Applications of a high-voltage SMPS in water disinfection

Microorganisms suspended in water can be destroyed by the application of short duration high-magnitude electric fields. A 50 Hz high-voltage water treatment device has been previously presented. The application of a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) to provide the high voltage required by this device is examined. The SMPS has a number of significant advantages over a 50 Hz supply. It is able to reduce the operating energy requirements by over 90%. It is also smaller. More lightweight and less expensive to manufacture. The effectiveness of the SMPS in reducing numbers of bacteria is tested. The SMPS is not as effective as the 50 Hz supply; however, this may be compensated by using multiple electrodes in series