.g., indicating a degree to which a power usage by the powered devices differs from available power of the power source), and provides outputs for controlling the powered devices, including an output for causing a variable current level to be applied in the electrodialysis unit, and an output for causing a variable fluid flow rate through the electrodialysis unit. The controller is configured to match the power usage to the available power, for example, to keep the power differential as small as possible, while maximizing the theoretical desalination rate of the electrodialysis system.

Abstract: Novel design frameworks for designing electrodialysis (ED) desalination systems for purifying brackish water are provided herein. The design frameworks of the present embodiments include one or more energy management strategies, as well as recirculation-based system architectures. The design frameworks can be independent of each other, or can be used together. In some embodiments, the energy management strategy can include determining a capacity of a battery in communication with an (ED) system and imposing a charge power limit onto the battery to limit the charging rate of the ED system. The energy management strategy can be used in combination with the recirculation-based system architectures to improve efficiency of purification performed by these ED systems. These architectures can include hybrid architectures that operate in continuous flow, but provide a recirculation stream to mix the feed to achieve a desired salinity of the product stream.