System and method for treating air in an occupiable space

Abstract

The combination of: a building structure defining an occupiable space; and a system for treating air within the occupiable space. The air treating system has: a) a conduit system including at least a first conduit portion for guiding air in a predetermined path between first and second locations, the conduit portion having a plurality of outlets between the first and second locations arranged so that a portion of a volume of air traveling between the first and second locations is discharged into the occupiable space through the plurality of outlets; and b) source of UV light to which air traveling between the first and second locations is exposed before discharging through the plurality of outlets. The invention is also directed to a method of treating air, as with the air treating system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0001]This invention relates to air treatment and, more particularly, to a method and system for treating air in a space to control the spread of airborne contaminants / microorganisms.Background Art[0002]In recent years, there has been an increased focus on treating the air in environments occupied by pets and livestock. The primary objectives in designing air treatment systems are to afford adequate ventilation and minimize the presence of contaminants / microorganisms that might affect the health of the non-human occupants.[0003]Providing quality air for livestock in large buildings has been particularly challenging. The most basic efforts in affording adequate ventilation involve strategic placement of openings in buildings that promote natural convection of air into and from the space.[0004]This approach has a number of drawbacks and limitations. First of all, open buildings are only practical in environments where the climate is mod...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system for treating air in a building structure, which includes a conduit system with multiple outlets for discharging air into the space. The system also includes a UV light source and an air mover to circulate air through the conduit system. The treatment can be directed to specific areas of the space, and the air can be recirculated within the space. The system can be used in livestock facilities with stalls. The technical effects of the invention include improved air quality, reduced airborne pathogens, and improved livestock health.

Problems solved by technology

Providing quality air for livestock in large buildings has been particularly challenging.

This approach has a number of drawbacks and limitations.

First of all, open buildings are only practical in environments where the climate is moderate.

When conditions are calm, air in the internal environment becomes stagnant and ventilation is generally inadequate.

These conditions tend to promote the proliferation of undesirable contaminants / microorganisms.

Still further, the intake of atmospheric air may bring in different types, and potentially significant volumes, of unwanted contaminants.

The above problems are aggravated by the fact that wind direction changes, which impacts the air flow into and from a particular space.

While this may reduce some of the damaging effects of stagnant air, the forced in-flow of air may bring in a significant volume of unwanted contaminants from the outside environment.

Further, the outside air may be extremely hot or cold and may vary drastically in terms of its quality and temperature, which may adversely impact the comfort and health of livestock.

Some of the above systems, in their basic form, do not effect a reasonable dispersion of air in large spaces, such as barns—particularly those with individual stalls for livestock.

As a result, air may circulate only in a limited volume of the space, with air being stagnant in many regions of the space, which problem is aggravated by the stall arrangement, which produces walls that block thorough air dispersion.

While this, to at least some extent, addresses the problem with air stagnation, other problems described above remain.

Thus, air conditions cannot be reasonably maintained within a desired range and health and comfort of livestock within the space may be compromised.

The above problems, while most commonly contended with in large buildings, also impact facilities with smaller spaces particularly when owners / operators choose not to use, or cannot afford to use, HVAC systems.

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